Jingjok
Smoking in Thailand: ask first
sùup-bù-rìi tîi-nîi dâai mǎi
Smoking is banned inside restaurants, bars, malls, offices, on public transport and in every temple, and many popular beaches are no-smoking zones with heavy fines. Look for ที่สูบบุหรี่, the smoking area, usually outside. Shops keep cigarettes hidden behind the counter, so ask for บุหรี่ by name. E-cigarettes, บุหรี่ไฟฟ้า, are illegal to bring in, sell or own (as of 2025): leave the vape at home. And because Thais rarely say a flat 'no', a hesitant smile with ได้ค่ะ may really mean 'please don't'. Step a few metres away and everyone stays happy.
Try this today
Before you light up, ask สูบบุหรี่ที่นี่ได้ไหม and watch the answer, not just the words.
The words that carry it
Learn this in “Hello, Thailand” →
Your first 90 days of Thai
Culture cards in Jingjok are tied to the words that carry them, each ending in one thing to try today.
- WEEKS 1–2 · SURVIVEGreet anyone, pay, and order food and 7-Eleven exactly how you like it.
- WEEKS 3–6 · SETTLE INGet around by taxi, Grab and skytrain, find anything, and handle your landlord.
- WEEKS 7–12 · RUN YOUR LIFEPharmacy, bank, SIM and apps, how you feel, and a weekend away, all in Thai.
The first week is free.