Smoking Ban - Will It Be Enforced?

[KevinHunt]

We have helmet laws, seat-belt laws, non-smoking in A/C restaurants laws, but they don't appear to be enforced so will the new smoking ban be enforced I wonder? Do you think it is good? Will it be accepted? Are all the tourists going to leave Thailand because of it (as some seem to think)?

It appears to me that since I left the UK, smoking has become compulsory for young females! They all appear to smoke , and I am reliably(?) informed that it is to stop them putting on weight (it acts as an appetite suppresant, they say). Which of course begs the question - how fat would they be if they didn't smoke?

By the way - what exactly is the new law? Does it apply to open-air restaurants? Since there is already a law forbidding smoking in A/C places then presumably this law applies to all restaurants - A/C and open-air?

[Ulysses G.]

It appears to me that since I left the UK, smoking has become compulsory for young females! They all appear to smoke , and I am reliably(?) informed that it is to stop them putting on weight (it acts as an appetite suppresant, they say).

This makes TOTAL sense.

I kept wondering how anyone could be stupid enough to take up smoking these days and in particular women. Apparently, being fashionably thin is worth smelling bad and poisoning one's body.

[KevinHunt]

It appears to me that since I left the UK, smoking has become compulsory for young females! They all appear to smoke , and I am reliably(?) informed that it is to stop them putting on weight (it acts as an appetite suppresant, they say).

This makes TOTAL sense.

I kept wondering how anyone could be stupid enough to take up smoking these days and in particular women. Apparently, being fashionably thin is worth smelling bad and poisoning one's body.

Thai girls don't smoke as much and yet they're still slim.

I don't know why, but I'm sometimes asked by thai girls 'you like smoke?' Of course, having never smoked I always say 'Nooooo thank you!' , to which they seem surprised? I guess most Thai guys smoke, so they think we all do?

[mcgriffith]

All the articles I've read on this new law only mentions "air conditioned restaurants".

If there was already a law on the books re: the above....well maybe this is a new law, reiterating the same...?!?

[JuniorExPat]

I may be wrong - it's rare but does happen - but I think this is an old law. I'm pretty sure that we've been through this before, for about six months, in 2002 or thereabouts.

Maybe it really will be enforced and I can finally give up, put on some real weight and change my nickname to SeniorExPat.

JxP

[mikethevigoman]

We have helmet laws, seat-belt laws, non-smoking in A/C restaurants laws, but they don't appear to be enforced so will the new smoking ban be enforced I wonder? Do you think it is good? Will it be accepted? Are all the tourists going to leave Thailand because of it (as some seem to think)?

It appears to me that since I left the UK, smoking has become compulsory for young females! They all appear to smoke , and I am reliably(?) informed that it is to stop them putting on weight (it acts as an appetite suppresant, they say). Which of course begs the question - how fat would they be if they didn't smoke?

By the way - what exactly is the new law? Does it apply to open-air restaurants? Since there is already a law forbidding smoking in A/C places then presumably this law applies to all restaurants - A/C and open-air?

its only the bgs that smoke mostly ,,i hope they do enforce it but like everything else in thailand a drink in a uniformed hand will see any enforcement disapear,

[mobs00]

I have extremely reliable sources and they have told me the ban is definitely going to happen. I have some friends in BKK with good sources and they say the same. So it will be enforced but to what extent? There has been talk of air conditioned places that the ban will affect but they may decide to extend this to other establishments as well.

With a fine of 20,000 baht for the business and 2,000 baht for the offender I don't think I'm going to be the guinea pig!

[tom21]

i hope they do enforce it but i do not think so. time will tell

[sweetchariot]

All the articles I've read on this new law only mentions "air conditioned restaurants".

If there was already a law on the books re: the above....well maybe this is a new law, reiterating the same...?!?

Oh dear Mr Supermod man. The law which you quote was invoked in 2004, and is widely; although not thoroughly; ignored.

