BANGKOK, THAILAND – Rama 6 Road in Bangkok was officially declared a smoke-free zone from 13 February 2026, with smoking traditional and electronic cigarettes punishable by fines of up to 5,000 baht.
Central traffic artery under strict smoking ban
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration designated Rama 6 Road in the Ratchathewi district as a smoke-free area, explicitly including all sidewalks. The measure had applied since 13 February 2026 and targeted the use of both traditional cigarettes and e‑cigarettes.
Health drive in hospital and education corridor
The regulation formed part of the city’s “Healthy City” policy, aimed at improving public health and quality of life in densely built-up neighbourhoods. Numerous hospitals and educational institutions lined Rama 6 Road, so patients, students and passersby were intended to be better protected from second-hand smoke.
Authorities and residents enlisted for enforcement
Deputy permanent secretary Dr Lertluck Leelaruangsang stressed that the decision was in line with Bangkok’s strategy to develop as a Medical and Wellness Hub and to create a cleaner, safer environment.
“The decision is in line with the strategy to develop Bangkok as a Medical and Wellness Hub and is intended to create a cleaner, safer environment.”
said Dr Lertluck Leelaruangsang, deputy permanent secretary of Bangkok.
She explained that local businesses and residents were being involved to monitor compliance with the smoking ban and report violations.
“Local businesses and residents are being involved to monitor compliance with the smoking ban and to report violations.”
said Dr Lertluck Leelaruangsang, deputy permanent secretary of Bangkok.
Campaign with hospitals and universities
The Ratchathewi District Office launched a campaign together with Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University and 13 local organisations, clearly signposting Rama 6 Road as a smoke-free zone. The partners aimed to increase awareness of the health risks of smoking and to promote a safer, more sustainable environment for the population.
Legal basis and public participation
Under the Tobacco Products Control Act of 2017, all public areas and sidewalks in Bangkok were legally defined as smoke-free zones, so violations on Rama 6 Road were prosecuted under this law. Dr Lertluck called on the public to help build a smoke-free society by reporting violations or politely passing on the message, in order to reduce tobacco-related health risks in the long term.
“The public is called upon to participate in creating a smoke-free society, to report violations or to pass on the concern politely, in order to reduce tobacco-related health risks in the long term.”
said Dr Lertluck Leelaruangsang, deputy permanent secretary of Bangkok.