SMOKING BAN IN A STATE OF CONFUSION

With some bars allowing smoking and other bars not, it does make the smoking ban look like a farce.  There are establishments where the so-called smoking ban has not been enforced whatsoever.  Once again, go-go bars are at the centre of the controversy.  In the Lumpini area (lower Sukhumvit Road), the Hotels and restaurants have been told they must enforce the smoking ban, but some bars in Nana Plaza are currently exempt.  In stark contrast, further along Sukhumvit Road, the bars in Soi Cowboy have been told to comply to the new law.  Down in Pattaya, a number of the go-go bar owners are allowing smoking, but they have been told to be discrete.  Word from Thai sources is that the smoking ban will be enforced eventually, but currently there is a grace period.  Understand that if you can!  Thailand’s Ministry Of Health (rather than the police) will apparently be checking to see who is complying to the smoking ban.  After May 31st, 2008 all hotels and public establishments must comply to the smoking ban, or face a 20,000 Baht fine.  So far, it looks like the ban has gone up in a cloud of smoke.  Meanwhile folks, it’s just another moment in the Land Of Make-Believe. (more…)