This new one WAS about air-con'd entertainment establishments, ie. air-con bars, discos, go-go's etc.

NOW there is a new one coming out covering all entertainment, and public places. This covers beer bars, markets, and all of the above.

Hmmmmmm........enforcement, we shall wait and see, but they are scoring many brownie points with the international community for talking the talk...

[lazeeboy]

there will always be smoking in out door bars and restaurants

[Blinky Bill]

I don't know why, but I'm sometimes asked by thai girls 'you like smoke?' Of course, having never smoked I always say 'Nooooo thank you!' , to which they seem surprised? I guess most Thai guys smoke, so they think we all do?

Mr KHunt, I don't think the Thai girls are referring to cigarettes when they ask you this question.

Perhaps the Liverpool girls do mean cigarettes.

[Rinrada]

Soap (Smoke) Dodgers United...

Smoking ban hits Johnson's dry clean profits

Jan 30 2008 .Liverpool Daily Post..9with thanks)

THE ban on smoking in public places has hit trade at the UK’s biggest dry cleaner, the company revealed today.

Johnson Service Group, parent of Johnson Cleaners, said the fresher atmosphere in pubs and bars had led to a fall in the number of people getting their garments dry cleaned.

The group, which also runs the Jeeves of Belgravia chain, said a decline in consumer spending on the high street was also having an effect on dry cleaning volumes.

It added: "The current decline in retail spending and the smoking ban are having some impact on trading volumes. Management are seeking to address the impact of these factors by tight cost control, promotional activity geared up to drive volume through an emphasis on value and by developing a broader product offering."

...........WOT FREE FAGs

[FolkGuitar]

It appears to me that since I left the UK, smoking has become compulsory for young females! They all appear to smoke , and I am reliably(?) informed that it is to stop them putting on weight (it acts as an appetite suppresant, they say).

This makes TOTAL sense.

I kept wondering how anyone could be stupid enough to take up smoking these days and in particular women. Apparently, being fashionably thin is worth smelling bad and poisoning one's body.

As someone who takes his lunches in backpacker guest houses, I truly believe that it is a requirement for female backpack tourists to smoke non-stop from the time they sit down until the time they stand up. For the males, only some of them are required, but their requirements are different. That have to roll their own. Of course ALL of them are very polite about their smoking; they always hold their smoldering cigarettes behind them so that others at THEIR table (who are all smoking at the same time) don't have to breath in each other's smoke. Of course this permits four other tables to be inundated with their smoke, but I guess that's not part of the polite requirement. I think the most interesting part is that they have absolutely no idea of just how badly it makes them smell! I know I had no idea until I smoked my last cigarette. I smoked like a chimney for 43 years. Unfiltered menthols. 30-40 a day. A few months after I smoked my last one I began to smell those who were still smoking. I was gob-smacked over the stench. STENCH! And I never knew. I heard about it, but I never knew.

As a smoker who hasn't smoked in a long time, I'd never tell anyone around me not to smoke because I don't like the smell. That would be hypocritical of me. I even let people smoke inside my house. Most won't. They'll go out onto the veranda. Most of us smokers are polite (in our own way of thinking...)

I don't like the idea of the State forcing anyone to do anything. I don't like helmet laws, but I'll always wear one when I ride. I don't like seatbelt laws, but I always put mine on when in a car. I won't smoke a cigarette today, but I don't like the idea that there is a law to prohibit it. I like to choose for myself. But that's not the issue here. It will soon be rainy season.... Have you ever watched the 'smokers' huddle together under an awning in the rain during their breaks? I used to be one of them. The cops smoke too. They also often ride without helmets, go the wrong way on one way streets, and ride on the sidewalks. Can you REALLY believe that the smoking laws will be enforced at times other than between paychecks?

A smoker who hasn't smoked in 9 years, 5 months, and 3 days. One day at a time.........

If you want to stop, contact me.

