![](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/48f9ebe2e2a5b0b839ba1fb153f0994c.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The Thai government has passed a law banning smoking near buildings and public places, The Th\u0430iger reports.<\/p>\n
Thailand's Department of Public Health has issued new rules for smokers, including a ban on smoking near public buildings, shops, cafes and restaurants. The new rules allow smoking no less than 5 meters from the entrance.<\/p>\n
The new regulation applies to apartment buildings, rented premises, pubs, hotels, religious buildings, karaoke establishments, laundries, salons, cinemas, parking lots, resorts, Thai massage places, clinics, hospitals, schools, swimming pools, fitness parks, libraries and museums. Public transport is also considered to be a place where smoking is prohibited.<\/p>\n
The new rules will come into force in February 2019. Violators face a fine of 5,000 baht (10,200 rubles). Interestingly, the list of buildings near which smoking is prohibited does not include higher education institutions, government agencies, or airports. Information signs will be installed in places where the ban is in effect to warn of the ban.<\/p>\n
At the end of September, the popular Thai resort launched an official campaign, \u201cPhuket is Smoking Free.\u201d The local municipality\u2019s anti-smoking project is designed to rid the resort of cigarette smoke, thereby demonstrating concern for non-smokers. One of the main measures within the campaign is a total fight against the harmful habit in public places in Phuket\u2019s Old Town. Since February 1, 24 beaches in Thailand, including Phuket\u2019s Patong, have also been completely banned from smoking. The fine for violating it is up to 100,000 baht (about 200,000 rubles).<\/p>\n