Thailand makes HUGE changes to its laws on smoking in public

[mdmayes]

Why stop there. Kick all smokers out of kingdom.

[mommysboy]

1 minute ago, mdmayes said:

Why stop there. Kick all smokers out of kingdom.

Whahey! Problem solved.

 

I'm not sure Thais can be deported from their own country.????

[Aatsi]

How about smoking in own balcony or terrace? 

How about if have own house must I run 5 meters from my home house?

Can I smoke inside my condo or in own house?

[CeeGee]

In all this I feel sorry for the first time tourist, how are they expected to know all these rules (and changes),they look at Thailand,read all the TAT hype and think,yes that looks a nice place for a holiday.

Are they then expected to sit down for few hours and try to understand all the rules and get very confused when they get here and they see a Thai person(or a Chinese) seemingly ignoring the rules and getting away with it.Then getting fined for doing exactly the same thing.Are we now going to see booklets handed out at the airports giving a full list of what you can do and cannot.

I am not just talking about smoking, it is almost every aspect of daily life that can impact the unwary tourist.(and I am not talking about expats,if you live here you should over time be aware of the rules,just the guy,girl who steps off the plane for their first holiday here) who then gets hit with a fine,

[mommysboy]

53 minutes ago, Aatsi said:

How about smoking in own balcony or terrace? 

How about if have own house must I run 5 meters from my home house?

Can I smoke inside my condo or in own house?

Don't know about the condo.  I think so and probably on your balcony too.  But not on commonly shared ground, such as walkways, and car parks, and of course the entrance.

[BestB]

36 minutes ago, CeeGee said:

In all this I feel sorry for the first time tourist, how are they expected to know all these rules (and changes),they look at Thailand,read all the TAT hype and think,yes that looks a nice place for a holiday.

Are they then expected to sit down for few hours and try to understand all the rules and get very confused when they get here and they see a Thai person(or a Chinese) seemingly ignoring the rules and getting away with it.Then getting fined for doing exactly the same thing.Are we now going to see booklets handed out at the airports giving a full list of what you can do and cannot.

I am not just talking about smoking, it is almost every aspect of daily life that can impact the unwary tourist.(and I am not talking about expats,if you live here you should over time be aware of the rules,just the guy,girl who steps off the plane for their first holiday here) who then gets hit with a fine,

Do not worry with all the millions of Chinese from alibaba, authorities will be very busy collecting fines.

 

i have clear signs in my room “ no smoking “ with what penalties would be applied, yet they chain smoke and refuse to pay. 

 

Will be fun

[hobz]

3 hours ago, mommysboy said:

This is what I don't understand: surely there are no longer smokers in malls, sports centres, restaurants, and the ilk.  As for outside, I don't see hordes of smokers lingering at the doorway. I do see the odd smoker out and about who appears to be causing no nuisance.

 

Where are these establishments where one can smoke? Why do non smokers feel magnetically drawn to them?  It would be a laugh if we're really just talking about sleazy bars (nothing against them mind).  You have to take the rough with the smooth in these places.

Any place that draws crowds will draw smokers and non-smokers. Bus stops. Markets. Entrances to big buildings. Etc.

[hobz]

52 minutes ago, CeeGee said:

In all this I feel sorry for the first time tourist, how are they expected to know all these rules (and changes),they look at Thailand,read all the TAT hype and think,yes that looks a nice place for a holiday.

Are they then expected to sit down for few hours and try to understand all the rules and get very confused when they get here and they see a Thai person(or a Chinese) seemingly ignoring the rules and getting away with it.Then getting fined for doing exactly the same thing.Are we now going to see booklets handed out at the airports giving a full list of what you can do and cannot.

I am not just talking about smoking, it is almost every aspect of daily life that can impact the unwary tourist.(and I am not talking about expats,if you live here you should over time be aware of the rules,just the guy,girl who steps off the plane for their first holiday here) who then gets hit with a fine,

Anyone being considerate will have no problem. Walk away a bit from people as most smokers already do and they should be fine in most cases.

[hobz]

3 hours ago, mommysboy said:

They are, or should already be, away from you. What do you mean 'away from the rest of us'?

It means it's up to the smoker to make sure that their smoke doesn't come near anyone. Meaning if there is other people around they shouldn't be allowed to light up. I think this is reasonable. 

 

Compare it to guns. If everyone was allowed to carry a gun and was free to shoot it. It would be up to the shooter to make sure it's safe to shoot before shooting the gun. Can't just shoot into a crowd and say "I'm free to shoot my gun! The crowd should had stayed home".

