In Thailand it's the law!

[Gaybutton]

He is correct that all of these are technically a matter of law. My favorite one is the law that prohibits being outside without underwear. Ok, how about if you're wearing underwear, as the law prescribes, but wearing only underwear?

The law about public sex does get enforced and the couples get arrested. Even if the police don't see it, but it gets reported or shows up on CCTV (yes, Big Brother is watching) they'll try to track down who they were.

He's missed a few. Littering is prohibited. If you drop any trash on the ground, if a police officer sees it, now you're going to be fined - last time I checked the fine is 2000 baht. Any form of graffiti is illegal. People do get arrested and heavily fined. Urinating in public also results in arrests and fines. You might see people, such as motorbike taxi drivers, calmly urinating on the side of a road, but if you get caught doing the same, now you've got a problem. Hold it in until you find a toilet.

The chewing gum law is correct. It is not allowed to be sold, which is why you won't find any in stores. I have no idea if it is allowable to bring your own or chew it if you did bring your own. Best to just leave it at home.

Also, the police can conduct searches of your room, your vehicle, or you personally without any kind of probable cause. It is rare unless you are doing something strange in public or you're caught up in a police raid. Often roadblock checkpoints are set up. If you're driving a car they usually wave you through, but if you're on a motorbike, even as a passenger, they are much more likely to pull you over and conduct a search.

By the way, the fruit he is calling "Duran" is wrong. It is "Durian", not "Duran". The Thai word is nearly identical "TOOrian"

[Jun]

Chewing gum is sold in every 7-Eleven and other stores. I have no idea what the law says, but TIT.

I have even started using it. After brushing my teeth, using listerine and clorohexidine, it's the last thing in my mouth before a boy arrives. I noticed some of my guests using it, so decided to do the same.

[Gaybutton]

Chewing gum is sold in every 7-Eleven and other stores. I have no idea what the law says, but TIT.

Then my mistake. Apparently his too. I never noticed any, but I wasn't looking for it either and I don't recall seeing Thais chewing gum. I guess the chewing gum police are shirking in their duty . . .

It it really is law, it's my idea of a dumb-ass law. There are plenty of other things to stick under movie theater seats.

[Jun]

Quite a few of my Thai guests are chewing gum on arrival, so I'm surprised you haven't experienced the same thing. I like the effect, so I copy the idea.

There are a long list of things that are illegal in Thailand, but go on. Prostitution, opening bars all night, smoking in bars, vaping and not using a motorcycle helmet come to mind. You can also be fined for selling fireworks on the beach and at least some parts of the beach supposedly have a ban on late night drinking. According to the signs.

However, I'd be surprised if respectable convenience store and grocery chains were breaking the law by selling gum.
So I'd bet the chewing gum rule is another piece of fake news on social media.
AFAIK, among known countries, only Singapore bans it.

[Gaybutton]

I did a Google search. Apparently this guy got it wrong and I took his word for it. It is not against the law, but apparently frowned upon. Even so, I've never noticed Thais chewing gum. That doesn't mean they don't, just that I've not noticed. Next time I'm in a convenience store I'll look for it. I don't chew gum myself, so personally I don't care whether it's legal of not. I don't want any.

He is correct about the other laws, though - despite getting Durian wrong. As far as I know it is not illegal to take Durian into a hotel, but the hotel itself probably prohibits it. It's a strange fruit because most people love the flavor, but it gives off a terrible, lingering odor. Those who have never tried it ought to. When it is in season it is available in small amounts, already removed from the husk. When ripe it has a rich, creamy texture.

I eat a few pieces of durian every year, but not very much. I like it, but I'm not crazy about it and it is very expensive.

Is chewing gum illegal in Thailand?

No, chewing gum is not illegal in Thailand, but there are strict laws regarding how to dispose of it:

Throwing gum on the street
It is illegal to throw chewed gum on the street in Thailand, and can result in a fine of around 20,000 baht. There is also a possibility of jail time if the fine is not paid.

Littering
Chewing gum litter is a problem in public places, such as parks, cinemas, and housing estates. The high cost of cleaning up the litter is one of the reasons for the ban.