U Nyi Mon, who chairs a team charged with controlling smoking in Bagan, said the new sites include three departmental offices, two schools, two pagodas and a stadium.

“When we designate smoke-free areas, we also designate smoking areas,” U Nyi Mon said. “We will arrange for ashtrays and benches where people can smoke within 30 feet of no-smoking areas.” 

He said his team’s goal is to create a smoke-free area and environment to protect non-smokers, children and pregnant women from the danger of second-hand smoke. 

Local authorities have intensified public awareness campaigns, and posted signs at smoking and non-smoking areas.  

U Nyi Mon said the regulations governing no-smoking areas were issued by the Ministry of Health and Sports, and the Public Health Foundation and the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance provided public awareness campaign and technical assistance. – Translated