NO SMOKING

[lomuamart]

From what I've been reading recently, this new law is only an extension of one that was approved about 8 years ago.
At that time, smoking was banned in restaurants that were aircon. Certain restaurants here complied. Also, at that time, it was forbidden to smoke in public places. So, people were getting fined for lighting up in Lumphini Park - I'm not joking.
It seems that these regulations are still enforceable, together with a ban in entertainment venues this time. Also, there's no smoking in bus stations and a few other places. I've forgotten the list now.
As far as I'm aware, open air bars and so on can still allow smoking.
Penalties - 2,000 Baht for the smoker and 20,000 Baht for the patron.
I may have got some of the forthcoming non-smoking venues wrong, but I'm sure that's about right.

[caller]

I thought the places opposite the Hilton were all open, so smoking is allowed.

I hate smoking and won't eat in such places. But for bars, if its open, has a good fan or aircon, then its a million times better than the home I grew up in and how most pubs used to be in the UK.

Now all the non-smokers have to fight their way through the stench to the fresh air inside and even in the middle of winter here (UK), most cafes still have outside seating for the sad souls who can't cope.

[Wanderlust]

While I agree on the trend to outlaw smoking, nothing is said as to the hisory of people who smoke. Smokers will agree that once you have the habit then it's very very difficult to give it up. After all it is a drug and a dependent one at that. When I started smoking back in the late 50's, it was encouraged and even advertised by doctors (and babies). "70 per cent of doctors recommend 'Marlboro'". "Smoking will improve you singing voice." etc etc.

I can make the excuse that I smoke because it was recommended at the time. I cannot understand the reason for people younger than I that decide to start. They now have all the facts which makes it a no-brainer to actually start. I include my own offspring in this argument.

I wish we had the truth when I was in my early teens, then I'd not be smoking the deadly weed now.

With that in mind, why shouldn't these new anti-smoking laws around the world take us 'conned' old folk into consideration. Maybe applying the law like the consumption of alcohol (another drug) whereas you can't drink until you're 18, then you can't smoke unless you're over 50! As the over 50's 'kick the bucket' with lung cancer etc., the emerging generation will be 'clean'.

Ok, it's a selfish view on my part, but like neutering dogs to reduce the population of strays, in the long term it would work!

As a never-smoker born in the early sixties I can sympathise with HHTel's view on this regarding how cigarettes were pushed in the early days, although by the time I was old enough to think about it the health issues had been already identified. There was extensive peer pressure at school when I was growing up but I never buckled to it, and eventually got my message across after people constantly kept offering me cigarettes despite my known attitude to them, by accepting the cigarette and then screwing it up and throwing it away every time, much to the horror of my smoking friends. My father was a heavy smoker, and he used to smoke unfiltered Players, but was only allowed by my mum to do so in the garden or away from the house, and nagged him mercilessly about it. He eventually gave up his 40 a day habit over a bet with a co-worker (sixpence I believe) in the early seventies, and he first went to a pipe, but then quickly became a complete non-smoker, and saved the money he used to spend on fags in a separate bank account - within a year we had a new colour TV and stereo system, all paid for by that money.
One thing I would like to ask is whether nicotine addiction can be passed from mother to child - this happens with other drugs so just wondered if that could be one reason why some younger folk take it up so easily and find giving up so hard? Alternatively would the inhalation of second hand smoke when growing up have this sort of effect?
As far as the laws in Thailand and elsewhere go i am obviously delighted if there are more smoke free places to go, but do believe consideration should be given to the unfortunate addicts; prior to the recent law change in the UK i thought the balance was pretty much right there.

[sandman67]

One thing I would like to ask is whether nicotine addiction can be passed from mother to child - this happens with other drugs so just wondered if that could be one reason why some younger folk take it up so easily and find giving up so hard?

As far as I am aware this is the case. Nicotine is a chemically dependent drug so the addiction would be passed on. Call me responsible but I wont smoke anywhere near a kid, and hate parents that do.

Its also one of the most addictive drugs, so the habit is hell to kick....I know Ive been trying for god knows how many years, and failing miserably.

However, I would add a counterpoint.

I'll happily stop smoking when car drivers in SUVs, trucks and nasty two stroke bikes stop filling my air with petrol and diesel fumes....

