Thailand yesterday began its smoking and littering ban on 24 popular tourist beaches across 15 provinces to promote a clean and safe environment.
The smoking ban includes beachside locations at high-volume destinations such as Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi and Hua Hin, under the regulations of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources.
More beaches are expected to be added to the list in the future.
Officials say there will be designated smoking areas provided inland with refuse containers for the disposal of cigarette butts.
Violators will be taken to a criminal court and could face up to one year in jail, or a fine of up to 100,000 baht (US$3,193), or both, reported Reuters.
