Camilla Jessen
A seaside smoke might sound relaxing, but on some beaches, it could cost you a small fortune.
Tourists stroll along the coast, soaking up the sun and letting their thoughts drift with the waves. But many are stopped in their tracks when they notice the eye-catching signs.
Positioned every few meters along the beach promenade, the signs deliver a clear message: smoking is strictly prohibited, and violators will face steep penalties.
This initiative is part of a broader campaign to keep beaches cleaner and improve air quality.
Cigarette butts remain the most common form of litter on many coastlines. In response, local authorities have taken decisive action to protect the environment and foster a more family-friendly atmosphere.
And while many support the goal, few expect just how costly lighting up in the wrong place can be.
Not Just the Sand
What stands out is that the ban doesn’t only apply to the beach itself.
It also includes surrounding walkways and promenades—areas where tourists and locals might think they can sneak away for a quiet smoke.
Security patrols regularly to ensure no one is hiding behind a bush or under a parasol with a cigarette.
The strict regulations are already showing results. Environmental groups report fewer cigarette butts in the sand, and many visitors say they appreciate the cleaner air and more child-friendly atmosphere.
But one detail continues to raise eyebrows.
A Costly Holiday Smoke
If you’re caught smoking in a prohibited area in Pattaya, Thailand, you could face a fine of up to 5,000 baht—approximately $135 or £105.
That’s money that could have gone toward a nice dinner or a memorable outing.
Thailand enforces a full smoking ban on its beaches to safeguard both the environment and public health.
This article is based on reporting from Kosmo!
