Police Ready To Arrest Breakers Of Smoking Ban From Feb 10

[george]

Police ready to arrest breakers of smoking ban

BANGKOK: -- Responding to the Public Health Ministry's regulation to ban smoking in air-conditioned pubs, discos and clubs from February 11, Metropolitan Police Friday had all of Bangkok's 88 police stations ready to arrest and fine any rule breakers.

City deputy police commissioner MajGeneral Suporn Phanseua said all officers were ready to reinforce the new rule by fining smokers Bt2,000 and venue operators Bt20,000.

Police will act upon public complaints or the Public Health Ministry's request for inspection of entertainment establishments, rather than pressuring the establishments themselves, he said, adding that he believed all venues would give full cooperation.

Smoking is already prohibited in airconditioned restaurants but the ministry's regulation to include airconditioned pubs, discos, bars and parts of outdoor public venues such as Chatuchak Weekend Market will take effect as of February 17.

However, those frequenting pubs, clubs and discos have objected to the ban, claiming they pay money to go out so they should be able to do as they please - including smoking cigarettes.

One 20-year-old man said he disagreed with the new rule because it limited people's rights to entertain themselves when they actually pay money to be at a club or a bar. He said most people who drank also smoked, and pubs and clubs kept their business because of them.

"If you don't want to get exposed to smoke, stay home or go somewhere else that is smokefree. Leave us partygoers to smoke as we please," he said.

A 30-year-old office worker who frequents night venues said he did not smoke, and felt irritated by the cigarette smoke and that his clothes reeked after visiting pubs.

Some places do not have good ventilation systems and are so filled with smoke that he sometimes feels dizzy in them, he said.

Some partygoers, especially nonsmoking women, also spend money to go out but have to put their health at risk when visiting such venues, he said, adding that he welcomed the new rule.

-- The Nation 2008-02-08

[jonniebkk]

Does the smoking ban effect outdoor seating areas of pubs/restos/other venues? what about beer-bars?

[mikethevigoman]

Yea yea,. ,believe it when i see it,. heres a challenge,does anyone know anyone, customer or business owner that has been fined for the current no smoking ban,, imposed years ago ?

[alex_aka_P]

ban smoking in air-conditioned pubs, discos and clubs from February 11, Metropolitan Police Friday had all of Bangkok's 88 police stations ready to arrest and fine any rule breakers.

Country's 1st-priority task - and nothing is more important than THIS, indeed......

[Boater]

just another excuse for police to earn ' Tea Money '

[marquess]

What a joke! In a country where you can deliberately run someone over with a Benz and kill them and get of scott free and shot someone in the head in a night club at point blank range and get off, but you will end up being arrested for smoking a cigarette. Oh I forgot breasts are a threat to national security, so nothing is absurd anymore/

[sendbaht]

I remember in Los angeles a few years back the bar owners saying how it would hurt business not being able to smoke in the bar. What a bunch on BS. It did not hurt business at all.

Smoking is a rude as it gets!

[toptuan]

Does the smoking ban effect outdoor seating areas of pubs/restos/other venues? what about beer-bars?

We hope so!

[sweetchariot]

http://' target="_blank">There is so much confusion over this, first only air-con venues from 17th, then all public places from the 11th.

Article below from Pattaya Mail, looks like they're not going to bother about it until May here!!! <deleted>?

Pubs and bars go smoke-free from Feb 11

Sawittree Namwiwatsuk

Pattaya’s pubs, bars and other retail outlets are preparing to implement the Ministry of Public Health’s adjustment to the laws on smoking, and ban all smoking on their premises from February 11.

Mrs Wannaporn Chamjamrat, director of the Pattaya Public Health and Environment Department announces the enforcement of the non-smoking law.

The new move follows the Ministry’s announcement in the government gazette on December 28, amending the Non-smokers’ Health Protection Act of 1992. Pubs, bars, and all type of markets, i.e., for fresh food, clothing and general goods, and with or without air conditioning would become non-smoking environments on February 11.

Any operator failing to comply with this announcement is subject to a fine not exceeding 20,000 baht, and any person who smokes in a non-smoking area will be subject to a fine not exceeding 2,000 baht.

Mrs Wannaporn Chamjamrat, director of the Pattaya Public Health and Environment Department said that all relevant outlets are being notified of the new law and that a promotional campaign is being organized for visitors and the general public.

The primary step for the Public Health Office was an educational session for Pattaya’s business community on January 31 at the Public Health Center on Soi Buakao.

