Smoking At Home Is Now A Form Of Domestic Violence In Thailand
The new law will come into effect on 20 August.
By Jia Vern Tham — 21 Jun 2019, 01:36 PM
Thailand's Ministry of Social Development and Human Security announced yesterday, 20 June, that smoking at home is now considered a form of domestic violence
According to Post Today, the new definition was announced in the Government Gazette on 22 May.
China Press reported that the law will be applicable to families with seniors, children, and patients.
Lertpanya Buranabandit, a Director-General from the ministry, revealed yesterday that the definition is added to the Promotion and Protection of Family Institutions Act.
Lertpanya stressed that smoking at home constitutes domestic violence due to the destruction of the family's health
Moreover, under the Promotion and Protection of Family Institutions Act, domestic violence is defined as any act a person in the family commits onto another for the purpose that may cause harm to life, body, mind, health, freedom, or reputation of the person, reported Thai PBS.
Smoking at home also "may lead to physical or emotional violence" because of aggressiveness when there is a lack of smoking, according to Post Today. It could also ruin relationships between a smoking family member and non-smokers in the house.
The law will come into effect on 20 August
According to Post Today, offenders may be required to appear in two courts, including the Criminal Court and the Central Juvenile and Family Court.
Once convicted, the court may order a person to receive treatment and quit smoking in an attempt to protect the person's family.