Reader's entry: 'Thailand holiday becomes nightmare for French tourist (31) due to banned E-cigarette'
If you travel to Thailand, it is best to leave your electronic cigarettes at home. These have been banned since 2014 and carry hefty fines. If you get caught with a e-cigarette, it will be confiscated and the owner could be fined, or even face up to ten years in prison.
31-year-old Cécilia Cornu from France can relate to this. The woman was in the seaside town of Karon for two days when they and her fiancé were stopped on their scooter by four police officers.
According to her, the e-cigarette she had in her hand was taken away and they asked to pay the fine of more than 40.000 baht (converted 1.100 euros) in cash, but she refused. The woman was then taken to the police station and her passport was confiscated. Finally, a week later, Cécelia was sentenced to a fine of 23 euros. However, her parents had already had to pay 8.000 euros in costs for lawyers and court costs.
When she went to collect her passport, she was surprised to hear that she would be transferred to Bangkok to be deported. She was taken into detention upon arrival in the Thai capital. In the end, she will spend four days and three nights there under very harsh conditions. She slept on the floor and ate nothing but rice.
“Never again Thailand,” she says on her Facebook profile. Cecilia now warns other travelers to be extra alert when traveling to Thailand and to check in advance which items are prohibited in the country of destination.
Source: The Latest News Belgium
Once again they show an unacceptable attitude towards tourists. One could just as well have taken away the e-cigarette and given a reasonable fine. But yes, tea money sweeping is still an occupation for the police. What the woman had to go through afterwards is really unacceptable.
As a tourist you cannot know everything. For example, my friend went to the immigration office to report that I was staying with her. The result was that I was allowed to pay 800 thb because the report was too late. You apparently had 24 hours to do this. You just have to know, if not pay.
That people in Thailand are concerned with serious things such as the smog problems.
Submitted by Rob
Dear,
First, inform yourself well about the laws of the country.
That way you won't have any problems.
It is almost impossible to stay in Thailand without breaking some law.
When I went on vacation I usually had two or three decks of cards in my suitcase to play a game of solitaire.
Should I have known that this was against the law?
I only know that since the time they rounded up all those old people in Pattaya.
And how many unknown laws are there?
In theory you could even get busted with a 10 Baht piece in your pocket, because with that you could play heads or tails for money.
Again, everyone is online 24/24. But checking what the dos and don'ts are in their destination on the other side of the world is too difficult. This would have saved her a lot of trouble.
But people assume that what they do should be possible everywhere.
This same story has already been posted on facebook. There, too, people reacted differently. There has been extensive warning on many social media that e-cigarettes are banned in Thailand. The fine or even possible imprisonment is also mentioned.
If you are so stubborn and still bring an e-cigarette and smoke, then you are asking for trouble yourself. Had this lady been wise she would have tried to get the requested amount down and paid with a smile. Unfortunately for herself, she decided to be smart with all the consequences that entailed.
With regard to the notification by means of a TM 30 form, this is generally known and has also been discussed here several times. It is also simple there, pay the fine with a smile. Getting angry only makes it worse.
I've been wondering for more than 15 years, when will one of those "law makers" try to think........
the Western tourist doesn't bring a little bit of currency with him anyway.
A little bit indeed, but because the euro is low. We are also known to waste a lot. Exception from closed while. The Japanese, Korean and Chinese visitors can easily pay 2000 baht for an entrance ticket.
And these rules are not only in Thailand but a large number of Asian countries. If you want to visit a country, we have to adapt. Apparently this is not necessary in the Netherlands, but that is exactly what we want.
well it shows that horrible one again
French arrogance. most people
would just negotiate
but omze francaice was naturally arrogant
against the policeman, well you should do it
against thai (police) people.
if they are quiet with him for a while “under the tree, say
would have sat down and dr charms maybe
would have used.,she probably would
would have ended up with 10000, or even less
hylke
What a preconceived notion about that woman, do you know her?
Probably not but French are usually not able to speak the English language too proudly otherwise as French. Unfortunately almost everywhere in the world.
much talk about an e-cigarette.
It has been known for a long time that the use is prohibited here, but explain to me why I see a driver of a mini bus using such an e-cigarette 3 times.