 

Ofcourse I'm not comparing gunfire to cigarette smoke. I'm just making a logical point about responsibility.

 

On the other hand if someone deliberately runs across an active gun range it's that persons fault for getting shot.

Same goes if someone tries to follow a smoker who has already gone out of his way to get away from the crowd to smoke. Smokers should only be fined when they haven't shown reasonable attempt to make sure the smoke doesn't bother others. 

 

That's how I would make the laws. And yes, 5 meter away from an entrance is perfectly reasonable as people will be expected near the entrance.

 

For all you people making comparisons to alcohol and gasoline cars.

 

Alcohol is already limited and regulated. 

Gasoline cars will hopefully be taxed like hell as electric vehicles become better and more common.

Edited November 7, 2018 by hobz

[hobz]

5 hours ago, wabothai said:

Of course we are talking about enforcement.

Who said anything about enforcement, this topic is about law. Not enforcement. Anyone that knows anything knows that this will not be enforced properly.

[hobz]

1 hour ago, Aatsi said:

How about smoking in own balcony or terrace? 

How about if have own house must I run 5 meters from my home house?

Can I smoke inside my condo or in own house?

Your house is private property. Not public building.. Your smoke going into neighbors balcony seems annoying... Might be part of condo rules.

[sirineou]

30 minutes ago, hobz said:

It means it's up to the smoker to make sure that their smoke doesn't come near anyone. Meaning if there is other people around they shouldn't be allowed to light up. I think this is reasonable. 

 Laws a la Carte where the subject should be allowed when the laws apply or not.  Interesting concept.

Lane change signals. only if other cars are around if subject thinks there are no other cars around , no need to signal, what can go wrong with that?

  No other cars coming , why wait for a red light? Waste of time

No one around,  light a cigaret, If someone shows up while you are smocking, no problem, extinguish your cigarette, bring out your personal,HEPA equipped,  air scrubber, Problem solved.

 

Edited November 7, 2018 by sirineou
punctuation

[mommysboy]

1 hour ago, hobz said:

Any place that draws crowds will draw smokers and non-smokers. Bus stops. Markets. Entrances to big buildings. Etc.

I guess I just never take much notice- it doesn't bother me.  I'll keep a look out. But I think this is grossly over-egged, and it really can't hurt or smell that much.

Edited November 7, 2018 by mommysboy

[balo]

2 hours ago, mommysboy said:

Don't know about the condo.  I think so and probably on your balcony too.

Many condos have banned smoking on balconies. 2000 baht fine in my condo.  

[RickoMortis]

Just another Thai Police scam 5000 Baht fine for a Thai that's 3 weeks wages in most cases. WHAT'S NEXT making prostitutes pay Tax policing that should be fun. 

[Polaky]

Be gone smokers,  the rest of us can breath a sigh of relief. 

[hobz]

8 hours ago, mommysboy said:

I guess I just never take much notice- it doesn't bother me.  I'll keep a look out. But I think this is grossly over-egged, and it really can't hurt or smell that much.

grossly over-egged,,, no, it's not a big deal, nobody said its a big deal, just it should be made illegal, if the law is broken a small fine will be paid,, we are not talking about jail sentences or huge fines are we? literally the smallest possible penalty, that is, a small fine. How can that be grossly over-egged?

 

can't hurt or smell that much? Yes it can. 

 

[hobz]

9 hours ago, sirineou said:

 Laws a la Carte where the subject should be allowed when the laws apply or not.  Interesting concept.

Lane change signals. only if other cars are around if subject thinks there are no other cars around , no need to signal, what can go wrong with that?

  No other cars coming , why wait for a red light? Waste of time

No one around,  light a cigaret, If someone shows up while you are smocking, no problem, extinguish your cigarette, bring out your personal,HEPA equipped,  air scrubber, Problem solved.

 

I see your points, can't have laws like that. But in reality this is how most smokers do it, they walk away from people, and if people come they put it out or they walk further away. At least that's how I did it when I used to smoke, and i've seen other operate in the same fashion. It's a matter of showing respect and consideration, something that most people have naturally, but for some people it needs to be enforced with laws. Since laws are not as flexible they tend to hit both good and bad.  

 

 

Edited November 8, 2018 by hobz

[Vacuum]

On 11/6/2018 at 4:32 PM, ChiangMaiLightning2143 said:

Foreigners who wish to smoke publicly should stay in their country or go elsewhere.

Where should the locals go?

[hobz]

25 minutes ago, Vacuum said:

Where should the locals go?

Quit smoking or find spots in public where no other people are.