Edited January 31, 2008 by FolkGuitar

[Greenside]

I don't like the idea of the State forcing anyone to do anything. I don't like helmet laws, but I'll always wear one when I ride. I don't like seatbelt laws, but I always put mine on when in a car. I won't smoke a cigarette today, but I don't like the idea that there is a law to prohibit it. I like to choose for myself. But that's not the issue here.

Sorry, I know this is slightly off the main topic but I just wanted to point out that seatbelt and helmet laws, however you feel about them personally, have saved countless lives over the years and even in countries such as Thailand where they are often ignored, those wearing them at the time of their it'll-never-happen-to-me accident have reason to be thankful for being "forced" to wear them. The families of those who exercise their "right to choose" in the face of overwhelming evidence face emotional trauma and often financial ruin when the predicable happens and I feel strongly that where education proves ineffective or simply too slow it's the state's duty to try to get people to protect their well being. Phew!

Back to smoking. I applaud the Thai's for their stance on smoking (guess what, I used to puff on 30 a day too) and am pleased to see that it's not as prevalent here as in many of our neighbours - try buses in China, for example. Hopefully the new laws will lower the appeal of smoking by making it more inconvenient and thereby discourage kids from taking it up in the first place.

If all else fails, try hypnosis. It's worked for me for the past twenty seven years...

[JuniorExPat]

I don't know why, but I'm sometimes asked by thai girls 'you like smoke?' Of course, having never smoked I always say 'Nooooo thank you!' , to which they seem surprised? I guess most Thai guys smoke, so they think we all do?

Mr KHunt, I don't think the Thai girls are referring to cigarettes when they ask you this question.

Perhaps the Liverpool girls do mean cigarettes.

Mr Bill, for such a tall koala I'm surprised to see something go over your head quite so easily.

JxP

[Blinky Bill]

I don't know why, but I'm sometimes asked by thai girls 'you like smoke?' Of course, having never smoked I always say 'Nooooo thank you!' , to which they seem surprised? I guess most Thai guys smoke, so they think we all do?

Mr KHunt, I don't think the Thai girls are referring to cigarettes when they ask you this question.

Perhaps the Liverpool girls do mean cigarettes.

Mr Bill, for such a tall koala I'm surprised to see something go over your head quite so easily.

JxP

If you knew Mr KHunt you might understand that the hidden meaning wasn't meant to be there. After all he is also from Liverpool. Now if it were Essex that'd be somewhat different.

[JuniorExPat]

I don't know why, but I'm sometimes asked by thai girls 'you like smoke?' Of course, having never smoked I always say 'Nooooo thank you!' , to which they seem surprised? I guess most Thai guys smoke, so they think we all do?

Mr KHunt, I don't think the Thai girls are referring to cigarettes when they ask you this question.

Perhaps the Liverpool girls do mean cigarettes.

Mr Bill, for such a tall koala I'm surprised to see something go over your head quite so easily.

JxP

If you knew Mr KHunt you might understand that the hidden meaning wasn't meant to be there. After all he is also from Liverpool. Now if it were Essex that'd be somewhat different.

JxP

[KevinHunt]

I don't know why, but I'm sometimes asked by thai girls 'you like smoke?' Of course, having never smoked I always say 'Nooooo thank you!' , to which they seem surprised? I guess most Thai guys smoke, so they think we all do?

Mr KHunt, I don't think the Thai girls are referring to cigarettes when they ask you this question.

Perhaps the Liverpool girls do mean cigarettes.

Mr Bill, for such a tall koala I'm surprised to see something go over your head quite so easily.

JxP

If you knew Mr KHunt you might understand that the hidden meaning wasn't meant to be there. After all he is also from Liverpool. Now if it were Essex that'd be somewhat different.

Actually I think BB may be right - they don't seem to be referring to cigarettes, now you mention it. I forgot to say that the question is normally accompanied by a mimicking action that implies that they may well be referring to big fat Cuban cigars.