In the event of a business outlet not implementing the new ruling, city hall will issue a warning and the outlet would then have until May 31 to comply. Any violations after this date would result in legal action.

Wannaporn said that air conditioned pubs, bars and restaurants must be 100 percent non-smoking areas, but an outside area for smokers is permitted if there is a free flow of air. Fresh markets and non air-conditioned restaurants can provide a smoking corner if it is separate from other diners and does not allow smoke into the main area.

[britmaveric]

MIB will arrest a few people, media will take some photos, and Thailand will be declared Smoke Free Hub. Then it will be forgotten......

[Trouble]

Hey, why all the negativity? Thailand is only doing what is happening around the world. Sure there will be tea money paid but eventually the ban will take hold. Smoking is a health issue and the government is trying to do something about it. Why treat it as if it is some useless government step when it is happening everywhere. Like one poster stated, it has not hurt the clubs, restaurants and bars in Los Angeles. Areas outside will be set up to let the smokers puff away. Eventually smoking will become less popular. That's how habits get changed. Sure it will be a bumpy road in the beginning but it will eventually take hold and just maybe a whole generation of young city dwellers will not take up smoking if it is banned in the very places they think it is "kool" to smoke. In my younger days I too when thru a phase of thinking it the "in" thing to do. I am sure glad that phase did not last. I am sure many smokers will be annoyed at the ban but how many wish they had never taken up smoking to begin with, knowing the health problems and expense associated with smoking?

[colin-uk]

In regard to smoking ban, i got fined only this week in phrom thong on tuesday for smoking outside a public park.

policeman riding round on a cycle with nothing else better to do.

I was told i could be fined 2000bt but as i only had on me 650bt he took 500bt thats one place i wont visit again as usual seems like farang are an easy target.

[sweetchariot]

In regard to smoking ban, i got fined only this week in phrom thong on tuesday for smoking outside a public park.

policeman riding round on a cycle with nothing else better to do.

I was told i could be fined 2000bt but as i only had on me 650bt he took 500bt thats one place i wont visit again as usual seems like farang are an easy target.

You should of told him to get back on his bike.

This is the problem, there will be a lack of understanding amongst the law enforcement community, and they will use it as another excuse for raising money.

Smoking on a Tuesday after 2.30 pm sir? 500 baht please.

[mikethevigoman]

In regard to smoking ban, i got fined only this week in phrom thong on tuesday for smoking outside a public park.

policeman riding round on a cycle with nothing else better to do.

I was told i could be fined 2000bt but as i only had on me 650bt he took 500bt thats one place i wont visit again as usual seems like farang are an easy target.

Whys that ? , its not even in force yet ,reminds me of a joke, in the 70s paddy joined the ulster defence corps and was being shown around belfast by his sergeant, the sergeant says, there is a kerfew in force, anyone out after 9 oclock shoot to kill, so with that paddy gets his gun and shoots an old boy peddling his bike along the road,, the sergeant pipes up " WHAT THE <deleted> DO YOU THINK YOUR DOING PADDY, ITS ONLY 8.45. ! " .Paddy replies, thats conor murphy, i know where he lives and he would have never made it home by 9 !

[khunmarc]

Police ready to arrest breakers of smoking ban

well another cash grab for the police.... I bet they gonna cash in heavy in between paychecks LOL

BANGKOK: -- Responding to the Public Health Ministry's regulation to ban smoking in air-conditioned pubs, discos and clubs from February 11, Metropolitan Police Friday had all of Bangkok's 88 police stations ready to arrest and fine any rule breakers.

City deputy police commissioner MajGeneral Suporn Phanseua said all officers were ready to reinforce the new rule by fining smokers Bt2,000 and venue operators Bt20,000.

Police will act upon public complaints or the Public Health Ministry's request for inspection of entertainment establishments, rather than pressuring the establishments themselves, he said, adding that he believed all venues would give full cooperation.

Smoking is already prohibited in airconditioned restaurants but the ministry's regulation to include airconditioned pubs, discos, bars and parts of outdoor public venues such as Chatuchak Weekend Market will take effect as of February 17.

However, those frequenting pubs, clubs and discos have objected to the ban, claiming they pay money to go out so they should be able to do as they please - including smoking cigarettes.

One 20-year-old man said he disagreed with the new rule because it limited people's rights to entertain themselves when they actually pay money to be at a club or a bar. He said most people who drank also smoked, and pubs and clubs kept their business because of them.

"If you don't want to get exposed to smoke, stay home or go somewhere else that is smokefree. Leave us partygoers to smoke as we please," he said.

