The main prohibitions of Thailand — what a tourist needs to know to avoid going to jail

Thailand is one of the most popular destinations among Russian tourists. The warm sea, white sand beaches, coral reefs and majestic temple complexes invariably attract travelers not only from Russia, but also from other countries. But in order for the rest to be peaceful and leave only pleasant impressions, it is important to comply with local laws and traditions. Read about what you can't do in Thailand and what punishment you face for it in the Izvestia article.

The main prohibitions for tourists in Thailand

Thailand has a number of strict prohibitions that apply not only to citizens, but also to foreigners. Their violation can be punishable by a fine, deportation, followed by a ban on entry, and even a prison term. Here are the main ones:

Insulting the royal family

This is the strictest law in Thailand. Any jokes, criticism, or disrespectful actions against the King, Queen, Crown Prince, or Regent are prohibited. This applies to both public statements (speeches, posts on social networks, media materials, etc.) and personal conversations, so it is better to refrain from disrespectful statements.

In addition, images of the monarch and his family should not be harmed. A person may face criminal liability for damaging statues, portraits, and photographs. The rule also applies to the national currency — it is forbidden to crumple and tear bills, throw them on the ground or step on them.

For all of the above violations, foreigners face imprisonment for a term of 3 to 15 years.

Smoking

Smoking is not prohibited in Thailand, but it is strictly regulated. Smoking is prohibited in public places: airports, train stations, parks, shopping malls, medical and educational institutions. It is allowed to smoke a cigarette quietly only in specially designated places. Smoking is also prohibited on most public beaches, so it is important to clarify the rules of stay before visiting them. Violation is punishable by a fine of up to 100,000 rubles. baht (about 248 thousand rubles).

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Even stricter restrictions apply to electronic cigarettes and vapes — Thailand has introduced a complete ban on the import, storage, sale and use of such devices. The penalty is up to 10 years in prison or a fine of up to 1 million baht (about 2.48 million rubles).

Drugs

Thailand has a zero tolerance policy towards drugs. Despite attempts to legalize marijuana, its use has been completely banned since 2025.

What is prohibited:

• Buying marijuana: flowers, extracts, and other products;
• drug use in public places and hotel rooms;
• import, export, storage or trafficking of any drugs.

For all of the above, tourists face huge fines and years in prison, up to life in prison for smuggling large shipments.

Using drones

Since 2018, the use of drones in Thailand has been strictly regulated. To launch a drone weighing more than 2 kg or any drone with a camera, you must register with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBTC), obtain a license from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) and insure the device for at least 1 million baht. But even with a full set of documents, flights near military installations, police stations and national parks are prohibited. Restrictions also apply in some specially designated areas, so it is important to pay attention to the signs.

For violating this ban, a tourist can be fined 100,000 rubles. or sentenced to up to 5 years in prison.

Alcohol consumption

Restrictions also apply to alcohol. Retail sales are allowed from 11:00 a.m. to 00:00 a.m., and during religious holidays they may be completely prohibited.

Bars and restaurants usually operate under separate licenses, which allows them to sell alcohol outside the established time frame. At the same time, drinking alcohol outside of these institutions is punishable by a fine of up to 10 thousand rubles. baht (24.8 thousand rubles). This applies to all streets, parks, beaches, as well as cultural institutions and especially temples.

Protection of nature and marine ecosystem

The Thai authorities take environmental protection seriously, especially the seashore and coral reefs. Forbidden:

• feeding fish in the sea — for this, a tourist can be fined up to 5,000 (12,000 rubles) baht, imprisoned or deported.;
• collecting corals, shells on the shore or in the sea — a fine of up to 5,000 baht, deportation;
• harming marine life, touching them, taking pictures with wild animals in your hands is a fine of up to 100 thousand baht.

In addition, in Thailand, you can not throw away chewing gum on the street — a fine of up to 50 thousand rubles is provided for this. baht (124 thousand rubles) or arrest for up to a year. It is also forbidden to sunbathe topless and walk down the street without a T-shirt. This is perceived as disrespectful to the culture and can lead to a fine.

What can and cannot be imported into Thailand

It is also important to consider customs restrictions when traveling to Thailand. You can bring goods into the country through the "green corridor".:

• personal belongings (clothes, cosmetics, hygiene products) in the amount necessary for the trip;
• up to 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco;
• up to 1 liter of alcohol of any strength;
• personal gadgets (one smartphone, laptop, tablet and video camera per person);
• Cash: no more than 50 thousand. baht and $20,000 (or the equivalent in another currency).

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Some items are not prohibited for import, but require a special permit, which must be obtained in advance from the relevant agency. These include:

• strong medicines (by prescription);
• some foods (oranges, onions, rice, etc.);
• plants, seeds;
• pets (pit bulls and Staffordshire Terriers are prohibited);
• art and antiques;
• drones, radio equipment (routers, modems, receivers, etc.).
• auto parts.

Import is strictly prohibited:

• drugs and psychotropic substances;
• electronic cigarettes, vapes, hookahs;
• pornographic materials (videos, audio, books, souvenirs, adult toys, etc.)
• objects with the image of the Thai flag;
• pirated audio and video products;
• plants and endangered animals from the CITES list.

What can not be exported from Thailand

Tourists should also remember that they should not be exported from Thailand, so as not to encounter problems at the border. The strict ban applies to:

• watermelons, coconuts, durian in fresh form (derivatives can be exported — candied fruits, chips);
• Natural materials: sand, shells, corals, rough gemstones, gold bars;
• Animal trophies: ivory, skins and bones of tigers, leopards, turtles, stuffed crocodiles;
• electronic cigarettes, drugs, Thai flag items, counterfeit money, postage stamps, pornography.

It is important to remember that according to current legislation, no more than 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars (cigarillos) or 250 grams of tobacco, 5 kg of fruit, 5 kg of meat and cheese in factory packaging, 3 liters of alcohol can be brought to Russia along the green corridor or 5 liters along the red corridor.

Cultural norms of Thailand

In addition to the legal norms, during a trip to Thailand, it is necessary to observe the rules of local etiquette, respect Thai traditions and peculiarities of mentality. This will help to avoid misunderstandings and conflict situations.

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Basic rules:

• The head is a sacred part of the body, one should not touch the head of Thais, even children.;
• The legs are considered a "dirty" part of the body. You should not point at anything (especially temples and Buddha images) with your feet, put your feet on furniture, step over people or food.
• Calmness is the main virtue. It is recommended to avoid loud conversations, shouting, aggression and public conflicts.
• Modesty in feelings — in Thailand hugs, kisses and other public displays of affection are frowned upon, especially near temples. Therefore, it is better to refrain from romantic gestures in public places.;
• The dress code is that you can wear a swimsuit on the beach, but in the city, shops and cafes you need to cover your shoulders and knees. Modest, opaque clothing is required in temples (you can often rent or buy special capes at the entrance).

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the rules of entry to China.

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