Pictures courtesy of Pattaya Mail

 

Pattaya’s new crackdown on smoking at its beaches has ignited a fierce debate among expats and long-term visitors, who argue that the ban is a superficial fix for deeper issues.

 

Introduced as a measure to clean up the shores and safeguard public health, the ban imposes a 5,000 baht (approximately 137 USD) fine on those caught smoking on the sand or nearby footpaths. However, numerous foreign residents view it as yet another poorly executed scheme that could ultimately be counterproductive.

 

Social media has been abuzz with expats and frequent tourists voicing concerns over why smoking has suddenly become a prime focus when other problems, such as shirtless tourists, litter, and public urination, remain unaddressed.

 

One commenter sarcastically remarked, “Nice penalty. Cannot be shirtless on the beach? Are you OK?” echoing the sentiment of many dissatisfied voices.

 

Critics further highlighted the absence of essential amenities such as public toilets and adequate rubbish bins. They questioned why efforts to catch smokers aren’t matched with efforts to provide these basic facilities.

 

Concerns have also been raised about selective enforcement of the ban, with fears that foreigners might be unfairly targeted while locals escape scrutiny.

 

One long-term visitor expressed doubts, “I have serious doubts this will be applied equally.”

 

Sceptics warned that such measures might damage Pattaya’s already waning reputation as a tourist destination. One commenter lamented, “The country is doing everything it can to reduce people’s reason to come… a sad demise.”

 

There are also concerns about transparency, with some reports of “unofficial fines” fuelling suspicions over the implementation of the rules. The exclusion of vaping from the ban has added to perceptions of inconsistency.

 

Critics argue that the real issue lies in the city’s priorities. They propose that authorities should focus on more impactful pollution sources, like vehicle exhaust fumes.

 

“It’s already no tourists anymore, but let them do. Will see when commerce will not work anymore,” shared an expat, underscoring fears of economic repercussions.

 

Despite the outcry, some support the idea of smoke-free beaches, recognising it as a common health measure in Europe. However, they stress that effective enforcement requires fairness, proper infrastructure, and clear signage for success.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-15

 

 

Welcoming Pattaya.... smoking not allowed on the beaches, vaping is forbidden and limited alcohol buy and sales hours, robbing by ladyboys and scamming... A real welcoming tourist destination

I can understand this littering issue - it is very simple to provide an ashtray or just use an empty container but an outright ban is and always was stupid, it is an outdoor area punish those that litter including smokers

 

there is a  huge amount of garbage that goes into the sea every time it rains, pattaya in general has a massive garbage problem, it is a dirty slum

 

go to italy spain or anywhere in europe - the place is pristine

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Social media has been abuzz with expats and frequent tourists voicing concerns over why smoking has suddenly become a prime focus when other problems, such as shirtless tourists, litter, and public urination, remain unaddressed.

RTP cannot multi-task... one  crackdown at a time

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Pictures courtesy of Pattaya Mail

 

Pattaya’s new crackdown on smoking at its beaches has ignited a fierce debate among expats and long-term visitors, who argue that the ban is a superficial fix for deeper issues.

 

Introduced as a measure to clean up the shores and safeguard public health, the ban imposes a 5,000 baht (approximately 137 USD) fine on those caught smoking on the sand or nearby footpaths. However, numerous foreign residents view it as yet another poorly executed scheme that could ultimately be counterproductive.

 

Social media has been abuzz with expats and frequent tourists voicing concerns over why smoking has suddenly become a prime focus when other problems, such as shirtless tourists, litter, and public urination, remain unaddressed.

 

One commenter sarcastically remarked, “Nice penalty. Cannot be shirtless on the beach? Are you OK?” echoing the sentiment of many dissatisfied voices.

 

Critics further highlighted the absence of essential amenities such as public toilets and adequate rubbish bins. They questioned why efforts to catch smokers aren’t matched with efforts to provide these basic facilities.

 

Concerns have also been raised about selective enforcement of the ban, with fears that foreigners might be unfairly targeted while locals escape scrutiny.

 

One long-term visitor expressed doubts, “I have serious doubts this will be applied equally.”

 

Sceptics warned that such measures might damage Pattaya’s already waning reputation as a tourist destination. One commenter lamented, “The country is doing everything it can to reduce people’s reason to come… a sad demise.”

 

There are also concerns about transparency, with some reports of “unofficial fines” fuelling suspicions over the implementation of the rules. The exclusion of vaping from the ban has added to perceptions of inconsistency.

 

Critics argue that the real issue lies in the city’s priorities. They propose that authorities should focus on more impactful pollution sources, like vehicle exhaust fumes.

 

“It’s already no tourists anymore, but let them do. Will see when commerce will not work anymore,” shared an expat, underscoring fears of economic repercussions.

 

Despite the outcry, some support the idea of smoke-free beaches, recognising it as a common health measure in Europe. However, they stress that effective enforcement requires fairness, proper infrastructure, and clear signage for success.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-15

 

 

Good decision.

Ban all smokers even from entering the country 😂

"Concerns have also been raised about selective enforcement of the ban, with fears that foreigners might be unfairly targeted while locals escape scrutiny."

