Smoking banned in all taxis

All taxis will be 100% "no smoking" from Thursday, with stiff fines for passengers and drivers who disregard the ban, and all cabs must display "no smoking" signs.

The prohibition is being enforced under a joint campaign launched by the Land Transport Department, the Disease Control Department and the Foundation to Campaign against Smoking.

Land Transport director-general Sanit Promwing said that starting Sept 1 all taxis throughout the country must have a clearly visible "no-smoking" sticker displayed on the front passenger-seat glove compartment.

The camapign aims to make all taxis 100% smoking-free, in line with the 1992 law to protect the health of non-smokers.

He said "no smoking" stickers are available at all transport offices.

Smoking in taxis is totally prohibited, whether the driver has a passenger or not.

Taxis without the "no smoking" sticker will not be eligible for the annual extension of registration.

Taxi drivers whose vehicles do not have a "no-smoking" sticker on the glove compartment are liable to a fine of up to 2,000 baht under the law to protect non-smokers.

Cab drivers and passengers who violate the smoking ban are liable to a similar fine of up to 2,000 baht, while also being liable to a fine of up to 1,000 baht under the Automobile Act of 1979.

People can report violations to hotline 1584 around the clock. They should give information on the kind of taxi, the licence plate number, the driver's name, and the date, time and location of the violation so that legal action can be taken against the violator.