Campaign To Turn Temples Into Smoking-free Zones To Be Carried Out

Campaign to turn temples into smoking-free zones to be carried out

The Campaign Against Smoking Foundation is holding activities to turn Buddhist temples into smoking-free zones.

Foundation secretary-general Prakit Watheesathokkij (ประกิต วาทีสาธกกิจ) said the campaign aims to encourage Buddhist monks to quit smoking starting this Buddhist Lent so they can become role models for smoking Buddhist laymen.

Dr. Prakit said temples are helping prepare sermons to teach people to kick their smoking habit. He said the foundation will also ask monks to give sermons about the danger of smoking at the funerals.

Dr. Prakit said more than 10,000 Thai people died of lung cancer every year.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 July 2006