The Smoking Ban: Bangkok Version

[Robaht]

Just a quick report on what's going on in Bangkok with the new smoking ban. I don't intend this to be a "narc" thread, just to keep up to date on the enforcement and how bars/clubs are getting around the new law.

Bed Supper Club: No smoking inside the club. Actually it is very refreshing. They have opened the "fire exit" behind the DJ which leads to a little patio/terrace area where you can smoke. It is very rustic, and I expect this area will soon be improved. The only catch is that they installed the terrace area to cut down the noise from the club to nearby apartments and when the door opens every ten seconds I think the noise is going to be a problem soon.

Spice Club Soi 11: Smoking as usual.

Spicey Soi Rong Muang: Smoking as usual. (or even more!)

[Dodger]

In Lala, they seem to have great joy in telling you all about the new law, keeping their face straight, then you ask for an ashtray and they pass it to you, smiling like they just told the best joke ever??? so I asked about the new law and the potential fine for them and me, their reply, 'Police not too sure about new law yet, they not know what to do or how much money to charge, we got time yet!!'

[Dingo's]

I just read in the Phuket Gazette that the smoking ban will not be enforced in Phuket until they have a meeting and create a "public awareness" campaign

Will be interesting to see if it ever rolls out here then...

[easyrider_au]

I went to 2 different go-go's here in Patts last night.

1 was enforcing...1 was not.....At this early stage, the beer bars seemed as per normal.

Will report some more in the next few days.

[Dingo's]

I think beer bars will be the same as before as the new law apparently only is targeted towards air-conditioned premises....

[Nautilus]

The rules are really confusing

[Nicke]

So whats the difference from the old smoking ban that was targeted towards indoor aircon places last time?

All beer bars had ashtrays last night... and people smoking as usual.

Originally Posted by Dingo's

I think beer bars will be the same as before as the new law apparently only is targeted towards air-conditioned premises....

[john1000d]

Just a quick clarification...Feb 11 is when the law is put into motion and an "awareness" campaign is started during which period the bars & nightclubs are given warnings. The strict enforcement deadline is sometime in the month of May when the cops actaullay start handing out fines to non-compliant bars / clubs. But it needs to be seen as some members have pointed out, how strictly will this law be enforced after the May deadline.

[Schmeen]

Yep Thai TV clearly said last night that the new law will be clearly enfoced in 3 months.

For now it's a 'soft opening'

I'll boycott any place that does not follow the new rules, i'm fed up of getting a cigarette hangover when I don't smoke myself.

[aussie dollar]

Originally Posted by Schmeen

Yep Thai TV clearly said last night that the new law will be clearly enfoced in 3 months.

For now it's a 'soft opening'

I'll boycott any place that does not follow the new rules, i'm fed up of getting a cigarette hangover when I don't smoke myself.

I'm fed up of getting a HEADACHE from your ant when I don't have one myself

[slampay]

images.jpg no prob aussie!

[Robaht]

Soi Cowboy: Ban in full force. Even the open air bars (ie. @ Corner bar) are only allowing you to smoke on the "terrace". The benefit to this is that maybe Soi Cowboy will continue to develop the outside seating areas, which are already much improved and starting to have a "Bangla" feel. Some bars like Rawhide are completely dropping the ball in this area, while others like Tilac are cashing in.

Patpong (Bangkok): For now they are allowing smoking at the open air bars such as Twilo and Funky Dojo and Tapas (outside). Not sure about inside the gogo's (yet..).

[Matt Knickerbox]

Only one gogo i went to in patts is enforcing the ban. one of the chics even slapped some cuffs on me for lighting up.

[Sham69]

Originally Posted by Matt Knickerbox

Only one gogo i went to in patts is enforcing the ban. one of the chics even slapped some cuffs on me for lighting up.

It's a bummer when that happens

[Crustasian]

Heard last night that Phuket has been granted an exemption and the law will not be enforced.

Another version I heard is that they announced on Thai TV that it had been scrapped completely.

Anybody got a clue as to what is going on?????????????

[Matt Knickerbox]

Originally Posted by zarf

It's a bummer when that happens

Yeah I've had worse things happen to me...

But it seems a few more agogos are enforcing the non smoking deal in Patts. Probably about half that I checked out today.
Sucks a simple retrofit exhaust system for the smoking would get rid of all of these issues.
But the non smoking agogos do smell better though.

To sum it all up its just a typical Thai oxymoron. They're making smoking illegal in places where they condone prostituition.

[A.T.M]

Its not like its minus 3 like here in the UK where you freeze your tits off everytime you wanna ciggy

[Spector]

The only place I found last week in Patong that was "no smoking" was that Jazz Resturant on Beach Rd. (can't remember name) Everywhere else I went to in Patong, Karon and Kata was smoking as usual.

[ThaiLearner]

I think it will cause too many problems it should be scrapped.

You will be in a go go with a girl then you will go outside and say to her you will be back just going out for a smoke and then when you go back she is with another customer.

[Schmeen]

Hmmm...I imagine the authorities will make that their chief concern when repealling this law.

It's been quite clear that the 'law' doesn't officially start until May 31st.

This is a 3 month bedding in period where people should make the switch. If they choose not to, it's up to them, however after 31st may it will be compulsory.

The no smoking in restaurants came in several years ago and has held fast no reason this shouldn't. I think people will enjoy the smoke free environment more, and anywhere that tried to get around would lose custom in the long run.

[lorpeps]

Originally Posted by A.T.M

Its not like its minus 3 like here in the UK where you freeze your tits off everytime you wanna ciggy

that's t-shirt weather