Smoking on the beach could cost you up to $10,000 in fines — 20 popular Thai tourist beaches now under a 'no smoking' ban

▲ The Thai government has issued a full smoking ban on 20 beaches. (Photo / Reporter Chen Hanyin)

Reporter Chen Hanyin / Comprehensive report

The warm sunshine, crystal-clear waters, and pristine beaches of Southeast Asia are a top choice for many travelers looking to relax and unwind. But smokers planning a trip to Thailand need to take extra note: starting November, the Thai government has imposed a smoking ban on 20 of the country’s most popular beaches. Tourists caught lighting up on the sand could face fines as high as 100,000 Thai baht (approximately $3,000 USD)!

▲ Kata Noi Beach in Phuket, Thailand. (Photo / Reporter Cai Wenjun)

According to Thailand’s Daily News, the country’s beaches attract millions of visitors from around the world each year, but this has also led to serious beach littering issues — especially cigarette butts, which are found everywhere. Walking along a 2.5-kilometer stretch of beach, one can find as many as 138,000 cigarette butts. In response, the Thai government will enforce a smoking ban at 20 beaches nationwide under the Marine Parks Act.

▲ Smoking is now banned on popular island beaches to preserve their pristine environment. (Photo / Reporter Chen Hanyin)

The Thai government stated that in order to maintain the cleanliness of its beaches, it will gradually legislate solutions to marine pollution problems. The first step is a complete smoking ban on tourist beaches, including 20 popular destinations such as Koh Samui, Pattaya, and Phuket. Violators could face fines of up to 100,000 Thai baht (approximately 96,000 Taiwanese dollars), or even up to one year in prison. The ban is expected to take effect in November, during the peak tourist season.

* The following beach areas are included in the smoking ban:
Pattaya
Jomtien Beach
Phuket
Cha-Am
Hua Hin
Bang Saen
Pangnga (Phang Nga Bay)
Samila Beach
Mae Phim Beach in Rayong Province
Laem Singh Beach