Thailand Smoking Ban Goes Into Effect

Word Count:
458

Summary:
A new law banning smoking in restaurants, bars and even open-air markets went into effect in February, 2008.


Keywords:
smoke, law, smoking, restaurant, thailand, really, area, ban, smoking area, smokers, bar, owners, outside, fines, bar restaurant


Article Body:
The new smoking ban in Thailand bars and restaurants is in effect and from what I have observed the law is being treated like any other law in Thailand refine360.com What I mean is, some establishments have already set up smoking areas, others say you have to smoke outside the restaurant or bar, and others are ignoring the law altogether.

The reason for ignoring the ban could be that it will not really be enforced for a couple of months ricoshays.com Instead of stiff fines being issued, there will be warnings and education until the end of May, 2008.

But, then, the fines will be steep rockapulco-nyc.com If enforced, smokers can be fined 2,000 Baht (approximately $62 US dollars) and venue owners will be fined up to 20,000 Baht (over $600 US dollars).

This will force the bar and restaurant owners to enforce the law on their property rockawaii.com If the ban just penalized smokers, the establishment owners would completely ignore it.

This is nothing really new saintmarcarabians.com Thailand has banned smoking in hospitals, government buildings, and train stations for a few years now scliew.com This is just an extension of an already existing law.

We have a similar law in Hawaii signgalonline.com It is a little more stringent in that we cannot smoke within 50 feet of the door of the establishment southernstyleproductions.com The law also provides fines for smokers and bar and restaurant owners.

As a smoker, I was a bit peeved initially at the law, but as time has gone by, it is really no big deal starwinmedia.com If I have to step outside to smoke it is no big deal.

I am currently visiting Khon Kaen, Thailand and go out almost nightly stevestonvillagegallery.com I haven’t been to any bars but I have visited quite a few restaurants stickerduderacing.com One of my favorites, La Mai, has set up a smoking area near the restrooms studioyousb.com Smile restaurant allowed me to smoke at the table thepreachersplatform.com And, Bu-Sa-Ba restaurant has a small, covered smoking area in the rear of the restaurant.

So, between now and May 31, ask your waiter or waitress if it is alright to smoke titostouch.com If they have a smoking area set up, please use it vegawebproductions.com If you have to go outside to smoke, like at Kit'z Café, then just sit at the table and have your cigarette.

I am not sure how the major tourist areas, Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket, are going to respond or what the impact on tourism will be wmmfsg.com I would guess that starting on June 1, 2008, there will be a crackdown to show people that the government is serious about the ban.

So, if you are planning to visit the Land of Smiles, and you smoke cigarettes, make sure to ask if it is OK to smoke before you light up 13on.com Otherwise, you may have to pay dearly.

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