Starting Feb 1, smoking on 24 Thai beaches will carry the hefty penalty of up to a year in jail and a fine of B100,000.

The Department of Marine & Coastal Resources’ announcement follows reports last October of popular beaches littered with cigarette butts. According to Khaosod English, over 139,000 cigarette butts were found in a of 2.5 km stretch of beach in Patong.

Smoking will still be allowed in designated areas, where cigarette bins will also be provided.

Despite being touted for producing less waste, e-cigarettes are still illegal in Thailand and therefore not an alternative.

Among the beaches included in the Feb 1 bans are Hua Hin, Khao Takiab in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Cha-am in Phetchaburi and Chao Samran in Trang. The Department of Marine & Coastal Resources expects the ban to eventually come to beaches nationwide.

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