Taxi ban in force in Thailand

Smoking is banned from today in taxis operating in Thailand, whether or not the vehicle is carrying a passenger, according to a story in The Bangkok Post.

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.

The Post said that the campaign to make taxis smoke-free was in line with a 1992 law aimed at protecting the health of non-smokers.

Land Transport director-general Sanit Promwing said that, starting on September 1, all taxis had to have displayed on their front passenger-seat glove compartments clearly visible no-smoking signs, which were available at transport offices.

Taxi drivers whose vehicles do not have the no-smoking signs in place are liable to a fine of up to 2,000 baht, and their vehicles will not be eligible for annual registration.

Passengers who smoke in taxis are also liable to be fined.

People can report violations to a hotline open around the clock. But they will have to be prepared to provide information on the type of taxi involved, the license plate number, the driver’s name, and the date, time and location of the violation.