The Hua Hin Municipality has issued a notice reminding the public about the laws now in place to ban smoking near many public and private premises.
The notice specifically mentions offices under the control of the municipality however advises the management of private businesses to be aware of their responsibilities in relation to the law and asks for the cooperation of smokers who risk being fined up to 5,000 THB if they do not comply.
The Ministry of Public Health guidelines have been promulgated in the Royal Gazette. The key point of the law is that there are 5 metre ‘exclusion zones’ outside public entrances and exits where it is illegal to smoke. .
More than 80 types of buildings and venues are covered including:
- amusement parks and water parks
- banks/cash machines/ATMs
- cinemas and other entertainment venues
- condos, apartments & rental buildings
- fitness parks and gyms
- government offices
- hospitals and clinics
- hotels
- airports
- grocery stores
- libraries
- laundries
- massage and spa venues
- public parking areas
- pubs
- religious buildings
- restaurants
- schools and nurseries
- shopping malls
- swimming pools
- toilets (public toilets)
- various transportation areas including bus stops, piers and taxi/mini-van stands
In some cases, designated smoking rooms or zones will be allowed at transportation hubs and other venues.
In addition, no smoking signs must be posted clearly stating in Thai and English that smoking is not permitted within five metres with a circular logo of no less than 10 centimetres in diameter.
