Bangkok (NNT/VNA) - The Thai Departmentof Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) has confirmed that the smoking prohibitionat beaches which will reduce waste from cigarette filters and keep touristsfrom getting intoxicated. 

The DMCR raised concerns over the smoking of cigarettes atbeaches as the filters are the most commonly found type of garbage found on thebeaches, while chemicals from cigarettes such as nicotine, arsenic, pesticides,and carcinogens can contaminate water and affect aquatic animals. 

DMCR Director-General Jatuporn Buruspat said some 100,000pieces of cigarettes have littered each of Thailand's beaches, leading to thelaunch of the smoking-free beach campaign at 24 famous beaches such as BangSaen in Chonburi, Pathong in Phuket, and Hua Hin in Parchuap Khiri Khan. 

Under the campaign, those who may smoke outside designatedareas or dispose of their cigarettes at unpermitted places will be subject to amaximum of one year in prison or a maximum of 100,000 THB in fine, or both. 

He said more smoking areas with multilingual signs have beenprovided to allow smokers. 

The Thai Ministry of Public Health plans to declare publicbeaches as smoking-free zones. The DMCR chief said the measure will not likelyaffect tourists, and will make them happier without surrounding toxins.-NNT/VNA