Thailand Smoking Ban Goes Into Effect816749782718


The new smoking ban in Thailand bars and restaurants is in effect and from what I have observed the law is becoming treated like any other law in Thailand.  What I imply is, some establishments have already set up smoking regions, other individuals say you have to smoke outside the restaurant or bar, and others are ignoring the law altogether.

The cause for ignoring the ban could be that it will not actually be enforced for a couple of months.  As an alternative of stiff fines being issued, there will be warnings and education until the end of May, 2008.

But, then, the fines will be steep.  If enforced, smokers can be fined two,000 Baht (about $62 US dollars) and venue owners will be fined up to 20,000 Baht (over $600 US dollars).

This will force the bar and restaurant owners to enforce the law on their house.  If the ban just penalized smokers, the establishment owners would fully ignore it.

This is absolutely nothing actually new.  Thailand has banned smoking in hospitals, government buildings, and train stations for a few years now.  This is just an extension of an currently existing law.

We have a related law in Hawaii.  It is a tiny much more stringent in that we cannot smoke within 50 feet of the door of the establishment.  The law also gives fines for smokers and bar and restaurant owners.

As a smoker, I was a bit peeved initially at the law, but as time has gone by, it is genuinely no large deal.  If I have to step outside to smoke it is no big deal.

I am presently [http://www.caferio.com/locations/store/henderson learn about henderson mexican restaurant] going to Khon Kaen, Thailand and go out nearly nightly.  I havent been to any bars but I have visited quite a few restaurants.  One of my favorites, La Mai, has set up a smoking location close to the restrooms.  Smile restaurant allowed me to smoke at the table.  And, Bu-Sa-Ba restaurant has a little, covered smoking area in the rear of the restaurant.

So, between now and May 31, ask your waiter or waitress if it is alright to smoke.  If they have a smoking area set up, please use it.  If you have to go outside to smoke, like at Kit'z Caf, then just sit at the table and have your cigarette.

I am not sure how the significant tourist areas, Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket, are going to respond or what the effect on tourism will be.  I would guess that beginning on June 1, 2008, there will be a crackdown to show individuals that the government is severe about the ban.

So, if you are arranging to check out the Land of Smiles, and you smoke cigarettes, make confident to ask if it is OK to smoke ahead of you light up.  Otherwise, you may have to pay dearly.