On 2/4/2026 at 2:29 PM, johng said:

t's ridiculous to bust 'tourists’ for smoking on the beach a wide open well ventilated space...while the huge air pollution from burning the forests and fields continues unabated

Whataboutism again? It's not just about being a well ventilated space is it? If you are sat on a deck chair next to a smoker that is just a meter away, second hand smoke becomes an issue. Butt (geddit?) the butt issue is the main polluter, cigarette butts are made of cellulose acetate (a type of plastic) that can take 10+ years to decompose.

5 minutes ago, Nurf said:

Agreed. The beach is not an ash tray and smokers are usually pretty inconsiderate lot. Nevertheless, the picture is absolutely ridiculous. Cops should be embarrassed. There's no one within 50 meters of them ffs

I totally agree. I would be quite upset if cops traipsed over 100 m of hot and empty beach sand just to ticket me for firing up a fine San Cristobal de la Habana El Morro.

3 minutes ago, Hamus Yaigh said:

Whataboutism again? It's not just about being a well ventilated space is it? If you are sat on a deck chair next to a smoker that is just a meter away, second hand smoke becomes an issue. Butt (geddit?) the butt issue is the main polluter, cigarette butts are made of cellulose acetate (a type of plastic) that can take 10+ years to decompose.

I also dislike cigarette smoke, but if someone lights a cigarette "just a meter away", what's stopping you from moving? It's a big beach out there.

7 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

I also dislike cigarette smoke, but if someone lights a cigarette "just a meter away", what's stopping you from moving? It's a big beach out there.

So I should leave my paid for deck chair and get buy another rental somewhere else to get away from the stench of your cigar smoke? The arrogance!

2 minutes ago, Hamus Yaigh said:

So I should leave my paid for deck chair and get buy another rental somewhere else to get away from the stench of your cigar smoke? The arrogance!

Sorry to disappoint you, but I wouldn't be seen dead on a tourist beach, crowded with people on deck chairs, let alone lighting a cigar amongst them.

But yes, if you are really, deadly (sic) serious about your personal health risk from second-hand smoke, then why wouldn't you either ask to be reseated or bite the 50 baht chair rental bullet and completely relocate? What price YOUR health?

On 2/4/2026 at 2:47 PM, spidermike007 said:

I like this law, as a non-smoker I'm frequently a victim of secondhand smoke which is truly obnoxious, you want to have a cigarette walk over to the sidewalk, you feel like smoking at a restaurant walk outside for a minute and spare everyone in the restaurant your noxious smoke.

In general I try not to be a judgmental person but I do consider smoking cigarettes to be an incredibly filthy habit and one that demonstrates a pretty significant lack of personal discipline.

I realize it's very addictive as the chemical companies add a hundred some odd ingredients to make sure that you continue to support them, but come on, if you decide to clean up your life, anyone with a fair amount of strength, discipline and will can conquer this completely ridiculous habit.

Man you are really a uptight whiner aren't you?

1 hour ago, NanLaew said:

But yes, if you are really, deadly (sic) serious about your personal health risk from second-hand smoke, then why wouldn't you either ask to be reseated or bite the 50 baht chair rental bullet and completely relocate? What price YOUR health?

I think its more a question of what price the smokers health? Other than filling their lungs with toxicity, they are risky a severe lamping for the selfishness of their filthy habit in a public space.

On 2/5/2026 at 8:23 AM, Patong2021 said:

Your angelic smokers leave their cigarette debris behind. I dislike having to walk through an ashtray, which is what many beaches looked like in high season before this rule was in place.

every beach and restaurant, should have bouncers just like they have at bars/clubs

and the penalty for smoking should be the same as not paying the bill .. instant ass kicking !

2 hours ago, Hamus Yaigh said:

I think its more a question of what price the smokers health? Other than filling their lungs with toxicity, they are risky a severe lamping for the selfishness of their filthy habit in a public space.

"lamping"? Seriously?

You need to relax, maybe have a ciggy to calm you down.

On 2/4/2026 at 2:55 PM, HappyExpat57 said:

I am a former smoker, gave them up about 20 years ago. While I was smoking, I couldn't understand all the fuss from non-smokers.

Now I get it.

Me, too. Can't stand the smell of cigarettes now.

7 hours ago, Hamus Yaigh said:

It's not just about being a well ventilated space is it? If you are sat on a deck chair next to a smoker that is just a meter away, second hand smoke becomes an issue.

Sat on a deck chairi on the beach is a very well ventilated space the risk from the occasional puff of tobacco smoke is minimal.

8 hours ago, NanLaew said:

To clarify, I am a second-hand smoke agnostic when it comes to the wide, open spaces. It's a stupid idea but as an alternative to a stop breathing directive, I guess it's all they've got.

There's no "if" regarding the irresponsible disposal of cigarette butts.

Something only a Brit would worry about.

Losing sleep?

22 hours ago, NanLaew said:

If you need to ask.

But you did, sio here we go, no filthy toxin and chemical ridden un-biodegradable filter to casually flick into the sand or sea.

I suppose so, but it looks like something the dog left and causes angst when stepped on!

On 2/8/2026 at 5:44 AM, jacko45k said:

I suppose so, but it looks like something the dog left and causes angst when stepped on!

I find the little bags for scooping up dog poop works for dead stogies too.

On 2/4/2026 at 7:37 PM, petermik said:

Many smokers believe they have the divine right to polute anywhere they feel like... wrong they should try considering the effect it has on others... but there is fat chance of that... you ever see a smoker picking up the butts they leave behind...rarely if ever?

My favorite is the jerkwad that has to light up at a restuarant, I asked one guy.. very nicely if he could refrain while we are eating

he stopped just short of go f*** youself! .. so me being the better man just told him no problem,

just don't complain when I start farting next to you ! said to the wife . we have to order one of those whoopie cushions for effect !

18 hours ago, NanLaew said:

I find the little bags for scooping up dog poop works for dead stogies too.

Do they get used though? A little smoking pen, a few spaced around the beach would seem to be the ideal solution, a bit more open than the cancerous glass boxes supplied at airports.

Arrest and deport !

Has anyone died recently? I'll need to make an 'RIP' post to complete the day's virtue signaling.

Bring in the Newfie seal harvesters to clean up the beaches.