All BMA workplaces to be non smoking next year

She said all offices under the control of the BMA would be "green zones" that prohibit smoking in offices, including schools and primary healthcare units.

BMA staff who break the rules will be fined Bt2,000 under the 1992 NonSmokers Health Protection Act.

The BMA's department of health introduced smokingfree zones last year in its offices and included schools and health units. But only 310 out of 1,750 workplaces joined the programme.

A survey of the BMA's health agency found that 200 offices in City Hall 1 and 824 in City Hall 2 still allowed smoking. The car park was the favourite place for smokers.

Pensri said it was still hard work for health officers to change people's behaviour. Even though the government had issued the protection act, there was no law enforcement, so smoking in the workplace remained high.

"Most staff members do not know about the law that prohibits smoking in workplace areas. We have to inform them every time we see them smoking," she added.

However, she urged nonsmoking staff to report immediately to the health office if they see any smokers in prohibited areas.

Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation