Smoking ban law in force from midnight

PHUKET: The Chief of the Phuket Provincial Health Office (PPHO) today issued a reminder that the new law clamping down on smoking in a wide range of public places comes into effect at midnight tonight. However, Dr Wanchai Sattayawutthipong told the Gazette that his inspectors will probably not start making checks on compliance until tomorrow morning, since most places affected will already be closed for the day when the law comes into force. He said that, at first, offenders will most likely not be penalized, but will receive warnings. The emphasis will be on business owners rather than smokers, in a bid to get the owners to ensure that customers do not smoke in places where it is banned. But, he added, the grace period would not last long. “I think the law will be enforced more strictly from the New Year onwards. People have had plenty of advance notice that this law is coming. They have had time to comply. “The law is aimed at protecting non-smokers. So this is a good time for smokers to quit. Cigarettes are bad for both the smoker and other people nearby.” According to the official announcement from the Ministry of Public Health, the Smoking Ban Act of 2002 lists the following as places where smoking will be totally banned: Buses on specific routes, tuk-tuks and metered taxis, air-conditioned rail cars, public boats, aircraft on domestic routes, air-conditioned passenger transport lounges, elevators, public phone booths, school buses, theaters, libraries, barbers and hairdressing salons, boutiques, beauty centers, drug stores, air-conditioned Internet shops, department stores, hypermarkets and any other air-conditioned stores, outpatient medical centers, places where religious ceremonies are held, air-conditioned places selling food and beverages, toilets, public ports, and air-conditioned fitness centers. – In the following places, smoking is allowed in staff rooms or offices: schools or primary or secondary educational institutes, museums, arts and culture halls, hospitals or inpatient medical centers, nurseries for pre-school children, and indoor sports stadiums. – In the following places, smoking is allowed in staff rooms or offices and in areas specifically designated as smoking areas: universities, colleges and tertiary education institutes, exhibition halls, government offices and offices of state enterprises, banks and financial institutions, all other air-conditioned offices and airport buildings. – Smoking is banned in non-airconditioned cars of trains, except for cars specifically designated for smoking, and provided that these designated compartments shall not exceed 25% of the total number of non-airconditioned cars in a train. Please note that this is not an official translation of the law. For official guidance, consult the Phuket Provincial Health Office.