What happens if I get caught with a vape pen at the airport?

Treat this seriously. The import, sale, and possession of e-cigarettes and vape devices has been prohibited in Thailand since the Ministry of Commerce Notification B.E. 2557 (2014) read together with the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017) and the Tobacco Products Control Act. There is no “personal use” carve-out at the border.

What you face:

• Possession — up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to 4× the value of the goods under the Customs Act for prohibited imports.
• Sale / distribution — up to 10 years imprisonment under the Consumer Protection Act.
• Confiscation of the device is automatic, even if no charge is pursued.

In practice, what happens at the airport varies. Many foreigners report being asked to surrender the device, pay a “fine” in cash on the spot, and continue on — but this is not lawful and is sometimes a precursor to a more serious shakedown. Other travellers have been formally charged, held overnight, and required to attend Provincial Court.

Your rights:

• You are entitled to refuse any “fine” that is not accompanied by an official receipt.
• You may request to call your embassy immediately on detention — embassies cannot get you out, but they can monitor treatment and provide a list of English-speaking lawyers.
• Do not sign any Thai-language statement you do not understand. You have the right to an interpreter under Section 13 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

The safest course: leave the vape at home.