Thailand laws you need to know before visiting

Thailand, a popular stop on southeast Asia’s tourist trail, is a favourite of young backpackers, honeymooners and solo travellers.

With culture-stacked cities, a jungle interior and some of the continent's best beaches, Thailand welcomed over 32.9 million international tourists in 2025.

Although holidays generally go smoothly, travellers should be aware of some strict regulations in Thailand and its islands—both familiar and unfamiliar —before planning their trip.

Holidaymakers may risk fines, deportation or imprisonment if they do not follow the rules.

From respecting the monarchy to the legal drinking age, here are the local laws tourists need to know to stay out of trouble while visiting Thailand.

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Thailand laws and rules

Drinking alcohol

Unlike in the UK, the legal drinking age in Thailand is 20 years old. Even if some venues do not strictly enforce the rule, it is against the law to buy or consume alcohol if you are under 20.

Criticising the Thai monarchy

It is illegal to speak critically of the Thai monarchy, including past and present members of Thailand’s royal family. Sharing negative articles or comments in person or online can carry a long prison sentence.

Carrying cannabis

Although some low-strength medical cannabis is legal in Thailand, holidaymakers should not carry cannabis out of the country at risk of imprisonment or, in some cases, the death penalty.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) warns: “Attempting to take cannabis out of Thailand will result in penalties, including fines starting at 30,000 Thai baht per kilogram (about £684 per kg).

“If you do not pay, you will be detained or imprisoned. You will also be placed on an immigration watchlist affecting future travel to Thailand.”

Illegal drug use

Tourists should be aware that the possession of Class A drugs can lead to the death penalty in Thailand, with heavy fines for possessing even small amounts of illegal substances.

Smoking and e-cigarette bans

It is illegal to smoke in public, with a fine of up to 5,000 Thai baht. You also cannot possess any vape, e-cigarette, pod, or e-liquid in Thailand. Customs enforce this rule with heavy fines (typically 5,000–30,000 Thai baht), detention, and court proceedings.

Inappropriate social media pictures

Travellers should be careful when posting images of people drinking alcohol or wearing inappropriate clothing on social media – both can be considered illegal, with the photographer and subject risking fines or imprisonment.

Wildlife souvenirs

The capture, killing and selling of any protected wild animal is illegal in Thailand without a license.

Flying drones

Flying a drone in Thailand is illegal if it is not registered with Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) within 30 days of entering Thailand or purchasing a drone.

The fine for an unregistered drone with the NBTC is 100,000 baht or five years' imprisonment, or both, says the FCDO.

Gambling with playing cards

As part of Thailand’s gambling laws, it is illegal to carry more than one hundred and twenty playing cards. Violation of the Act could lead to prosecution, a fine, or even imprisonment.

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