Ban On Cigarette, Liquor Ads To Stay

[george]

Ban on cigarette, liquor ads to stay

BANGKOK: -- Public Health Minister Suchai Charoenratanakul yesterday stressed the need to continue the ban on broadcast advertising of cigarettes and liquor to keep as many people as possible away from the vices.

He asked the media to help spread the word about the dangers of smoking and drinking as well as the harsh penalties under law for companies that violate the advertising ban.

The harshest monetary penalty under the law – a fine of Bt200,000 – is reserved for media outlets that broadcast advertising during the restricted hours between 5 am and 10pm.

But producers of cigarettes and alcoholic beverages that sponsor sporting events face a maximum jail term of five years or a maximum fine of Bt100,000, or a daily fine of Bt2,000 until the violation ends.

Suchai spoke at the seminar “Advertising of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages” at the Miracle Grand Hotel yesterday as part of a campaign to discourage first-time smokers. Speakers at the session, attended by more than 200 members of the media, the advertising industry and government agencies also discussed ways to reduce drunk driving road-accident fatalities.

Suchai also discussed the current ban on retail sales of alcohol after midnight as well as the prohibition of cigarette sales to minors.

A 2003 ministerial regulation also prohibits schools from seeking sponsorships from cigarettes and alcohol companies. Advertisements for both products are not allowed in public areas within 500 metres of schools and educational institutions, he said.

--The Nation 2005-07-12

[thaibebop]

This is good. Why don't they have ad campaigns for condoms and HIV scare tactics? That helped here in the US.