Fines Issued for Smoking Incident at Rattanathibet Police Station

On August 11, 2026, the Department of Disease Control under the Ministry of Public Health issued fines following a widely circulated incident involving smoking inside the Rattanathibet Police Station. According to Khaosod Online, former MP Chalong Riewrang, who was being held as a suspect in a murder case, was fined 5,000 THB for smoking in a government facility. Additionally, the Superintendent of the Rattanathibet Police Station was fined 3,000 THB for failing to enforce the smoking ban as the person responsible for the premises.

Professor Emeritus Dr. Prakit Vathesatogkit, President of the Action on Smoking and Health Foundation, noted that while the suspect had requested to smoke, the law strictly prohibits smoking in government buildings and public spaces. He emphasized that this case serves as a reminder that facility owners are legally liable if they permit smoking in restricted areas, regardless of individual requests.

For residents and travelers, this incident underscores the strict enforcement of Thailand’s anti-smoking laws in public and government buildings. While the fines have been issued, it remains to be seen if this will lead to stricter monitoring of smoking policies within police stations and other government offices nationwide. Visitors should be aware that smoking in prohibited areas can result in immediate fines, and facility managers are obligated to prevent such violations.