Thailand bans smoking on 20 of its most popular tourist beaches

Beach: Tourists in Phuket, Thailand.
AFP/Getty Images
Martin Coulter12 October 2017

Tourists could face a year in prison for smoking on Thailand's beaches once new legislation comes into effect next month.

The Thai government is set to ban smoking on 20 of the country's most popular beaches, including the popular tourist destination of Phuket.

The move comes after a litter survey of Patong beach, in Phuket, showed cigarette butts accounted for a third of all rubbish collected.

The head of the country's Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) said that up to 138,000 cigarette butts were collected over a 1.5 mile stretch.

In a statement to the Phuket Gazette, DMCR director general Jatuporn Buruspat said: "Cigarettes have a direct effect on our natural environment. The butts clog the drains, contributing to floods.

"When the cigarettes stay under the beach sand for a long time, it also negatively affects the eco system. When the chemicals from the cigarette butts reach the water, it also releases cadmium, lead, arsenic and some acid from insecticde which are poison to the natural food chain."

The penalty for violating the ban is up to a year in prison or a possible fine of 100,000 baht (£2,280). Thailand is initially implementing the ban on 20 beaches but said it would be extended to seaside spots nationwide if it proves successful.

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