A 30-year-old office worker who frequents night venues said he did not smoke, and felt irritated by the cigarette smoke and that his clothes reeked after visiting pubs.

Some places do not have good ventilation systems and are so filled with smoke that he sometimes feels dizzy in them, he said.

Some partygoers, especially nonsmoking women, also spend money to go out but have to put their health at risk when visiting such venues, he said, adding that he welcomed the new rule.

-- The Nation 2008-02-08

[johnnynmonic]

I don't get it. Not for here or western nations. Seems like if you are in a bar partying, second hand smoke is the least of your health concerns.

But as for it being bad for business - that would only be if it's selectively enforced. If all bars, discos, etc, go smoke-free, then smokers wouldn't have any more reason to choose one over another than they ever did.

/don't smoke or party

//probably dont belong in this thread either

///goodnight!

[deminister]

Police ready to arrest breakers of smoking ban

BANGKOK: -- Responding to the Public Health Ministry's regulation to ban smoking in air-conditioned pubs, discos and clubs from February 11, Metropolitan Police Friday had all of Bangkok's 88 police stations ready to arrest and fine any rule breakers.

City deputy police commissioner MajGeneral Suporn Phanseua said all officers were ready to reinforce the new rule by fining smokers Bt2,000 and venue operators Bt20,000.

Police will act upon public complaints or the Public Health Ministry's request for inspection of entertainment establishments, rather than pressuring the establishments themselves, he said, adding that he believed all venues would give full cooperation.

Smoking is already prohibited in airconditioned restaurants but the ministry's regulation to include airconditioned pubs, discos, bars and parts of outdoor public venues such as Chatuchak Weekend Market will take effect as of February 17.

However, those frequenting pubs, clubs and discos have objected to the ban, claiming they pay money to go out so they should be able to do as they please - including smoking cigarettes.

One 20-year-old man said he disagreed with the new rule because it limited people's rights to entertain themselves when they actually pay money to be at a club or a bar. He said most people who drank also smoked, and pubs and clubs kept their business because of them.

"If you don't want to get exposed to smoke, stay home or go somewhere else that is smokefree. Leave us partygoers to smoke as we please," he said.

A 30-year-old office worker who frequents night venues said he did not smoke, and felt irritated by the cigarette smoke and that his clothes reeked after visiting pubs.

Some places do not have good ventilation systems and are so filled with smoke that he sometimes feels dizzy in them, he said.

Some partygoers, especially nonsmoking women, also spend money to go out but have to put their health at risk when visiting such venues, he said, adding that he welcomed the new rule.

-- The Nation 2008-02-08

[deminister]

Arrest and execution on the spot. Guys we have a new government so the behind kissing has started again. Officers need to show loyalty so they can stay in power a while longer. enjoy the game. Nothing wrong with it.

[Krit]

Hopefully all the inconveniences of this legislation, its random enforcement and gradual changes in public attitude will help at least some people to quit. Surely they will help many more not to start and of course also protect non-smokers.

Let's face it, there are no justifiable reasons to smoke. Cigarette is just a vehicle of transport for nicotine, one of the most addictive and habit-forming drugs invented. The world will be a better place without cigarettes, and while the Big Tobacco does everything to keep this from happening, such time will inevitably come. Meanwhile, it's the responsibility of governments to protect people from each other and, to some extent, even from themselves.

I see this as a good step, although I believe everybody should make their own choices and I'm certainly not for a total ban.

[sweetchariot]

Arrest and execution on the spot. Guys we have a new government so the behind kissing has started again. Officers need to show loyalty so they can stay in power a while longer. enjoy the game. Nothing wrong with it.

Hmmm.....dare I question your infinite Thai political wisdom, but the legislation was imposed by the previous unelected government

[Thanh-BKK]

Again.........

So they are soooo concerned about getting exposed to second-hand smoke WHILE GETTING DRUNK IN THE PUB.

Logical, no???

I am for a TOTAL BAN ON ALCOHOL, STARTING IMMEDIATELY. And leave the smokers in peace, they do NOT cause accidents, fights etc.

Regards.....

Thanh (non-smoker by the way but don't mind it the least bit)

Edited February 8, 2008 by Thanh-BKK

[vishaljain12]

how about just installin smoke-sucking ventillation systems in pubs and those that do have it, let them allow smoking so no one will be irritated?

[dunque]

In regard to smoking ban, i got fined only this week in phrom thong on tuesday for smoking outside a public park.

policeman riding round on a cycle with nothing else better to do.

I was told i could be fined 2000bt but as i only had on me 650bt he took 500bt thats one place i wont visit again as usual seems like farang are an easy target.

