Phuket Poll: Patong Beach smoking ban wins support
Submitted by dada on Mon, 11/20/2017 - 20:02
The ban smoking at Patong Beach has gained a majority of support in an online poll by The Phuket News, though only a clear minority support its current heavy-handed penalties. The heavy penalties stirred a storm of debate online, with some people voicing their full support for the move, while others say the penalties are far too heavy for such an offense – and that was before it was made clear that using e-cigarettes, or “vaping”, was also included in the ban.
However, instead of instantly enforcing the heavy penalties, a fine of up to B100,000, or even up to one year in jail, DMCR officials opted to launch a 90-day “grace period” while they roll out a public awareness campaign. As such, no people will be charged until Feb 1, DMCR Director-General Jatuporn Buruspat assured The Phuket News. So far the ban is to be introduced at 24 of most popular beaches in the country, but in Phuket it is limited only at Patong Beach. Until further notice, the ban is not to apply to any other beaches on the island, Mr Jatuporn said.
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