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Thailand welcomed over 38 million international visitors in 2025 and maintains some of the strictest regulations in Southeast Asia on cannabis, electronic cigarettes, and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). Ignorance of the law is never accepted as a defence in Thai courts, and penalties range from heavy fines and equipment confiscation to imprisonment and deportation. This official-style guide provides the current legal position as of December 2025.
1. Cannabis (Marijuana / Ganja) – Strictly Medical Use Only
The recreational era ended on 23 June 2025 when the Ministry of Public Health reclassified cannabis flowers and extracts containing more than 0.2% THC as Category 5 controlled herbs under the Narcotics Act.
Currently Legal (December 2025)
- Possession and use of cannabis for approved medical purposes with a prescription issued by a licensed Thai physician, dentist, or traditional Thai medicine practitioner.
- CBD and hemp-derived products containing ≤0.2% THC (available over-the-counter in pharmacies).
- Registered home cultivation (Thai residents only; tourists are ineligible).
Strictly Prohibited
- Recreational possession, consumption, or purchase of cannabis flowers, pre-rolls, high-THC edibles, or extracts without a valid Thai prescription.
- Public consumption (including hotel balconies visible from public areas).
- Import or export of any cannabis product (even with a foreign prescription) – treated as Category 5 narcotics trafficking.
Penalties for Tourists
| Offence | Typical Penalty (first offence) |
|---|---|
| Possession without prescription | Fine 20,000–60,000 THB + possible imprisonment up to 1 year + deportation |
| Public consumption | Fine up to 25,000 THB + community service order |
| Import/export (any quantity) | 1–15 years imprisonment + fine up to 1,500,000 THB |
Practical advice: Foreign medical documents are not recognised for cannabis. If you require cannabis for a genuine medical condition, consult a licensed Thai clinic immediately upon arrival.
2. Electronic Cigarettes (Vapes) and Heated Tobacco Products – Complete Ban
The importation, sale, possession, and use of e-cigarettes and all related devices remain prohibited under the Consumer Protection Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017). Enforcement was significantly strengthened in February–March 2025.
Legal Status
- Zero legal activities permitted. All devices, e-liquids (with or without nicotine), pods, and spare parts are classified as prohibited goods.
Enforcement Reality
- Customs officers at Suvarnabhumi, Phuket, and Chiang Mai airports routinely confiscate devices found in luggage.
- Street-level and online sales continue illegally, but purchasers are prosecuted for “possession of prohibited goods”.
- As of November 2025, more than 1,200 foreign nationals have been fined or deported for vape-related offences since January.
Penalties
| Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Importation or possession | Fine up to 30,000 THB + confiscation |
| Sale or distribution | Fine up to 100,000 THB and/or imprisonment up to 3 years |
| Repeated offences | Up to 10 years imprisonment (rare for tourists, but possible) |
Recommendation: Do not bring any vaping equipment into Thailand. Nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, lozenges) is widely available at 7-Eleven and pharmacies.
3. Drones (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – UAVs)
All drones and model aircraft must be registered with two separate Thai authorities in 2025. Failure to comply is one of the most common reasons tourists lose expensive equipment.
Mandatory Requirements for Tourists
- NBTC Registration (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission)
- All radio-transmitting drones require NBTC ownership registration.
- Tourists obtain a 60-day temporary certificate via the AnyRegis mobile app (fee ≈ 214 THB).
- CAAT Registration & Pilot Certification (Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand)
- Drones with cameras or weighing >250 g require CAAT registration at uasportal.caat.or.th.
- Operator must pass a short online theory exam (40 questions, 75% pass mark).
- Third-party liability insurance is strongly recommended (available online from Thai insurers from 500 THB/month).
Operating Rules (Summary)
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum altitude | 90 metres (295 ft) |
| Operating hours | Sunrise to sunset (night flights require prior approval) |
| Distance from airports | Minimum 9 km |
| Distance from people/crowds | Minimum 30 metres |
| Restricted areas | Royal palaces, military installations, most temples, national parks, border zones |
| Flight notification | Submit plan 3 days in advance in certain provinces |
Penalties
- Unregistered flight: Fine 20,000–100,000 THB + drone confiscation (equipment is rarely returned).
- Flight in prohibited airspace: Up to 40,000 THB + 1 year imprisonment possible.
Practical tip: Many professional drone operators in Phuket and Chiang Mai offer fully licensed “drone-with-pilot” packages for tourists who prefer not to handle registration themselves.
Final Recommendations
- Check official sources immediately before travel: Tourism Authority of Thailand (tatnews.org), CAAT (caat.or.th), and the Thai FDA website.
- Keep original passports and all permits/receipts with you at all times.
- In case of arrest or confiscation, contact your embassy/consulate immediately – do not sign any documents written only in Thai without translation.
Safe and enjoyable travels in the Kingdom of Thailand.
