Feb 9, 2008, 2:54 GMT
Bangkok - Thailand's sizeable entertainment industry will being going smoke-free next week although authorities will wait for three months before slapping fines on offenders, media reports said Saturday.
As of Monday, a public health ministry ban on public smoking will go into effect in all air-conditioned bars, pubs, discos or clubs throughout the country, which is somewhat notorious for its thriving night entertainment industry.
Thailand's police force, equally notorious for turning a blind eye or open palm to legal transgressions, will have to wait three months before they can enforce fines of 2,000 baht (60 dollars) on smokers and 20,000 (600 dollars) on venue operators who violate the smoking ban, said The Nation newspaper.
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