A tougher Tobacco Control law enforced today has raised the legal age to buy cigarettes from 18 to 20, and bans tobacco firms from all forms of indirect advertisement targeting youth.
The new law should tie up loose ends from the 1992 Tobacco Products Control Act, protect the health of nonsmokers, and prevent an increase in the number of new smokers.
According to Bangkok Post, Public Health Minister Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn revealed that it was crucial to strengthen the law on cigarettes to keep Thai youth from picking up the bad habit.
He added that over 50,000 people lose their lives each year due to smoking-induced illnesses.
Tobacco sales are now banned from four major venues including religious venues, educational institutions, hospitals, and public parks including amusement parks and zoos.
Smoking in prohibited areas can result in a fine of up to THB5,000. Supervisors of those areas must ensure that passersby are informed, otherwise they will also face a fine up to THB3,000.
