Smoking at home banned in Thailand starting this summer..!

Thailand is at it again.. they stirred up a lot of controversy with their decision to ban smoking on all beaches two years ago. Now they are already receiving public backlash for a law which will be enacted this August banning smoking at home.

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Thai Director General of the Women’s Affairs and Family Development Department, Lertpanya Booranabandit is spearheading the legislation which stipulates that smoking at home will be considered “family violence” and punishable under the new law effective August 20th.

He stated on Thursday that the Promotion of Development and Protection of the Family Institution Act B.E. 2562” has been published in the Royal Gazette" and smokers will be given 90 days to kick the habit.

Rising anti-tobacco campaigns have been putting pressure on lawmakers in an effort to make the home environment free from cigarette and e-cigarette smoke. The law is being enacted to protect against domestic violence of family members living under the same roof.

According to studies from Thailand's Tobacco Control Research Center, 49% of families which have smokers suffer from some form of domestic violence. The same studies found that infant mortality rate in smoking households are two times higher than those in non-smoking residence.

Under the new law, anyone who thinks they are affected by domestic smoking can report to officials concerned. If found in violation, the accused will be tried by the Criminal Court under the penal code and by the Central Juvenile and Family Courts for civil actions.

It was not specified what the penalization would be or how it would be enforced. Mandatory rehabilitation could be order by the court in certain cases.

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I can understand why some people are up in arms about not being allow to smoke on their own property, but I for one think it is a good law, and applaud Thailand for taking steps to ensure the health and safety of non-smoking children.