Thailand

Criticising the Thai monarchy (‘lèse-majesté’) is illegal. The law can be interpreted broadly and carries a long prison sentence. British and Thai journalists, human rights defenders and members of the public have faced charges for making political comments or sharing articles online that could be interpreted as being negative towards the institution of the Thai monarchy. The law also covers any accusations about members of the Thai Royal Family, past and present.   

Posting images of people drinking alcohol or wearing clothing considered inappropriate can be illegal. Both the person who uploaded the images and the people in them could be fined or imprisoned.

Thai authorities have increased enforcement against unlawful business ownership arrangements involving foreign nationals. This includes the use of Thai nationals as ‘nominee’ and majority shareholders, where a foreign national provides the funding for, or exercises control over, a business or property ownership arrangement.

If you are considering buying property, investing in a business or setting up a company in Thailand, make sure you understand local laws and seek independent legal advice. If you already own a business or have property-related investments in Thailand, consider reviewing your ownership arrangements with a qualified legal adviser to ensure they comply with Thai law. Those found to be operating in breach of Thai business laws may face arrest, fines, deportation or other legal penalties.

On 28 August 2026, Thailand introduced new deportation regulations. Foreign nationals may be deported without the need for a criminal conviction if the Thai authorities determine that their conduct is contrary to public order, public morals or the wellbeing of the Thai people. Those who are deported may also face restrictions on returning to Thailand. You should comply with all local laws and regulations and follow instructions issued by Thai authorities.

It is illegal to fly a drone in Thailand if it is not registered. You must register your drone with Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) within 30 days of entering Thailand or purchasing a drone in Thailand even if you do not intend to fly it.

The regulations apply to all drones, including those for recreational use. The fine for an unregistered drone with the NBTC is 100,000 baht or five years imprisonment or both.

Thailand has strict laws on gambling. Under the Playing Cards Act (1943) it is illegal to carry over one hundred and twenty playing cards. Violation of the Act could lead to prosecution, a fine, or even imprisonment.

Police may ask to check your passport. If you do not have it with you, you could be asked to produce it within 24 hours at a police station. Usually, a copy of the photo page of your passport will be sufficient. 

It’s illegal to smoke in public with a fine of up to 5,000 Thai baht. It is illegal to possess or use any vape, e-cigarette, pod, e-liquid, or heat-not-burn device in Thailand. Offences can lead to confiscation, heavy fines (typically 5,000–30,000 Thai bhat), detention, and court proceedings. You may be required to remain in Thailand until the case has been finalised. There are no exceptions for tourists or for personal use.

The sale of alcohol is restricted between midnight and 11am. This does not apply to licensed hotels, international airport terminals or authorised entertainment venues. Exercise caution when purchasing or consuming alcohol in public places during restricted hours and check with venue owners or shop sellers. Failure to comply could result in a fine.

Thailand has strict laws against drug use, possession and trafficking. Possessing small quantities of illegal substances can lead to heavy fines or imprisonment. Possessing Class A drugs can lead to the death penalty.

Conditions in prisons and other detention facilities in Thailand are harsh, with limited access to healthcare. Detainees have died in custody.

Some British nationals have suffered severe psychiatric problems because of drug use, sometimes leading to suicide.

Cannabis laws in Thailand are strictly enforced and have changed in recent years. You must follow local regulations on possession, use and export.

Cannabis use in Thailand is restricted to medical purposes only. You must not buy, possess or use it without a Thai-issued medical prescription, which is limited to a 30-day supply. Recreational use remains illegal.

It is illegal to take cannabis out of Thailand without the appropriate export permission from the authorities.

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.

Cannabis is illegal in many countries. If you carry it when arriving in, or transiting through, another country, you risk arrest and serious penalties, including long prison sentences.

Thailand is generally a safe place for LGBT+ travellers. Thailand legalised same-sex marriage in January 2025. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

It’s illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a licence.  

The rainy season is generally from May to October. In Koh Samui and south-east Thailand it is usually from November to March. However, weather patterns have become increasingly unpredictable and periods of intense rainfall can occur across Thailand.

Heavy rainfall can cause flash flooding, landslides and disruption to transport, particularly in northern, north-eastern and mountainous areas. Conditions can change rapidly and may result in road closures and local travel disruption. Lakes, caves and waterfalls are particularly at risk of dangerous flash flooding.

Follow local authority advice and monitor the Thai Meteorological Department for weather warnings.

Earthquakes and tremors are a risk in northern Thailand. Earthquake Track lists recent activity.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.