I got caught a couple of years ago in a park - I was then totally unaware of the rule. Did not get fined but park policeman let me finish, put out the cigarette, then he bummed a ciggie and a light off me ................

[cocopops]

Seems to me that restaurants and pubs should be handled differently. As a non-smoker, it irritates me when the next table lights up while I'm eating. But it's a bit silly objecting to smoking in a pub.

[matter]

Again.........

So they are soooo concerned about getting exposed to second-hand smoke WHILE GETTING DRUNK IN THE PUB.

Logical, no???

I am for a TOTAL BAN ON ALCOHOL, STARTING IMMEDIATELY. And leave the smokers in peace, they do NOT cause accidents, fights etc.

Regards.....

Thanh (non-smoker by the way but don't mind it the least bit)

I have to agree with you. Smoking turns you into a person who smells (and slowly but quietly dies of cancer).

But alcohol turns people into...... well look around at what you saw on your last night out...

Edited February 8, 2008 by matter

[Nepal4me]

What a joke! In a country where you can deliberately run someone over with a Benz and kill them and get of scott free and shot someone in the head in a night club at point blank range and get off, but you will end up being arrested for smoking a cigarette. Oh I forgot breasts are a threat to national security, so nothing is absurd anymore/

Your logic is flawed. It's true Thailand is screwed up in that if you have the right connections you can get away with murder. That is not a good justification for suggesting this is absurd.

It's not absurb, it's very appropriate and it is the right thing to do. Many other countries have implemented a similar ban and many more will follow. Every time it's the same, "this is an infringement of our rights", "this is stupid", "non-smokers should just not go to places where we party and smoke", "the bars will lose business" and other not thought through arguements by smokers that don't care about other people's rights and health.

We all know that tea money will be involved and cigarettes will be smoked in places they shouldn't be but smoking will be minimized and over time it will be taken more and more seriously. It's a step in the right direction.

Well done.

[pattaya_girl]

Does anyone have a light please

[BigBikeBKK]

Remember when you could smoke on airplanes?

Thank goodness that health hazard no longer exists.

Do you think that smoking on aircraft was banned for the safety and comfort of passengers?

Actually no- the first smoking bans came about in the US as the result of of a class action law suit filed on behalf of the airline stewardesses. Many didn't smoke but they were falling ill with cigarette related illnesses at an alarming rate.

Much the same logic was used to ban smoking in bars and restaurants in the US- it wasn't for the protection or comfort of the customers- smoking was banned to protect the workers.

It's already been proven that smoking bans have not hurt business one bit. (Unless you work for Big Tobacco that is )

I'm all for it- there are some really fun clubs in Thailand that will be SO much MORE enjoyable without the thick haze of second hand smoke.

Cheers!

[Thanh-BKK]

Again.........

So they are soooo concerned about getting exposed to second-hand smoke WHILE GETTING DRUNK IN THE PUB.

Logical, no???

I am for a TOTAL BAN ON ALCOHOL, STARTING IMMEDIATELY. And leave the smokers in peace, they do NOT cause accidents, fights etc.

Regards.....

Thanh (non-smoker by the way but don't mind it the least bit)

I have to agree with you. Smoking turns you into a person who smells (and slowly but quietly dies of cancer).

But alcohol turns people into...... well look around at what you saw on your last night out...

My last night out i saw a hel_l of a lot of smoking coke-drinkers in DJ Station. Lots of drunk guys too. And i personally still prefer someone's clothes to reek of smoke (because those can be taken off and deposited on the balcony) than someone's breath reeking of beer or whiskey (that smell tends to stay even thru a 15-minute toothbrushing session followed by a thorough Listerine-abuse). And the next-morning-hangover i can also do without, thank you very much.

Oh and Alcohol turns people into the mess found in totaled car wrecks, the knife-wielding attackers of housewives periodically seen on TV and the mass-gang-fights that leads to banning of rock concerts etc. And also the puke puddles on the sidewalk that i have to avoid on my way to 7-Eleven every morning (i live close to a pub) were NOT caused by cigarettes, i can guarantee that.

By the way my boss in Germany was a chain smoker. he started smoking at age 12, was a chain smoker by age 20 and went thru about 12 packs a day from then on. He died at age 77 - falling from a ladder while fixing the roof of his house. My own grandfather died of cancer when he was 74, he hadn't touched a cigarette in his life.

regards.....

Thanh

[infernalman7]

Good move indeed.

This is not as funny as the French government is trying to do the same starting this year.