When I asked where he had bought this, I got the familiar smile.
And by the way, are the Dutch so much better than the French?
Apparently many tourists still don't know about that e-cigarette. For example, last year I sat next to a Dutchman on his way from Amsterdam to Bangkok and he took out his e-cigarette when we landed. When I told them this was forbidden in Thailand, he thought I was kidding him.
even the thai do not all know that e-cigarettes are prohibited.
If the e-cigarette is banned in Thailand, you must adhere to it. If not, you are in violation and you must bear the consequences. Ditto if Cécilia was not aware of this.
I have the impression that Cecilia has put on a big mouth after the Thai police wanted her to pay 40.000 Baht. Often with the French who think the world is theirs. She was allowed to pay for this with the strictest treatment. Out of proportion? For us, yes.
Would Thailand be more concerned with the smog? Yes, but this question is not at issue here.
Dear Stefan, you suggest that the lady in question had a big mouth and with Hylke you have the prejudice that as a Frenchwoman she would of course have shown an arrogant attitude. You weren't there so those assumptions are out of the blue. Although I do not smoke myself, I know through Thailand Blog that e-cigarettes are not allowed in Thailand, but not every tourist is aware of that. Of course it is advisable to inform yourself in advance about what is and what is not allowed at your holiday destination, but the possible penalties for possessing or using an e-cigarette are in my view disproportionate. And that naturally also applies to the consequence that the woman is locked up in a detention center under appalling conditions for 3 nights before being deported. All because of an e-cigarette, while in Pattaya, for example, there are many places where you can sip on a hookah. Geertg states that reporting your stay by filling in a TM30 form is common knowledge. Before I read about this on Thailand Blog, actually relatively recently, I, as well as my Thai partner and in-laws, were completely unaware of this. Were you never informed about this at the embassy in the Netherlands, for example when applying for a visa for a stay of 60 days. Stayed with the in-laws several times and we have never submitted a TM30 form. Think that mainly those who have to report to an immigration office fill in the form.
Dear Leo, before you mislead people:
Hookas (water pipes) are just as strictly prohibited in Thailand as e-cigarettes. The same can happen to you as this lady.
As for the TM30 form, it has always been mandatory, and usually only done by people dealing with immigration. People have become much stricter about this, there is a "crack-down" on foreigners and they want to know where they are staying.
This is no different in the Netherlands, by the way.
Dear Jasper, I don't want to mislead anyone and certainly don't want to promote the hookah. I just note that in Pattaya, especially in places where travelers from the Middle East stay, I see quite a few places where the hookah is 'sucked' in public.
On BeachRoad Pattaya you are also offered marijuana in a whisper several times, and yet it is prohibited. You can also buy the e-cigarette in several places in Pattaya, openly at all kinds of night markets. But the possibility does not mean that it is allowed. It won't be a problem until you get caught.
It's the same as all those stories where people say I've been taking it through customs for decades and has never caused any problems (medication, alcohol, viagra, etc, etc) No, that's right, until you are checked…..
An e-cigarette is prohibited in TH, and by now every e-cigarette smoker (aka damper) should know that too. Being a vaper, I have been reading this for years on all kinds of sites that are about Asia, Thailand, and / or vaping. You cannot take an e-cigarette with you to Thailand and/or Cambodia.
Whether that is reasonable or not is irrelevant, it is Thai law. POINT
For example, all countries have strange rules/laws/provisions. And the Netherlands and the EU also have very strange rules regarding e-cigarettes. (max 10ml, max 20mg/ml, max 2ml tanks etc etc…) All this for the same reason as Thailand…. taxes.
As for me, Thailand and Cambodia are the only places where I smoke antique tobacco cigarettes. Neatly 5 meters from the door of a public place, not near sacred houses, and not on the beach. (Sometimes damn hard)
Small light on the horizon, even the Thai government is working to change the laws regarding e-cigarettes so that it will be allowed again at the end of 2019, early 2020.
I totally agree with you leo. In pattya indeed a lot of water pipes. At the airport in bankok I met an australian a few months ago. In the smoking room nice with his e cigarette. I asked him if he dared but didn't know either that it is forbidden. And indeed you can't judge the woman if you haven't been there. Years ago in pattya an officer was positioned in such a way that you did not see him, but he did see the white offender Kassa and that was also good to see on him .
