Thailand butts out
BANGKOK – A total ban on smoking in pubs and clubs throughout the country took effect in Thailand yesterday.
The ban covers all air-conditioned bars, pubs, discos and clubs.
In addition, the owners of outdoor restaurants and markets are required to designate smoking and non-smoking zones.
The Bangkok Post said most bar owners see the law as impinging on people’s civil liberties.
The law previously exempted nightclubs and bars from a smoking ban that was introduced in 2002.
The original ban covered indoor public places, including air-conditioned restaurants.
The ban’s extension is being hailed by health advocates who say it is another milestone for tobacco control.
“By banning smoking in pubs and nightclubs, Thailand has once again shown its leadership in tobacco control in the international community, following the examples of Ireland, Uruguay, the UK, France and others,” said Bungon Ritthiphakdee, director of the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance.
The health ministry said bar and restaurant owners can relax, at least for now, because authorities won’t begin fining the lawbreakers until June.
“Although the ban takes effect on Feb 11, we will focus more on educating people and issuing warnings rather than fining wrongdoers until May 31,” Seri Hongyok, deputy director-general of the Disease Control Office, told the Bangkok Post.
Ian Jarrett
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