There is still confusion about the legality of using e-cigarettes in Thailand, according to leading Thai law firm BSA Law.
A popular online police page this month confirmed penalties for the possession of e-cigarettes, with users facing five years in jail, and producers facing fines or 10 years for defying the law, or both.
A policewoman who posted advice on the ‘Muat Ka’ page said that there is actually no Thai law forbidding the possession of e-cigarettes, but the item comes under a category of goods which have not had tax levied on them and their possession is therefore illegal.
E-cigarette users could face five years in jail or a fine of four times the value of the goods, or both.
The importation, sale and production-for-sale of e-cigarettes is also said to be illegal, with offenders liable to 10 years of jail time for production and sale or a fine of five times the value of the goods, or both.
Also banned are all services associated with the smoking and promotion of e-cigarettes.
“Considering the confusion surrounding e-cigarettes and the legality of their use in Thailand, if one is considering the option of whether or not to indeed use an e-cigarette here, the safer option law-wise is probably not to do so”, said BSA Law spokesman Apisakdi Kongkangwanchoke.
A prominent international law firm in Thailand, BSA Law is well positioned to provide advice on legal matters, which is one of its many areas of expertise. It offers a full range of legal and financial services that includes tax consulting, accounting and auditing, Thai labour law, Thai law in general, corporate law, contracts, property, intellectual property, insurance, investment, Thailand work permit and visa matters and starting a business in Thailand.
About BSA Law:
For over 30 years, Bamrung Suvicha Apisakdi Law Associates (BSA Law) has focused on providing reliable legal advice and services to the Thai and foreign business community in Thailand. BSA Law seeks to provide international standards of legal services while retaining the customs of the Thai business culture.
For more information please contact:
Jim Byrne
Business Advisor, BSA Law.
Email: jim ( @ ) bsalaw dot co dot th
http://www.bsalaw.co.th