If the e-cigarette is banned in Thailand and you use it anyway, then you are not only a big fool, but the consequences are also for you. What I find very strange is that it is forbidden, while smoking is allowed everywhere without restrictions. Does anyone know the idea behind?
That's a "Thai" idea!
Still, I'm afraid that the stickers with an increase from 1000 to 5000 bath that have recently been pasted everywhere are not being applied everywhere at the moment.
Just like all the cameras at the school zones and city zones, they will eventually have to raise money.
You can't hide behind her argument, it always did. Be warned.
The generals are on the board of the tobacco industry…
Would you like a source for that claim?
https://web.archive.org/web/20110830213543/http://www.thaitobacco.or.th/eng/about/about-2-3-2050.html
It's a general named Marai, but a message from 2011.
interview with director Thailand Tobacco Monopoly'quote:
TA: So this total ban has absolutely nothing to do with protecting the business of the Tobacco Monopoly in an already difficult, very competitive domestic market?
DS: No, it hasn't.
https://www.tobaccoasia.com/features/thailand-tobacco-monopoly-bravely-soldiering-on/
And also read this: it has to do with the profits of the tobacco industry that are under pressure:
https://www.quora.com/Why-is-vaping-illegal-in-Thailand-when-it-is-not-as-harmful-as-cigarettes-Is-it-because-the-Thai-government-is-paranoid-Why-should-they-spoil-it-for-those-who-have-given-up-smoking-Its-surely-the-right-thing-to-do
And the Thai Tobacco Monopoly suffered a loss last year. E-cigarettes increase the loss.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1422374/tobacco-monopoly-feels-the-burn-from-new-excise-rates
Smoking is not allowed in restaurants, bars, on beaches, so there are indeed restrictions.
Apart from the financial interests of the Thai tobacco industry, you can also say that they simply do not want to allow new addictive substances.
If someone were to invent the motorcycle now, it would not be taken into production because it was too dangerous….
Spent a week in Phuket 2 weeks ago.
I saw several people there with e-cigarettes.
So they also risk quite a bit.
It is clear that the fine was disproportionate and the treatment afterwards is scandalous. It is strange that they were stopped by four police officers. The fact that she had an e-cigarette in her hand while on a scooter may say something about her behavior, It's hard to judge if you don't know the facts 100%
This is Thailand, one of the most corrupt countries in the world. There's nothing peculiar about cashing in on a potentially major offense here. On Koh Pangan many tourists are caught with ecstasy or marijuana. Receive without exception a settlement proposal, to be paid on the spot. Can also add up nicely, 20,000 baht just like that.
Not paying = prison, judge, fine, deportation.
This is Thailand!!
Does anyone know the underlying idea why the e-cigarette is banned in Thailand?
According to the government, it would encourage young people to smoke.
Or just in the Netherlands (where there is also a de-motivation policy, unlike England)… lack of income from excise duties. Those excise taxes are mega amounts. Where the Netherlands also gets a large part of its income today.
In addition, the tobacco lobby is many times larger than the (non-existent?) e-cigarette lobby.
A few question marks remain.
No detention in the week preceding the 23 euro fine?
A flight to France may not have been possible before and was therefore put into storage.
The parents are quite a leg out with 8000 euros in costs.
The court can demand 200.000 Baht in a case: more than 5700 euros
A lawyer with a starting amount of 20.000 euros: 571 euros, this "case" wasn't that complicated,
apparently he would have asked for 2300 euros.
In my posting some time ago about the e-cigarette, it appeared that there was still no clear policy within Thailand!
So here is a clear signal how people want it in Thailand.
They couldn't make it more fun!
Then the police better also tackle the trade in e-cigarettes in Thailand, because they are for sale on every market, just like the liquid.
Of course the lady must abide by the rules, but to put someone in prison for that and then indeed those ridiculously high fines, let them first do something about road safety.
Well, it's a pity that my in-laws live there, otherwise I would never return to that country with its corruption and backward rules
I don't read anywhere that she had a big mouth and then I think the fine is too high, if it is because of that big mouth, the Netherlands should quickly take over because it is terrible here how the police and the emergency services are abused.
