Congratulations.. Thailand Joins Developed World With Total Ban On Smoking..

February 11, 2008 - Congratulations.. Thailand Joins Developed World With Total Ban On Smoking.. Thailand will extend its ban on smoking to air-conditioned bars and offices and outdoor markets next month, joining major developed countries in a war on tobacco, a leading Thai anti-smoking agency said on Friday. Smokers faced a 2,000 baht ($60) fine and owners who fail to enforce the law could be fined 20,000 baht ($600) after the ban takes effect on February 17, said the Thailand Health Promotion Institute, which helped push for the law. The smokefree law passed in November 2002 banned smoking in covered indoor public places, including air-conditioned restaurants but exempted nightclubs and bars. The Health Ministry ban could face opposition from some bar owners, group president Hatai Chitanondh said in a statement. "They may be thinking the Health Ministry is ruining their business, kicking away their customers, but our research papers show a smoking ban will bring more customers to them," Hatai said. The ban’s extension is being hailed by health advocates who say it is another milestone for tobacco control. Related News Brief: Thailand Discouraging Tobacco Use - Horrific Images on the Packaging.. Click on image to enlarge..