Confusion over cigarette ban

Disease Control Department officials yesterday went to Tantawan Plaza Open Market near Nonthaburi's Nonthavet Hospital to inform people of the new regulation, which includes open markets and trade exhibition areas. However, most vendors and market customers said they did not know that the ban included open markets and non-air-conditioned restaurants. Several restaurants were still providing ashtrays to their customers.

Officials informed the vendors that they would have to observe the new rules, which are punishable by fines of Bt20,000 for the venue owner and Bt2,000 for the smoker.

Chalermchai Khiewpradit, director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's market office, said his office had joined the Public Health Ministry in handing out leaflets on the new regulation to vendors and passers-by at Chatuchak Market 1 and Chatuchak Market 2 in the Min Buri area.

Although the ban came into effect yesterday, there will be a three-month grace period so that people can adjust to the new rules and punishments. During this period, warnings will be given rather than immediate arrests and fines. The ban will be strictly enforced from May 31.

Chalermchai said Chatuchak Market 1 had prepared two smoking areas in front of the restrooms, while the market in Min Buri had set aside a smoking area near its shrine.

The Nation