This out-of-proportion affair seems to me, to put it very kindly, not an advertisement for Thailand. What reality do the authorities in Thailand actually live in? Do they have no idea how they shoot themselves in the foot in such a grandiose way?
Thailand is number 82 on the list of most corrupt countries. After Vietnam, before Turkey eg Corruption “is a way of life” here, up to the highest regions people are out of self-enrichment.
Incidentally, this applies to 3/4 of the countries in the world, mostly located outside the Western world.
It is the unsuspecting tourist who shoots himself in the foot. The agents involved take it even more with their families, and let the rest of the world pass them by.
When I was still working as a flight attendant, on every flight in German, English and Thai on the plane before landing it was announced via the broadcaster that there were severe penalties for the possession and use of drugs. Nothing was ever said about e-cigarettes. Maybe they didn't exist before 2012. The first time I read about this on Thailandblog. I don't smoke, so I don't care. Now I know by now. Should you expect that from someone who smokes? I don't know and I think the punishment is also unreasonably severe. Perhaps the interests of the tobacco industry are at stake here?
Of course I did not expect any other reactions than: you have to prepare yourself well for Thai legislation, typical French arrogance, the French think the world is theirs, they could have done it better, and a TM 30, although I have already asked so many times here I've read exactly how this works, should actually suddenly be known to every tourist. Bla Bla Bla.
Of course everyone has to obey the law, but aren't such punishments exaggerated in a country where much more important things had to be arranged?
A fine of 2000 Baht and a warning that this will clearly become more expensive with a subsequent offense would normally have been more than sufficient.
Someone who is arrested on a motorbike with his Child without a helmet will receive a small fine, or must walk around a lamppost 10 times, and although he has put his Child in mortal danger, may continue his way again without a helmet after this punishment.555
She was fined 23 euros.
Her parents called in a lawyer and eventually paid a total of 8000 euros.
Why she eventually had to leave the country is not really clear
I do understand that she was finally fined 23 euros, only the end result showed a completely different punishment.
First they asked about 40.000 Baht, she had to hand over her passport, and her parents had to invest 8000 euros to finally achieve this result.
Certainly she could have bargained so that the 40.000 Baht would be less, but many tourists who do not care about Thai law simply make these panic mistakes.
Also the TM30 formality that even for some local Police Offices, who actually had to know when you look at the form, often don't even know their own legislation. (Experienced from my own experience) so that people can also react a little more humanely here.
And finally, after another 4 days of detention, to be deported from the country is, in my opinion, a totally exaggerated punishment.
If you don't want to pay the fine in Thailand, you go to jail. This applies to all fines. So also in traffic. So she could indeed have negotiated better and then she probably would have ended up with much less. But going against the police and saying that you don't pay the fine...... We have also had an unjust fine with the car. First, 1000 baht was required. Looking a bit pathetic and trying to explain, eventually lowered to 500 Baht. It's just the way it is in these countries. By the way, corruption is also common enough with us, just go and have a look in Eastern Europe.
But one thing we learned, never go against the police. Doesn't help you
it's also confusing, many Thais don't know it themselves, and Thailand is legalizing the e-cigarette, but when? see below:
THAILAND:- Major changes are taking place regarding the use of electronic cigarettes in Thailand. The excise department will tax the devices and liquids so that this way of smoking will also become legal in Thailand. The head of the excise department, Pachorn Anantasin, has announced that the various types of e-cigarettes will be allowed, these devices and liquids will be legally available for sale after being taxed.
Not long ago I pointed out to a young English backpacker that e-cigarettes were banned in Thailand and she was quite careful I also added that I only said it to warn her and that as a libertine I certainly shouldn't are forbidden
I'm not going to write here what she answered me. So yes…..some people just think they are infallible….until the opposite happens.
Dear,
My opinion about this lady is that she has indeed done something wrong but opposite
police have not been very accommodating.
The police, in my opinion, are quite reasonable when it comes to tourists.
I would be very surprised if this official hadn't turned a blind eye, some money, explanation
and issued a warning.
The message clearly makes a strange impression on me (which is very exaggerated).
When I'm in Thailand I see quite a lot of people using this E-cigarette and nobody
who says something about it.
