Asian Countries That Ban Vaping Beyond Singapore

August 22, 2025 | 07:28 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In response to growing public health concerns, Singapore is tightening its ban on electronic cigarettes, or vapes. During his National Day Rally 2025 speech, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced that the government will treat vaping as a serious drug issue and will intensify law enforcement efforts.

This policy is a direct response to the high prevalence of vaping among young people, despite a ban that has been in place since 2018. Wong emphasized that more severe penalties will be imposed on offenders, including potential imprisonment for those who sell vapes containing hazardous substances.

In addition, the Singaporean government plans to launch an extensive educational campaign targeting schools, universities, and mandatory military service. Vaping has become widespread in Singapore, with many products being smuggled into the country. Some of these products contain dangerous substances like etomidate, an anesthetic that can have fatal consequences when used outside a medical setting.

Beyond Singapore, several other countries in Asia have also implemented stringent bans on the use and distribution of vapes.

1. Vietnam

As of January 2025, Vietnam has a complete ban on the production, trade, import, storage, transportation, and use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. This regulation was implemented for public health reasons and to maintain control over state-owned tobacco companies.

Penalties for violations are severe, with fines of up to 3 billion dong (approximately Rp1.7 billion) or up to 15 years in prison for those involved in the import, production, or distribution of vapes.

2. Thailand

Thailand has had a total ban on vapes since 2014. Any activities related to vaping, including possession, sales, and import, can result in significant fines or imprisonment. The Thai government frequently conducts raids, particularly near schools and universities. Depending on the severity of the offense, violators can face imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of up to 500,000 baht (approximately Rp250 million).

3. Brunei

In Brunei, vaping is classified as a counterfeit tobacco product, and its sale, import, and use in certain public places are prohibited. Under the Tobacco Order 2005, violators using vapes in restricted areas can be fined up to BND 300 (approximately Rp3.8 million) for a first offense, with larger fines for repeat violations. Sellers and importers can also be fined up to BND 10,000 (approximately Rp12.7 million).

4. Laos

Laos began banning vapes in July 2018. While law enforcement varies by region, violators can still be fined up to 2 million kip (approximately Rp1.5 million) or face a prison sentence of 6 to 12 months. Actual cases have shown that offenders caught with vapes can be fined anywhere from 200,000 to 5 million kip.

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