Alcohol
Shop sales from 11am to midnight, minimum age 20, no sales on Buddhist holy days or election days (next dry day: 26 October 2026), and drinking is banned on public transport, at piers and in state-run public parks. Details in our guide to alcohol in Bangkok.
Cannabis
Reserved for medical use since June 2025: prescription required, recreational use and smoking in public banned, export heavily punished. See our guide to cannabis in Bangkok.
E-cigarettes
Importing, owning or using a vape is illegal, with fines, confiscation and possible prison. See e-cigarettes in Thailand.
Temples, the Grand Palace and the monarchy
Shoulders and knees covered, shoes off in shrines, respect for Buddha images, and a lèse-majesté law that also applies to social media. See dress code in Bangkok's temples.
Money and tipping
Tipping is not compulsory and cash is still useful. See our guide to money, payments and tipping in Bangkok.
Scams and safety
The fake "temple is closed", cut-price tuk-tuks, taxis without a meter: see the scams to avoid in Bangkok.
Health, tap water and emergencies
Tap water is not recommended: drink bottled or filtered water. Hospitals and emergency numbers are in our guide to health in Bangkok.
Getting around
To get around without haggling, see our guide to transport in Bangkok. For a good temple visit, see also the Grand Palace.
