THE SMOKING BAN DEBATE CONTINUES
I have to say that I am a bit surprised at how much of a debate the smoking ban has become. This seems to be a very important issue to some Westerners, while other people feel there are bigger problems to deal with. Down in Soi Cowboy, the smoking ban has been enforced in every bar. Smokers can be seen having a cigarette outside the bars in Soi Cowboy. Some smokers are openly displaying their disdain for the new law. Meanwhile, non-smokers are arguing that it is high time that smoking is banned in all bars right across Thailand. Non-smokers are clearly saying butt out! On the other hand, there are smokers who feel hard done by after all these years.
In Nana Plaza, the authorities have not enforced the smoking ban. Non-smokers should be aware of this fact. However, in Angelwitch Go-Go Bar they have banned the Thai staff from smoking inside the bar. This is something of a compromise to the situation. Customers are allowed to smoke in all of the four Rainbow Bars. Therefore, rival go-go bars do not want to lose customers to them. The smoking ban has to be a rule for all if it is going to work. (more…)
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. 
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