D-Day for additional no-smoking zones today

BANGKOK, Dec 29 (TNA) - Carefree days for tobacco puffers in Thailand are going up in smoke. From today (Dec 29), the law banning smoking in virtually all public places comes into force.

Public Health Minister Mongkol Na Songkhla called on law enforcement agencies and entertainment venues to strictly enforce the law. Owners of entertainment venues failing to comply with the law may be subject to between Bt10,000-20,000 fine and those who puff a cigarette despite the law may have to pay a fine of Bt2,000.

Thailand has one of the toughest anti-smoking laws in the world. It is at the forefront of the region's anti-smoking campaign and has enacted a host of restrictions on the tobacco industry including bans on cigarette advertisements, bans on smoking in most public places and requirements that all cigarette packs include graphic photos depicting the ill effects of tobacco on health.

Last year the government banned cigarette displays at points of sale, making Thailand was the third country worldwide to do so.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Dr Mongkol said that smoking claimed 52,000 lives yearly as a result of cancer and heart disease. The government has to foot the bills of over Bt50 billion to treat those with lung cancer, heart disease and emphysema.

“To make sure that the law is carried out to the letter, we need cooperation from all involved. If there is not a clear sign-posting, or no proper smoking zone and non-smoking zone in public places, owners of such venues would be liable to fines,” said Dr Mongkol.

Virtually all public places would be declared non-smoking zones under the new restriction which becomes effective today, except personal offices, private rooms and designated smoking rooms.

TNA