Thailand's Law on Sex Toys: What Travelers Should Know

Thailand is open about many things, which surprises visitors who learn that adult toys are treated as illegal "obscene objects" there. Thai customs says they cannot be imported, the Criminal Code covers obscene materials, and a 2024 proposal to change the law was voted down. This guide explains what the law says, what has happened recently, and what it means if you are visiting. It does not explain how to get around the law, and we will not point you to anywhere that sells these items in Thailand.

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The short answer

Thai customs treats adult toys as prohibited imports. In an official FAQ, the Don Mueang Airport Customs Office was asked whether a sex toy bought in Japan could be brought into Thailand. Its answer: it "cannot be imported because it is a prohibited item," because importing or exporting obscene objects is an offense under Sections 27 and 27 bis of the Customs Act B.E. 2469 (Don Mueang Airport Customs Office, 2017). Thai Customs' English-language page also lists "obscene objects/literature/pictures" and "pornographic materials" among goods "prohibited by law" (Thai Customs Department). The 1926 Customs Act cited in that FAQ was later replaced by the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017), which police cited in a 2025 case below; obscene objects still appear on Thai Customs' list of prohibited goods.

What Criminal Code Section 287 says

Section 287 of the Thai Criminal Code is the main obscenity provision. In summary, it punishes anyone who:

• makes, produces, possesses, imports, exports, or distributes obscene documents, pictures, films, or "other obscene objects" for trade or for public distribution or display;
• trades in or takes part in a business involving such objects; or
• advertises or announces that an obscene object can be obtained from a particular person or by a particular means.

The penalty is up to three years in prison, a fine of up to 60,000 baht, or both (Criminal Code s. 287; The Thaiger, 2024). The law does not use the words "sex toy." Adult toys fall under it because Thai authorities interpret them as "obscene objects." A 2023 Thammasat University thesis described this as a ban that comes from legal interpretation rather than an explicit rule (Thammasat University, 2023).

The third point matters for websites and social media too: publicizing where obscene objects can be obtained is itself listed as an offense. This is one reason this site does not show store links to readers in Thailand.

The 2024 legalization debate

On August 7, 2024, Thailand's Parliament voted on a Move Forward Party draft to amend Section 287. The draft would have allowed adults to produce, possess, import, and distribute such materials, as long as they did not involve children or people under 20. It was rejected, with 284 votes against and 145 in favor (The Thaiger, August 7, 2024).

Opponents cited concerns about explicit advertising, Thai culture, and religious principles. One Pheu Thai MP said sex toys "might have benefits" and suggested a separate law for them, but no such law had passed as of October 1, 2026 (based on our search of news coverage; we could not find a bill).

Recent enforcement news

The calls for reform show that the debate is alive. They do not change the current law. Until Parliament amends the rules, you should assume the ban applies.

What this means for visitors

• Do not pack adult toys for Thailand. Customs can seize prohibited items found during inspection. Thai Customs states that people who import prohibited goods commit an offense under the Customs Act.
• Do not order them to a Thai address. Parcels go through customs too. An overseas store accepting your order does not make the import legal.
• Do not buy them locally. Items sold informally are part of the trade that police target, and they come with no safety or material information.
• Check your route. If you are connecting through Thailand on the way elsewhere, ask your airline whether your bags will clear Thai customs.
• Condoms and lubricants are a separate question. Condoms are widely sold in Thai pharmacies and convenience stores. If you need lubricant, buying it from a pharmacy or established store is the simplest way to get a labeled, legitimate product.

What we could not confirm

We could not find an official statement about how often travelers' personal items are actually inspected or what penalty, if any, a tourist typically faces beyond seizure. We also could not find official guidance specific to items in transit. If these points matter to you, ask the Royal Thai Embassy before you travel rather than relying on online anecdotes.

Key points

• Thai customs lists obscene objects as prohibited imports and has said sex toys cannot be imported.
• Criminal Code Section 287 covers obscene objects, with penalties of up to three years in prison or a 60,000 baht fine.
• A 2024 bill to legalize them was rejected, and enforcement continued in 2025.
• Check official sources again before every trip. This is an area where the law may change.

For other countries, see Traveling with sex toys: country rules at a glance.

Last reviewed: October 1, 2026

References

• Don Mueang Airport Customs Office (October 3, 2017). FAQ: Can a sex toy bought in Japan be imported into Thailand? (Thai)
• Thai Customs Department. General Prohibitions and Restrictions.
• Thailand Criminal Code, Section 287 (Thai text, based on the Office of the Council of State).
• The Thaiger (August 7, 2024). Thailand Parliament rejects pornography and sex toy legalisation.
• The Thaiger (February 6, 2025). Bangkok police raid leads to seizure of illegal contraband, sex toys.
• Thairath (January 8, 2026). Deputy municipal officer criticizes Sukhumvit Model for cracking down on sex toys.
• The Nation Thailand (2023). Government spokesperson on sex toys as prohibited items.
• Thammasat University (2023). Master's thesis on the legal status of sex toys in Thailand (Thai).