Vaping Import/Export Ban Clarified

Going soon, but I don't worry anymore. Thanks for all feedback!

 

I suspect that noone ever is interested to read the law which is named TOBACCO PRODUCTS CONTROL ACT BE 2535 aka 1992.
What does it says?:
No person shall be allowed to manufacture, import for sale or general distribution or advertise any other goods having such an appearance as to be understood as an imitation of such tobacco products as cigarettes of cigars under the law on tobacco or of the package of the said products.
What did change from that time - literally nothing, except that in 2015 the authorities added the hookahs and e-cigs to "tobacco products" (and left some grey area in it by using the words "containing nicotine"), and made some minor changes to the age of purchasers and sales of cigs one-by-one. I believe that happened not by the wish of big market players, but honestly and with the best intensions to protect the youth. As always, when a carpenter tries to fix network problems, or a miner has to build a scyscrapper, the result and ways to achieve it both aren't very plausible.
Returning back to the law - only the import for sale remains forbidden.
Have to mention, that according to this law, any online ecig vendor breaks it in every move

 

I think you're barking up the wrong Mango tree...whereas the TOBACCO PRODUCTS CONTROL ACT BE 2535 aka 1992 could/has been amended to include e-liquid because it 'normally' has nicotine in it...the news article at the start of this thread mentions The Ministry of Commerce, Hookahs and E-Cigarettes

Quite how they dragged the United Nations into it gawd only know...unless it has been registered with the United Nations???

 

You have to take any translation into English here with a grain of salt. The full details are often lost in poor translation. I think the intent of the law is very clear and I have a feeling that the original Thai document probably means National Law instead of United Nations. Does anyone have a link to the Thai version of the announcement?

 

Maybe that happens because all this article is about the MOC decision restricting UN cargo transit through Thailand. Has nothing to do with the import of named goods.

 

I already wrote about it with the law attached. Vaping Import/Export Ban Clarified | Page 4 | Thailand Vapers

Attaching the law in its origin state. Read section 10.

 

Very good to read. Indeed it is then the "import for sale" that is banned. Thanks for clearing that up

 

I presume you're looking for this attachment?

 

I have looked through this and have had multiple Thais that are fluent in English translate as well. This law specifically addresses the import for sale or gift and advertising. It does not address import for personal use or possession.

The MOC notification is another animal completely. The MOC deals with import and export of goods that are traditionally for sale or purchase for profit. Individual possessions are not traditionally governed by the MOC with some exceptions. At this point I do not see a law against the possession of e-cigarette gear. A law against possession would need to be listed in the Criminal Code and have the specifics and punishments stated. Also note that this notification is an "unofficial translation"

I can state that the police (at least on a lower level) have not been told anything regarding the possession of e-cigarettes. It would seem that the police involved in this case chose to act on their own.

Everyone will have to use their own judgement, but I feel that I understand the rules at least good enough for myself.

 

The said Act has nothing to do with the import itself, but determines the powers of the Minister, Ministry, authorities etc etc, also the penalties for violators. So sure Minister makes some references to that Act to justify his decisions. And, as tobacco products are separated by their own King's Act, only minor changes can be applied.
Btw, for better understanding of wth_were_they_thinking can read those links:
funny stuff
As iirc Einstein said, two things are endless - universe and people stupidity
not so funny, but still worth reading