Smoking ban on 24 beaches in 15 provinces
Starting on February 1, 2018, a smoking ban is being imposed on 24 beaches in 15 coastal provinces across Thailand, in order to maintain a clean and safe environment for everyone and protect marine and coastal resources.
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The ban has been announced by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources in its pilot project. It was published in the Royal Gazette in November 2017 and comes into effect 90 days later.
According to the ban, anyone caught smoking, littering cigarette butts, or discarding cigarette packets on the 24 beaches will face a jail term of up to one year, or a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both. In the initial stage, violators would be warned instead of being fined or imprisoned.
While the smoking ban covers the beaches, designated smoking areas are provided inland with refuse containers for the disposal of cigarette butts. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources is seeking cooperation with the owners of workplaces, restaurants, and hotels near the beach areas to arrange sufficient smoking zones for employees and customers.
Over the past three months, the department has launched a campaign on the smoking-free beaches, with "No Smoking” signs in Thai, English, and Chinese. It has also worked with the public and private sectors, as well as local administrative organizations, in creating better understanding about the smoking ban among tourists and the general public.
The department has found that since the launch of the public relations campaign, many people have become aware of the importance of preserving the environment. In the overall picture, the amount of cigarette butts has dropped on these beaches. This will help improve the image of Thailand as a wonderful tourist destination.
The 24 beaches under the smoking ban are as follows:
1. Ban Chuen Beach, Trat
2. Laem Sadet Beach, Chanthaburi
3. Saeng Chan Beach, Rayong
4. Bang Saen Beach, Chon Buri
5. Tham Phang Beach, Chon Buri
6. Sai Kaeo Beach, Chon Buri
7. Dong Tan Beach, Pattaya, Chon Buri
8. Cha-am Beach, Phetchaburi
9. Hua Hin Beach, Prachuap Khiri Khan
10. Khao Takiap Beach, Prachuap Khiri Khan
11. Hat Sai Ri Beach, Chumphon
12. Bo Phut Beach, Ko Samui, Surat Thani
13. Chalok Ban Kao Beach, Ko Pha-ngan, Surat Thani
14. Plai Sai Beach, Nakhon Si Thammarat
15. Chalathat Beach, Songkhla
16. Wasukri Beach, Pattani
17. Patong Beach, Phuket
18. Ko Khai Nok Beach, Phang-nga
19. Ko Khai Nai Beach, Phang-nga
20. Khao Lak Beach, Phang-nga
21. Phra Ae Beach, Krabi
22. Khlong Dao Beach, Krabi
23. Kho Kwang Beach, Krabi
24. Samran Beach, Trang