14 February 2026
By Apinya Wipatayotin – Bangkok Post
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has declared Rama VI Road a smoke-free area as part of its push to promote a “Healthy City” environment.
Dr Lertlak Lilaruangsang, deputy permanent secretary of the BMA, said the road has been selected for the initiative as it houses hospitals, medical facilities and educational institutions.
She said that cigarette smoke and vapour from e-cigarettes in public spaces can affect the health of patients and pedestrians.
Dr Lertlak said the initiative was jointly carried out by Ratchathewi district office, the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital of Mahidol University, and 13 organisations located along Rama VI Road.
Campaign activities included installing “Smoke-Free Road” markers along the route to raise awareness and protect the rights of non-smokers, particularly on busy footpaths. Under the Tobacco Products Control Act, public areas and footpaths are designated smoke-free zones, and violators face a fine of up to 5,000 baht.
Dr Lertlak urged residents, commuters and business operators to help monitor the area and discourage smoking where it is prohibited.
She said the BMA hopes the initiative will serve as a model for other districts, improving public health, environmental quality and urban safety.