This story is a poor imitation of a monkey sandwich.
Well, it's forbidden but what we secretly do in Thailand.
Yours faithfully,
Erwin
The tobacco industry has a very good lobby in Thailand…..because you come to Thailand as a tourist and see.
I see many Thais just smoking their e-cigarette without a fine.
The police do not pay so much attention to their own population, but the tourist has to pay for the laughter.
Examples enough.
Driving without a helmet who gets the stop sign : tourist (foreigner)
The police feel free to let the Thai drive through and take you for tee money because yes a smile is definitely worth it......
Tourists bulking the money is their option (running ATM machine)
Tourists had to travel en masse to neighboring countries of Thailand because there is now booming and hot.
The Dutch and Belgians who live in Thailand have all paid Thai tuition fees.
You will never be able to fathom a Thai.
Every day when you go out the door is a minefield.
Firma List en Bedrog is thriving here.
For the tourists a piece of advice, spend your money elsewhere because the arrival at the airport at Immigration alone says enough.
TonyM
Exaggerated reasoning. The Thai is also checked and detained during a check. Been driving around for fourteen years always treated correctly by the police. Self regularly photographed with the controlling agent by a superior.
A total of 4 fines of 200 or 400 baht for speeding.
Helmets are not checked outside the cities and in the countryside. In general, people drive more quietly there.
Unfortunately, a big problem is booze.
It is not clear to me what you mean by arrival at the airport.
This is certainly no different from Cambodia and Laos, where you also have to pay for your visa plus administration costs
In Thailand, this is still free for tourists.
I think that if you normally follow the rules and laws you have nothing to fear in Thailand.
However, if you look for the difficulties yourself, you will get what you want with bonus. Then you shouldn't cry. Own fault.
What strikes me now in this discussion is that we all have the story of Mrs. and a lot of speculation for the rest.
I believe Mrs.'s story, but I think she didn't write down the whole story completely. She has left out everything that could put her in a different light.
And that E cigarette will probably be the reason, but after that there are a few big holes in her story.
Nice story but not complete and certainly not worth the outrage towards Thailand that is shown here.
many Thai in my area smoke the E sig. Do they order in America and come by mail?!! Clearly the corrupt cop to the tourist again.
Which corrupt cop? What exactly was the judge's verdict? Or was there also the issue of deportation?
Find it strange that she was taken into custody after the verdict, there must be a reason for that.
Has she been in contact with her country's embassy?
Find it very strange. Guess we don't know the whole story.
That only the tourist is tackled is nonsense, those who say that are usually the ones who have also been caught. If you break the law, it's your own fault. Check what is and what is not allowed, they walk around with their phone all day, so plenty of time to look it up. And probably put on a big mouth, she will only tell you what was to her disadvantage, but what she might has done yet she will not crow about it. And don't come to Thailand anymore, I think she won't be allowed to enter Thailand for the time being. If you behave yourself then you won't have any problems. If you wear something wrong in your own country, then you also have problems, and corruption in Thailand, guys wake up, that's all over the world
I actually didn't want to respond a second time, enough has already been said about it, I think, but me
think the discussion is too much about whether or not you should know whether an e-cigarette is prohibited and the disproportionate measures taken by the police.
keep in mind that “everyone who enters any country in the world should know the law” that is impossible and everyone knows it. Problem is, it was I who wrote about that terrible French arrogance, the policemen got angry and took revenge of course you don't have to have been there for that. The francaise has of course reacted angrily to 40000 bath, there were 4 of them, so I read, calculation is made quickly. what shaak says definitely not condemning the thai they just wanted some pocket money the police many countries normal. if you ride without a helmet, it can also turn out wrong if you don't pay
general rule in the world, (except in the Netherlands, 555, there you can just fight with them 555) always cooperate with the police, be friendly and smile, especially here where the system is corrupt try to talk the amount down etc .
it is true that you will never understand a thai, but it is good that you decide whether or not to be here, I have only lived here for 3 years and with great pleasure, they are lovely people if you pay for what they do for you.
hylke
These punishments are really insane. Is the Thai judiciary really lost?
Then it is really high time for other destinations.
Strange that these e cigarettes are just sold on sukumvit in Bangkok, would never be a police officer there?