[dick dasterdly]

3 hours ago, hobz said:

I see your points, can't have laws like that. But in reality this is how most smokers do it, they walk away from people, and if people come they put it out or they walk further away. At least that's how I did it when I used to smoke, and i've seen other operate in the same fashion. It's a matter of showing respect and consideration, something that most people have naturally, but for some people it needs to be enforced with laws. Since laws are not as flexible they tend to hit both good and bad.  

 

 

"But in reality this is how most smokers do it, they walk away from people, and if people come they put it out or they walk further away."

 

Precisely!

 

It's a small minority of smokers in public areas that cause any genuine annoyance at all.

 

But of course a rabid few get annoyed if they see a smoker anywhere near them, regardless of the fact that the smoker has tried to move further away.....

 

"Since laws are not as flexible they tend to hit both good and bad."

 

Again, precisely - and I think we already agree that the occasional whiff of cigarette smoke in outdoor areas isn't a problem?

 

Additionally, (as pointed out by another poster), one of the reasons many of us moved to Thailand was because we were tired of the never ending laws and regulations in our home countries - enacted because a small minority were both stupid and selfish - but mostly because govt. officials and civil servants love to come up with new laws/regulations....

 

It makes them look as if they are doing something 'important'.... and, has the added benefit of providing an opportunity to increase their little empires to come up with ever more pointless, un-needed regulations....

[CanterbrigianBangkoker]

I wonder if the die-hard anti-smoker posters here would be so curt and condescending toward our Thai counterparts who light up in public - outdoors? I think not. If they did they would be running the risk of exposing themselves for the pompous, holier-than-thou tw*ts that many so clearly are. If you wouldn't do it to a Thai (as you might feel a pang of absurdity telling a local not to do something they're legally entitled to do in their own country) then what makes you feel you have the right to foist your intolerance on fellow foreigners?

 

Thais would probably tell you cigarettenazis to 'get to <deleted>' in no uncertain terms, even if aggrieved foreigners might not. Our counterparts haven't suffered the constant hectoring and barrage of extreme regulation that smokers have in the West, so they wouldn't stand for it. This makes me think that this new law won't wash, won't be observed and won't be enforced. It certainly doesn't need to be, so it's a good thing in my view.

Edited November 8, 2018 by CanterbrigianBangkoker

[Chrisswe]

There is no short-cut to success , why you don't try to investigate and solve the root-cause!!?? Attitude, respect, responsibility and judgement is the basic knowledge for driving your car, truck or bus !!!!

[dick dasterdly]

17 hours ago, superal said:

<snip>

The smoking ban is just another means to collect money from tourists who will be able to afford it . A much better return than road checks and traffic offenses and the top cops will be happy to be getting rich quick . 

Who ever thinks this move is to safeguard health are living in cuckoo land . It is a money making venture .

Current bans on restaurant / bar smoking are rarely enforced , especially if the police are collecting tea money .

To the non smokers I say , if it means so much to you to be in a smoke and pollution free environment why do you choose to live in 3rd world country where laws are seldom enforces by legal means . Maybe return to the western world where the laws are enforced and big brother watches over you . 

 

18 minutes ago, CanterbrigianBangkoker said:

I wonder if the die-hard anti-smoker posters here would be so curt and condescending toward our Thai counterparts who light up in public - outdoors? I think not. If they did they would be running the risk of exposing themselves for the pompous, holier-than-thou tw*ts that many so clearly are. If you wouldn't do it to a Thai (as you might feel a pang of absurdity telling a local not to do something they're legally entitled to do in their own country) then what makes you feel you have the right to foist your intolerance on fellow foreigners?

 

Thais would probably tell you cigarettenazis to 'get to <deleted>" in no uncertain terms, even if aggrieved foreigners might not. Our counterparts haven't suffered the constant hectoring and barrage of extreme regulation that smokers have in the West, so they wouldn't stand for it. This makes me think that this new law won't wash, won't be observed and won't be enforced. It certainly doesn't need to be, so it's a good thing in my view.

This makes me think that this new law won't wash, won't be observed and won't be enforced. It certainly doesn't need to be, so it's a good thing in my view.

 

I think superal 'hit the nail on the head' with his post (quoted above).

 

Edit - I agree with all of superal's post - but "The smoking ban is just another means to collect money from tourists who will be able to afford it" is the most obvious part.

 

"

Edited November 8, 2018 by dick dasterdly

[superal]

Smoking bars & non smoking bars , is that beyond the wit of man ?

 

For sure there is a conflict of interest from the government i.e. If they were so concerned about public health there would be a total ban on smoking but if they chose to impose that they would be billions of Baht down on the loss of tobacco tax revenue .

