Smokers face jail for lighting up on Thailand’s beaches

THAILAND has banned smoking on beaches in tourist areas, with those caught lighting up facing a year in jail.

The ban will apply to 20 beaches in popular spots such as Phuket and was announced after the country’s marine and coastal resources department complained it had found more than 138,000 cigarette butts buried in the sand.

Though the measures effectively ban smoking on the beaches, designated smoking zones will be set up inland, with bins for cigarette butts.

Those who violate the ban face fines of 100,000 baht (£2,200) or imprisonment for up to a year.

If the ban proves successful, the authorities hope to extend it to all beaches in Thailand.