World No Tobacco Day march highlights oft ignored Pattaya no-smoking law
Students and city health
workers marched through town on World No Tobacco Day May 31, educating
residents on the perils of smoking and promoting Pattaya’s stop-smoking
clinic.
Warunya Thongrod and Vittaya Yoondorn
Pattaya School No. 4 students joined city public health workers for two
World No Tobacco Day marches May 31 to remind locals and tourists about
Pattaya’s generally ignored public-smoking prohibition.
Wilaiwan Phuluanglue of the Public Health Department’s drug protection
and rehabilitation office led 20 high school students on walks through
the Nongyai and Chaimongkol Temple neighborhoods, educating residents on
the perils of smoking and promoting Pattaya’s stop-smoking clinic.
School No. 4 Principal Phaibun Siripol said the students who marched
were already involved in the school’s “fight against drugs” project and
volunteered to help rid the city of smoke.
In South Pattaya, Raewat Siangchin, secretary for the
Pattaya Transportation Cooperative, which runs the majority of the
city’s baht buses, joined them. The parade stopped at the taxi stand in
front of Pattaya School No. 8 to advise passengers and drivers that the
stop for Jomtien-bound buses is regulated by Pattaya’s anti-smoking
laws, making it illegal for drivers and passengers to light up.
Smoking in bars, restaurants, retail stores and other public venues was
outlawed in 2008, but enforcement dropped almost to zero within just a
few months. Tourist areas, in particular, are still rife with smoke and
ashtrays. Many baht bus drivers have never observed the law.
“I have to admit that there are some drivers addicted to smoking, but
there will be no smoking while driving or parking,” Raewat pledged. “I
will coordinate with Pattaya city to organize health inspections and
lead drivers to the smoking clinic.” He added that any driver wanting to
quit smoking could contact him or the Public Health Department for
assistance.
“Tourists need to know that Thai laws prevent smoking
in the area for benefit of others not wanting to suffer the side affects
of inhaling second-hand smoke,” Wilaiwan said.
World No Tobacco Day is organized by the United Nations. Special
emphasis is placed on students, as the U.N. says 90 percent of new
smokers are between 15 and 24 years old. Smoking kills 480 people per
hour globally and smokers spend on average about 42,340 baht a year on
cigarettes.
Thailand, in 2005, also banned open displays for cigarette sales in
shops, a law that was finally enforced in 2008 and has remained largely
effective. The country also requires large, graphic advisories on
cigarette packages.
Those looking to kick the habit can contact the Public Health Department
on Soi 6 at 038-429-167.