On the walk back to my place I have to pass the tall girls that wait around Loi Kroh Rd. I used to think they were just waiting for their friends, but since they all ask me if I want to smoke, with the accompanying actions described above, I now realise that they are probably selling Cuban cigars, which are possibly illegal in Thailand. Good luck to them , but I'm never going to be a customer - never smoked and probably never will.

[tigerbeer]

Actually I think BB may be right - they don't seem to be referring to cigarettes, now you mention it. I forgot to say that the question is normally accompanied by a mimicking action that implies that they may well be referring to big fat Cuban cigars.

On the walk back to my place I have to pass the tall girls that wait around Loi Kroh Rd. I used to think they were just waiting for their friends, but since they all ask me if I want to smoke, with the accompanying actions described above, I now realise that they are probably selling Cuban cigars, which are possibly illegal in Thailand. Good luck to them , but I'm never going to be a customer - never smoked and probably never will.

am confused, who intends to do the smoking?

[KevinHunt]

Actually I think BB may be right - they don't seem to be referring to cigarettes, now you mention it. I forgot to say that the question is normally accompanied by a mimicking action that implies that they may well be referring to big fat Cuban cigars.

On the walk back to my place I have to pass the tall girls that wait around Loi Kroh Rd. I used to think they were just waiting for their friends, but since they all ask me if I want to smoke, with the accompanying actions described above, I now realise that they are probably selling Cuban cigars, which are possibly illegal in Thailand. Good luck to them , but I'm never going to be a customer - never smoked and probably never will.

am confused, who intends to do the smoking?

It is open to interpretation, because their grammar isn't great. They ask me 'You like smoke?', and do that funny mimicking thing, so I always thought they were asking me if I wanted to join them for a fag. I guess they're either, as already suggested, selling cuban Cigars or possibly doing market research. That is possible, because they all are very attractive and tall. Some of them have husky voices, but that may well be from smoking too much?

A little warning for you there......

[Crow Boy]

I think we have had enough off topic conversation about cigars and tall ladies. Please return to the topic which is will the smoking ban be enforced or the thread will have to be closed.

CB

[KevinHunt]

I think we have had enough off topic conversation about cigars and tall ladies. Please return to the topic which is will the smoking ban be enforced or the thread will have to be closed.

CB

Good idea. The important question being - will the smoking ban affect business? What was the net effect in UK and elsewhere I wonder?

[Maejo Man]

Good idea. The important question being - will the smoking ban affect business? What was the net effect in UK and elsewhere I wonder?

In Australia the state of Victoria banned smoking in just about every public place, including the Crown Casino......Yeah, wait for it........The government revenue from gaming dropped dramatically overnight. Crown casino shares fell on the market, and there was murmuring in parliament. Consequence.........smoking was re introduced in the high stakes gaming areas. It all comes down to money...and you are talking millions of dollars here. Double standards, hypocricy, and greed are a few words that spring to mind...........

[Mestizo]

I think we have had enough off topic conversation about cigars and tall ladies. Please return to the topic which is will the smoking ban be enforced or the thread will have to be closed.

CB

Good idea. The important question being - will the smoking ban affect business? What was the net effect in UK and elsewhere I wonder?

In the past year or so, they recently enforced a similar ban in Washington DC. All of the bar owners were afraid that the smoking customers were going to stop coming to thier bars and instead go to bars across the river in Virginia. However, once the ban was in place and people got used to it, the bars actually saw an INCREASE in customers. Now not only did the smokers not go else where, patrons who did not normally come out to bars because of the smoke, started to come out!

I know that I am going to come across as yet another whiny American, but 2 or 3 times since I moved here, I have attempted to have dinner and drinks at Chiang Mai Saloon. However, every time I go there, I run into a virtual brick wall of lingering cig. smoke and decide to go else where. Now, being a well seasoned bar vet and an occasional smoker myself, I can usually deal with large amounts of smoke. However, this is one place that I would have to imagine would greatly benefit from the smoking ban. I for one, would definitely frequent the place ore often.

