Former MP Fined for Smoking in Government Building
Former MP Chalerm Riawreng was fined 5,000 baht for smoking at Rattanadhivet Police Station in August, with the station commander also penalized for allowing it in a no-smoking area.
The Department of Disease Control has fined Chalerm Riawreng, a former MP and suspect in the case of a deceased Nonthaburi provincial administrator, for smoking in a government office on August 11, 2569. The incident occurred at Rattanadhivet Police Station, where Chalerm was fined up to 5,000 baht, and the station commander was fined up to 3,000 baht as the venue owner for permitting smoking in a designated no-smoking area. Dr. Prakrit Wathisathikij, chairman of the Anti-Smoking Foundation, emphasized that although smoking is often considered a personal right under human rights principles, it is prohibited in government facilities by Thai law. He expressed hope that this enforcement action will educate public venue owners about their legal obligation to prevent smoking and face penalties if they allow it after being warned.
