Vacation hot spot cracks down on vaping with jail threats and hefty fines

Travelers to Thailand are being reminded that electronic cigarettes are strictly banned in the country - with violators facing steep fines or even prison time.

Green said in her post the two were taken to a police station and questioned.

The pair were later released after paying a fine of 40,000 Thai baht, or roughly $1,200. Officials warned they could face up to five years in prison if caught again.

Thailand has enforced strict vaping rules since 2014, the Thai Embassy indicates.

"While electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes are used around the world as a way of helping people quit smoking, travelers coming to Thailand should be aware that these devices are in fact illegal in the kingdom," the embassy says.

It also notes that "anyone found breaking this law by using an electronic cigarette - or vaping - in Thailand could be arrested and face jail time, or a fine several times the value of the illegal item[s]."

This applies to both tourists and residents.

Thailand is among a growing number of countries that have implemented strict vaping restrictions.

Earlier this year, officials began enforcing a nationwide ban on electronic cigarettes, with penalties that can include confiscation, fines and even detention.

Reports have warned that violations could result in fines of up to $12,500 - or, in more serious cases, potential prison time.