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Smoke-free zones at Loy Krathong: Thailand's Ministry of Culture takes stock!
Thailand promotes smoke-free zones during the Loy Krathong Festival to protect health and the environment and establish smoke-free values.
Smoke-free zones at Loy Krathong: Thailand's Ministry of Culture takes stock!
In order to promote a smoke-free environment in Thailand, the Thai Ministry of Culture and the Anti-Smoking Foundation recently launched a comprehensive initiative. The cooperation aims to strengthen non-smoking values and create smoke-free zones, especially during the upcoming Loy Krathong Festival. How hfocus.org reported, these measures are intended to help ensure a safe, clean and friendly atmosphere for cultural tourism, which is in line with the concept of green tourism.
With a large number of supporters from other ministries, such as the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Education, the Department for Cultural Promotion plans to educate the public about the dangers of smoking - both cigarettes and e-cigarettes. The efforts are no coincidence: according to startling statistics, 70% of Thais are exposed to secondhand smoke, which is considered alarming compared to 30% in England. The most affected are Thai women between the ages of 15 and 49.
Health risks from passive smoking
Smoking is not only a widespread problem in Thailand. Every year 20,688 people die in Thailand as a result of passive smoking, with strokes and heart disease being the main causes. What is particularly worrying is that 55% of children aged 1-5 years live in households with smokers - in Bangkok the figure is 62%. These children have a significantly higher risk of developing asthma or requiring hospital treatment. The risk of breast cancer in women exposed to secondhand smoke increases 1.24-fold the longer the exposure lasts.
The Ministry of Culture sees a sustainable solution in the creation of smoke-free zones at popular events such as the Loy Krathong and the SEA Games. This initiative is not only a step in the right direction for environmental protection, but above all it also protects the health of non-smokers, especially children and women.
Strict smoking laws and compliance with them
Thailand has strict smoking laws that are binding on both locals and tourists. Smoking is banned in many public areas, including government buildings, hospitals, schools and even public transport. Anyone who does not adhere to these rules will face fines of between 2,000 and 20,000 baht. For repeated violations, the fine can even be up to 40,000 baht. thailandinseln.de highlights that there are some exceptions, for example for designated smoking areas in certain hotels or restaurants.
Another critical point is that e-cigarettes are completely banned in Thailand. This applies to both the possession and import of e-cigarettes, violations of which are punishable by harsh penalties. Given these strict regulations, it is advisable for tourists to inform themselves in advance about local smoking bans and to be considerate of the applicable laws.
In conclusion, efforts to achieve a smoke-free society in Thailand are intended not only to protect the health of citizens, but also to improve the country's tourism offering. Through initiatives such as the collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and various health organizations, it is clear that the country is well on its way to establishing smoke-free values in society.