Thailand bans smoking on its beaches

Thailand has banned smoking and the littering of cigarettes butts and packets across 24 beaches in 15 provinces, including several in major tourist destinations such as Phuket, Koh Samui and Krabi, in an effort to protect its coastal environment.

“Starting today [February 1], smoking and cigarette-butt littering are prohibited on beach areas,” said Bannarak Sermthong, a director from the country’s department of marine and coastal resources (DMCR) .

“Anyone who wants to smoke must do so in designated smoking areas, not on the beaches,” he added.

Those who fail to comply will be subject to a fine of 100,000 baht (£2,241) and a maximum jail sentence of one year, or both. But lawbreakers will be given warnings during the initial stages of implementing the ban, according to Mr Bannarak. It has yet to be confirmed how long the grace period will be before violators are slapped with a fine or jail time.