[caller]

[quote="Wanderlust"][quote="HHTel"]One thing I would like to ask is whether nicotine addiction can be passed from mother to child - this happens with other drugs so just wondered if that could be one reason why some younger folk take it up so easily and find giving up so hard? Alternatively would the inhalation of second hand smoke when growing up have this sort of effect?

(Sorry, messed up the quote)!

Well I grew up in a tiny cold Council flat where the coal fire was burning away with all the doors shut and both parents and visitors smoking. At 7 I became severely ashmatic attributed even then, to the smoke. I never had any desire to smoke either, not least because my GP told me it would take 20 years off my life. How true that is, I don't know, although ashmatics suffer from a hardening of the lungs walls. Whatever, I was never inclined and that pep talk from my GP when young (she smoked) that stayed with me. So nicotine addiction certainly waSn't passed on to me.

Both of my parents died of smoke related illnesses.

[Chas]

True enough, come to think of it, the restaurant I was in with all the smokers was open in front. . .but we were seated toward the back, well indoors. Nothing outdoor about it.

I couldn't get over that the couple directly across from me chain smoked while they were eating. ( Bite, puff, bite, puff etc. ) I don't think I have EVER seen that before.

I wonder how they got here on a plane with a habit that serious!

Well, I guess everyone needs a hobby.

( My dad died of emphysema and he continued to smoke until it became just about impossible for him to continue breathing. Three of us kids, out of five, lifelong total non-smokers, probably in rejection of the way we saw him live.)

[margaretcarnes]

Oh dear - I never expected to hear that there would be a crackdown on smoking in Thailand. The mind boggles as to how it will be enforced, and why anyway when many bars are open?
I do agree that us smokers should show respect to others in restaurants. Never had a problem with that, and never objected to other folks eating while I had a quick fag either.
Seriously though its caused a huge drop in pub trade in the UK since the total smoking ban last July. Wasn't so bad at first, when standing outside was OK in warmer weather, but now its really taking its toll with private members clubs starting to close. The bigger brewery chains are better able to stand the losses for a while.
Overall though its made what used to be a pleasant night out with mates into a niggling battle between weed and polite socialising. Plus theres no smoke in pubs anymore to mask the stink of loos, farts and BO!

[Jockey]

Plus theres no smoke in pubs anymore to mask the stink of loos, farts and BO!

[skildpadden]

Talking about cigarettes - I was rather shocked when I saw the cigarette packages in Thailand.

Those pictures of an open chest where you could see "cigarette lungs" and other "nice" pictures made me decide to never start smoking (if I ever would have an urge to start) - in Denmark the packages are only labeled "smoking kills" and stuff like that, and I guess people over time get immune on that message.
For me: I lost my appetite, so the pictures actually had positive impact on my wight.

But does these harsh pictures really have an impact of those concerned - you the smokers in Thailand?

[margaretcarnes]

I don't know where you're living Jockey but honest - I'm not kidding about the Odour Issue! Its funny really, but some UK breweries have tried introducing nice smells into the bars to compensate for losing the nasty smoke smells. Unfortunately they have discovered that the only smell that really combats the more naturally occuring bodily ones is tobacco.
Estee Lauder eat your heart out.

[lomuamart]

Talking about cigarettes - I was rather shocked when I saw the cigarette packages in Thailand.

Those pictures of an open chest where you could see "cigarette lungs" and other "nice" pictures made me decide to never start smoking (if I ever would have an urge to start) - in Denmark the packages are only labeled "smoking kills" and stuff like that, and I guess people over time get immune on that message.
For me: I lost my appetite, so the pictures actually had positive impact on my wight.

But does these harsh pictures really have an impact of those concerned - you the smokers in Thailand?

I'm afraid to say that the pictures don't really have that much impact on me - although they should, I suppose. When they first came out, I would always ask for another packet if the picture on the first one was one of the nastier efforts.
So, I'm certainly aware of them, but it hasn't affected my smoke intake. I'm afraid it'll take more than pictures to make me give up - namely myself, willpower and inclination.
BTW, thought I heard they were thinking about doing the same thing in the UK?

[Randy Cornhole]

I was back in the UK recently, and can confirm they have started putting pictures on fag packets...

[margaretcarnes]

Not seen any of the 'illustrated' cig packets here in UK yet, but tend to agree with Lomuamart - people have been saying that they will choose packs with the least gory pics.
I just wish the 'powers that be' would at least provide bins outside of smoke free places. For example theres a new transport interchange in my home town which of course is no smoking - and the area outside gets littered with tab ends as there are no bins.
Just cos some of us have a filthy habit doesn't mean we want to litter the place!