 

Correction foreigners will be be unfairly targeted as normal?

First of all, vaping is already illegal. I think that's kind of over the top. It helps people quit smoking.

 

Second, good riddance. When I do my walks in the morning hundreds of these little <deleted>s are smoking away. What's funny is the cops are often right there. Also drinking, also doing drugs. 

Smoking should be banned in all public spaces... What gives a smoker the right to pollute the air of others. Rude and obnoxious (both the smoke and the smoker). Go kill yourself in private. Let the whinnying begin in 3...2...1... 🤐 

They use sand in ashtrays right??? 🤔

When i was in Phuket in January 2025> My family and i got our rented chairs and then we had a group tourist grab chairs near us. They were smoking and the  disgusting smoke was coming over our way. It was annoying. Its should be banned and they can smoke somewhere else. Also the stubs go everywhere which is also disgusting.

smokers just trying to divert from their personal disgusting habit

27 minutes ago, Baba Naba said:

They use sand in ashtrays right??? 🤔

what is the significance of that?

8 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Welcoming Pattaya.... smoking not allowed on the beaches, vaping is forbidden and limited alcohol buy and sales hours, robbing by ladyboys and scamming... A real welcoming tourist destination

I think that's a huge plus for Pattaya

Didn't the goverment just want everyone to stop vaping and switch to "organic" cigarettes instead? Don't complain now when you get the result you wanted. 

I quit smoking and find the smoking adequate. Are there any non smokers that find the ban unreasonable 

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The exclusion of vaping from the ban has added to perceptions of inconsistency.

 

??? Isn't vaping still illegal. Plenty of people still vaping (buy online) but I don't see it in public.

Dear God, with everybody driving the wrong way, without helmets, drunk drivers, drugs galore, the authorities think that banning smoking in open areas is the priority?

 

Is this place being run by retarded children?

4 hours ago, smedly said:

I can understand this littering issue - it is very simple to provide an ashtray or just use an empty container but an outright ban is and always was stupid, it is an outdoor area punish those that litter including smokers

 

there is a  huge amount of garbage that goes into the sea every time it rains, pattaya in general has a massive garbage problem, it is a dirty slum

 

go to italy spain or anywhere in europe - the place is pristine

The Paris Metro (& a thousand other places in Europe are pristine??) Really??🙃🙃

6 minutes ago, CanadaSam said:

Dear God, with everybody driving the wrong way, without helmets, drunk drivers, drugs galore, the authorities think that banning smoking in open areas is the priority?

 

Is this place being run by retarded children?

Yes.🙃🙃

At least 12 European countries currently ban smoking on the beach. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/how-smoking-bans-are-evolving-across-europe-2025-05-30/

Thailand is just catching up. Cigarette filters are a big pollution problem as they are not easy to recycle.

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

other problems, such as shirtless tourists,

can't have any of that nonsense on a beach can we , truly outrageous 

A good move. Smoking cigarettes on beaches should not be allowed. 

Smoking should definitely be banned on the beaches. 99% of smokers do not dispose of their butts correctly and flick them anywhere. Even yesterday a guy on the back of a baht bus finished his cigarette and automatically just threw it out of the road in front of me. Guys walking down the street just drop them down the drains. 

 

Best thing that could happen is to ban smoking on the beach. 

9 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Welcoming Pattaya.... smoking not allowed on the beaches, vaping is forbidden and limited alcohol buy and sales hours, robbing by ladyboys and scamming... A real welcoming tourist destination

It's a welcoming destination for folks who aren't puffing, vaping drunks, hooking up with ladyboys at 2 am...

It would be more useful if the police enforced the law from 20+ years ago prohibiting smoking in bars and restaurants.

Stop selling cigarettes' in 7/11 better still all supermarkets,  no that wont happen with the tobacco monopoly, 

15 minutes ago, tomazbodner said:

It's a welcoming destination for folks who aren't puffing, vaping drunks, hooking up with ladyboys at 2 am...

It will be quiet in the capital of sex in Thailand

2 hours ago, Nickcage49 said:

First of all, vaping is already illegal. I think that's kind of over the top. It helps people quit smoking.

 

Second, good riddance. When I do my walks in the morning hundreds of these little <deleted>s are smoking away. What's funny is the cops are often right there. Also drinking, also doing drugs. 

The vaping ban extends to weed too which makes a mockery of the medicinal marijuana industry. There is nothing medicinal in smoking weed yet there are no vaporisers available locally.. 

2 minutes ago, ChipButty said:

Stop selling cigarettes' in 7/11 better still all supermarkets,  no that wont happen with the tobacco monopoly, 

Go home if you want a sanitised life. Foreigners originally enjoyed the ability to get away from a life governed by rules, regulations and bans but now seem to want an environment that is stricter than their home country.

11 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Welcoming Pattaya.... smoking not allowed on the beaches, vaping is forbidden and limited alcohol buy and sales hours, robbing by ladyboys and scamming... A real welcoming tourist destination

Well don't come.,.. anything else?