Bangkok: The Department of Disease Control has announced a strict enforcement of the smoking ban at police stations, where individuals found smoking will face a fine of 5,000 baht. Moreover, owners of these premises who fail to prohibit smoking will also be subject to penalties.
According to Thai News Agency, the Department of Disease Control, part of the Ministry of Public Health, emphasized this regulation through a public announcement. The message, warning against smoking in police stations, highlighted that such actions are illegal and images showing individuals smoking in a police station's meeting room during a suspect's detention are evidence of legal violations.
The legal framework is supported by the Tobacco Products Control Act B.E. 2560 (2017), which, along with the Ministry's regulations, designates all public places, workplaces, and government premises, including police stations, as smoke-free zones. This applies to all areas within the premises, such as meeting rooms and investigation areas.
Violations of this law result in fines, with smokers facing penalties of up to 5,000 baht. Additionally, operators, owners, and managers of premises who neglect to enforce this regulation or fail to display no-smoking signs are subject to fines not exceeding 3,000 baht. The department underscores the importance of enforcing these laws, especially within government offices and law enforcement sites, to protect public health and prevent the risks associated with secondhand smoke exposure.