If you are traveling within Asia by air be aware that the newest security item is for them to go through your carry on. There are new and not completely clear guidelines as to what you can take onboard. I had a 1/4 full toothpaste tube confiscated at BKK. My traveling companion had facial moisturizer confiscated at a stopover in Kuala Lumpur. Why it was OK at BKK and not in KL is anyone's guess. I strongly suggest to put everything that is in liquid or semi liquid or cream form in a plastic bag and put it in your check in luggage.

The strict rule, at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi, for carry on liquids, is maximum 1 litre of which each item must be no more than 100 ml in a clear container and all in a clear zip lock bag. Duty frees bought at the airport are OK.

 

For some strange reason chocolate and soap are considered liquids. A friend rang me from the plane yesterday. He was annoyed as he took a 200 ml bottle of expensive sun cream which was half empty. it was not allowed and was impounded. The containers must be 100 ml.

Duty frees bought at the airport are OK.

 

This is only partially true. Duty free is OK provided you are flying only one sector from A to B. If you have a connecting flight at B (e.g. Bangkok/Tokyo/New York), you have to go through another security check and will be forced to trash that duty free because most airports now strictly enforce the plastic bag with max. 100 mls in each container rule. The only exception is when your connection involves the same aircraft. You can then leave your duty free on the plane if you want to stretch your legs in the transit area. If in doubt - and if available - purchase duty free on arrival.