Disease Control Warns Of Illegal Smoking In Police Stations
Thai authorities are reminding police stations and other government facilities that smoking is prohibited under law, with violators facing fines up to 5,000 baht. The warning follows a photo showing someone smoking in a police interrogation
The Department of Disease Control under the Ministry of Public Health has issued a warning via Facebook stating: do not smoke in police stations—it is illegal and carries a fine of up to 5,000 baht. A recent news image showed smoking occurring inside a police station interrogation room while a suspect was being detained, clearly constituting a legal violation. To address public confusion, health officials have reviewed the relevant laws.
Under the Tobacco Product Control Act B.E. 2560 and Health Ministry regulations, all public places, workplaces, and government facilities—including police stations—are designated complete no-smoking zones, whether in meeting rooms, interrogation rooms, or surrounding building areas.
Smokers who violate the no-smoking zone rules face a fine of up to 5,000 baht. Facility operators, owners, or managers who neglect enforcement, fail to publicize the rules, do not warn violators, or knowingly permit smoking in their areas face a fine of up to 3,000 baht.
Strict law enforcement, especially in government and law enforcement facilities, is essential for protecting public health and safeguarding officials and workers from the dangers of secondhand smoke.