-Mestizo

[Crow Boy]

In the past year or so, they recently enforced a similar ban in Washington DC. All of the bar owners were afraid that the smoking customers were going to stop coming to thier bars and instead go to bars across the river in Virginia. However, once the ban was in place and people got used to it, the bars actually saw an INCREASE in customers. Now not only did the smokers not go else where, patrons who did not normally come out to bars because of the smoke, started to come out!

The same thing happened in NSW (Australia) and smoking was banned in bars under a revamp of the food health act. In the gaming area smoking is still permitted and the revenues from bars and tax receipts increased since the bans were imposed.

I know that I am going to come across as yet another whiny American, but 2 or 3 times since I moved here, I have attempted to have dinner and drinks at Chiang Mai Saloon. However, every time I go there, I run into a virtual brick wall of lingering cig. smoke and decide to go else where. Now, being a well seasoned bar vet and an occasional smoker myself, I can usually deal with large amounts of smoke. However, this is one place that I would have to imagine would greatly benefit from the smoking ban. I for one, would definitely frequent the place ore often.

I have never smoked but am happy for people to make their own choice. I am happy to go to bars were people smoke and have no objection to it. I do however agree with you re bar/restaurants including The Chiang Mai Saloon where trying to eat a meal in a haze of smoke is not my idea of an enjoyable past time. I do eat there on occasion but choose my time accordingly. Lots of smokers - I move on to somewhere else. That said my understanding of the current law is that the CM Saloon will not be affected by the ban because it is not Airconditioned but open to the outside air.

CB

[KevinHunt]

That said my understanding of the current law is that the CM Saloon will not be affected by the ban because it is not Airconditioned but open to the outside air.

CB

There was already a law banning smoking in A/C places - introduced a couple of years ago. The new law just says, nightclubs,bars etc and doesn't mention A/C or not.

The new ban, expected to be imposed on Feb 17, will stop smokers from smoking in nightclubs, pubs and open-air markets including the Chatuchak weekend market, said Dr Hatai Chitanond of the ministry’s Health Promotion Institute.

“We believe there will be some resistance from operators of nightclubs and pubs because they may fear the ban will reduce their customers,” he said. “I’m willing to talk to them more about the ban if they rally.”

Outdoor restaurants will be required to set up nonsmoking areas.

Those breaking the restrictions will face a fine of 2,000 baht.

I think the bar-owner's fine is 20,000 baht. Will it be enforced in Chiang Mai if the old 'A/C restaurant' law never was?

Would tourists avoid Thailand because of it? Methinks not.

[mobs00]

I just went to the Discovery Club last night, I cannot belive how many people were smoking!

How are they going to enforce this at a club this size? Or maybe Thai venues like this will get a special license and be exempt? I guess time will tell....

[Crow Boy]

Outdoor restaurants will be required to set up nonsmoking areas.

How will you deal with this Kevin? Outdoors smoking permitted, indoors (A/C) not permitted?

Chalk line down the middle of the pub with Left side smoking and Right side non smoking?

CB

[KevinHunt]

Outdoor restaurants will be required to set up nonsmoking areas.

How will you deal with this Kevin? Outdoors smoking permitted, indoors (A/C) not permitted?

Chalk line down the middle of the pub with Left side smoking and Right side non smoking?

CB

As far as I know - indoors (A/C or not) smoking not allowed - and outdoors must have a section for non-smoking. How will I handle it? I'll probably ignore it until somebody tells me it is being enforced, in which case the 20,000 baht fine would mean I'll have to accept it , as would the customers.

[tom21]

I just went to the Discovery Club last night, I cannot belive how many people were smoking!

How are they going to enforce this at a club this size? Or maybe Thai venues like this will get a special license and be exempt? I guess time will tell....

it is easy to enforce. fine the the club until it stops 20,000 thb a day works out at 140000thb a week . how long will the club stay open with that. will the police enforce it? that is the question. the police will act on complaints so how will that go