The official ban on smoking at central government offices came into effect today, with tough measures to be taken against any violators – including the highest-ranking officials.

Announcement of the strict enforcement came after Public Health Minister Pinij Jarusombat and representatives of 29 government agencies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) effectively banning the use of tobacco on government premises – except for specially-designated smoking areas. Under the agreement, all state agencies have designated as "No Smoking Zone" and anyone caught lighting a cigarette outside the zone, for example, will face a Bt 2,000 (US$ 50) fine, while any permanent secretary or higher-ranking official of a state office will be fined Bt 20,000 (US$ 500) if any state employees or visitors are found violating the ban. The ban prohibits smoking during office hours and advertising tobacco products on government property. It also prohibits the sale of tobacco products on government premises as well as forbidding the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products to children under the age of 18. Agencies are also forbidden to accept sponsorships from tobacco businesses. Currently, Thailand has about 10 million smokers and tobacco consumption has reached 60 billion cigarettes per year, according to the National Statistics Office. (pi)