  I do believe that the police will act on this new law when it is live because it will be easy pickings . No doubt there will be posters to inform the public ? however I can see many a tourist after having a few drinks , forgetting the restrictions & lighting up within the non smoking zone . This is going to annoy many Chinese tourists who are renown smokers just at the time when the Thai government are trying to win them back .

[sup3r1or]

"There will be a five meter radius exclusion zone from any entrance or exit of all manner of public buildings."

 

Ummmm have they ever heard about this thing called wind?

[mommysboy]

7 hours ago, Polaky said:

Be gone smokers,  the rest of us can breath a sigh of relief. 

Hardly unable to do that at present.

[mommysboy]

6 hours ago, hobz said:

grossly over-egged,,, no, it's not a big deal, nobody said its a big deal, just it should be made illegal, if the law is broken a small fine will be paid,, we are not talking about jail sentences or huge fines are we? literally the smallest possible penalty, that is, a small fine. How can that be grossly over-egged?

 

can't hurt or smell that much? Yes it can. 

 

We live in different locations. You are describing a place and occurrence that I simply never see even though I live in a Thai city.

 

Remember we're talking outside here. 

 

If the bar is so high, the same argument of nuisance could be applied to any number of activities that some may regard as annoying.

 

You appear to be saying smokers are congregating outside of shopping malls- in all my years in Bangkok I never saw that.  Then at markets, but I was in JJ market a year back and have to take special safety note because I have a young child, yet I don't recall seeing a smoker- perhaps there were by the toilets but I can't say for sure. Out on the street, hardly worth noting.

 

Meanwhile cars pass on mass.

 

So let's take a real life example, Bill absent-mindedly strolls in to his ground floor car park with lighted cig. in hand. He is reminded, or comes to his senses, walks back and stubs it out.  No harm done- what's the big deal?  Meanwhile, of course, Bob, a resident, might come down to the car park and start his car, which pumps out exhaust fumes far above the scale of Bill's indiscretions . Can you see what I'm saying?

 

Bill understands, it's life,  but Bob isn't so philisophical, and rails at Bill for being so inconsiderate.

Edited November 8, 2018 by mommysboy

[direction BANGKOK]

20 hours ago, Bluespunk said:

I'm vegan and haven't missed a work day 22 years, perfectly healthy lifestyle. I go to the gym or run 5 or 6 days a week, so diet clearly is not an issue for vegans.

 

Smoking is a habit that causes illness and death, not only for the smoker but those unfortunate to be also breathing in their poison.

 

It's nothing to do with political correctness, but a realisation that the tobacco companies lied for decades about their research into their product and it is a dangerous, addictive habit.

 

Smoke away smokers but do it away from the rest of us. Don't impose your poison upon us.

 

Oh and by the way, not smoking has never been considered politically incorrect.

Here is the truth. There are not many legitimate reasons people are allowed to smoke in public around others. If anybody has some, I am all ears. Just keep in mind, deflecting and saying "because people drive cars" is not a reason to allow smoking in public. That is like saying "my leg itches" as a response to a question about Dolphins. Your leg has nothing whatsoever to do with the topic. 

 

Here is the reason why smoking is still allowed in public. It is the only explination/reason. When cigarettes first came out, nobody knew how bad they were. Watch an episode of the original "The Fugituve". The doctor smokes like a fire in the series. People just did not know smoking was bad for you, and they certainly did not know it was bad for others. 

 

Now we have the knowledge though. And, the only reason people are allowed to smoke in public is because it is difficult to take something away from people they have been doing all their lives. But, we know now that it must be done, and it probably will be is the truth. 

[mommysboy]

2 minutes ago, direction BANGKOK said:

Here is the truth. There are not many legitimate reasons people are allowed to smoke in public around others. If anybody has some, I am all ears. Just keep in mind, deflecting and saying "because people drive cars" is not a reason to allow smoking in public. That is like saying "my leg itches" as a response to a question about Dolphins. Your leg has nothing whatsoever to do with the topic. 

 

Here is the reason why smoking is still allowed in public. It is the only explination/reason. When cigarettes first came out, nobody knew how bad they were. Watch an episode of the original "The Fugituve". The doctor smokes like a fire in the series. People just did not know smoking was bad for you, and they certainly did not know it was bad for others. 

 

Now we have the knowledge though. And, the only reason people are allowed to smoke in public is because it is difficult to take something away from people they have been doing all their lives. But, we know now that it must be done, and it probably will be is the truth. 

Do you mean out on the street? If so, because it doesn't effect me, and can't hurt me.  Why would I possibly be bothered?