[Nereus]

Bangkok Post, 11th Feb 2008

Strict smoking bans in force
All bars, pubs, discos, clubs - and markets

SURASAK GLAHAN AND AFP


A total ban on smoking in pubs and clubs throughout the country takes effect today, to the delight of non-smokers and the chagrin of smokers.
The ban covers all air-conditioned bars, pubs, discos and clubs.
In addition, the owners of outdoor restaurants and markets are required to designate smoking and non-smoking zones.

"They will have to cross the street to smoke over there," said Than Leebamrung, the 36-year-old owner of the Sapha Kafe (Coffee Council) bar, when asked what arrangements he had made to help his customers.
Other bars and clubs may simply ask customers to smoke outside in the doorways, but Mr Than was not sure if the same could be applied to his bar, which is in the Din Daeng area.
This is because it is situated in a commercial building, where smoking is not allowed.
Like Mr Than, most bar owners see the law as impinging on people's civil liberties.
"People going to these entertainment places find it acceptable to be exposed to cigarette smoke. I have never received any complaints from non-smokers," he said.
The owner of a bar on Khao San road, who asked not to be named, frowned on the ban, saying it would certainly affect his business.
"Lawmakers should instead allow operators to set up both smoking and non-smoking areas to be fair," he said.

The law previously exempted nightclubs and bars from a smoking ban which was introduced in 2002.
The original ban covered indoor public places, including air-conditioned restaurants.
The ban's extension is being hailed by health advocates who say it is another milestone for tobacco control.
"By banning smoking in pubs and nightclubs, Thailand has once again shown its leadership in tobacco control in the international community, following the examples of Ireland, Uruguay, the UK, France and others," said Bungon Ritthiphakdee, director of the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance.
"Hopefully, in the near future, all open-air restaurants in Thailand will be 100% smoke free," she added.
Health advocates said the new law would protect both patrons and workers in bars and clubs from the effects of second-hand smoke, which studies have shown can cause asthma, strokes and even heart attacks.
They said it would also help smokers quit the habit more easily.

Chonticha Putharak, a 21-year-old non-smoker who used to work in a bar, said she developed breathing difficulties and her eyes would also hurt when she was there.
"The law sounds good to me because I have an allergy," she said.
Chai Jeam-mornrat, a 33-year-old fashion designer who smokes almost a packet of cigarettes a night when visiting his favourite bars at weekends, said the new law is good as it would discourage him from smoking.
"I like to smoke when drinking alcohol. Being forced to go out of a club just to smoke outside could make me choose to not smoke to avoid the inconvenience," he said.
However, many are still doubtful about whether the law will be effectively enforced.
One bar worker said that bar owners may ignore the law and bribe police into turning a blind eye so that things could continue as before.
Karn Yaempetch, 33, who once co-owned the Original Sin club in the Chatuchak area agreed that it could be a problem.

"Now it all depends on how effective the law enforcement will be," he said.
"Law enforcement in this countryrarely works.
"I think a voluntary measure with proper education on tobacco's impact on health would be more effective than the smoking ban."

The health ministry said bar and restaurant owners can relax, at least for now, because authorities won't begin fining the law breakers until June.

"Although the ban takes effect on Feb 11, we will focus more on educating people and issuing warnings rather than fining wrongdoers until May 31," said Seri Hongyok, deputy director-general of the Disease Control Office.
The ministry is prepared to advise businesses on how to comply with the new rules, and will distribute copies of the regulations by the end of February, Mr Seri said.
"If there is any breach of the law, our authorities will consider them on a case-by-case basis to ensure fair treatment," he said.

Why bother? "Mai pen rai" will prevail.

[sandman67]

The ban covers all air-conditioned bars, pubs, discos and clubs.

Are there any air con bars in HH? I cant say Ive ever noticed an air con unit in any of the Bintablok bars.....

Maybe the Hilton? awwww shame......just another reason not to go there

Hopefully, in the near future, all open-air restaurants in Thailand will be 100% smoke free," she added.

So its OK for people to choke on exhaust fumes from cars and trucks, just not smokers......that seems to make sense....NOT.

They said it would also help smokers quit the habit more easily.

Really? Doesn't seem to have worked on me....