Layover guideBangkok · BKK

Local laws that catch crew out in Bangkok

Vapes are illegal to even carry, criticism of the monarchy carries a long prison sentence, and alcohol sales stop between midnight and 11am.

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All of Bangkok

Vaping is the offence most likely to catch crew. 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, fines typically between 5,000 and 30,000 baht, detention and court proceedings, and the FCDO states there are no exceptions for tourists or for personal use. Leave the device at home.

Criticising the Thai monarchy, known as lese-majeste, is illegal. The law can be interpreted broadly, covers accusations about members of the Thai royal family past and present, and carries a long prison sentence. Journalists, human rights defenders and members of the public have faced charges for political comments or for sharing articles online, so this applies to what is on your phone as much as what you say.

The sale of alcohol is restricted between midnight and 11am. This does not apply to licensed hotels, international airport terminals or authorised entertainment venues. The FCDO also warns that drinks served in bars are often stronger than those in the UK.

Possessing small quantities of illegal substances can lead to heavy fines or imprisonment, and possessing Class A drugs can lead to the death penalty. The FCDO describes conditions in Thai prisons and other detention facilities as harsh, with limited access to healthcare.

UK FCDO: Thailand safety and security · checked 2026-08-17

The rest of Bangkok

The whole guide

Getting out of the airportMetered public taxis from Level 1 between Gates 4 and 7, plus a 50 baht airport surcharge and tolls on top, and a rail link from Level B1 that stops at midnight.Ride-hailingGrab is the app the airport names, with a designated 24-hour pick-up point at Level 1, Gate 4, and no published fare, so the in-app quote is the only number you get.Staying connectedTourist SIM/eSIM at 24h airport counters, passport required by regulation; free airport wifi is 60 minutes per session.WeatherHot year-round; wet season May–Oct peaking in September, driest and mildest Dec–Feb, hottest April–May.Eating near the crew hotelsYaowarat (Chinatown) is the street-food district and runs as a night market every evening; MRT Wat Mangkon puts you in the middle of it.What to buyGold on Yaowarat, everything else at Chatuchak on weekends; VAT refund needs a 2,000 THB per-store minimum and the P.P.10 form at purchase.TippingNot a usual practice, though it is becoming more common, and most hotels and restaurants already add a 10% service charge.