Smoking and drinking are now prohibited on Bang Saen Beach as Saen Suk Subdistrict moves to make a “healthy and clean” shoreline.
The National Institute of Development Administration, Burapa University and the Chonburi municipality teamed up to make Bang Saen a prototype for reducing the health impacts of tobacco and alcohol that could be applied nationwide.
Ao Manao Beach in Prachuap Khiri Khan also will be part of the trial project.
Dr. Supreeda Adulayanon, manager at the HPF, said quality tourism with sustainable good health were the goals.
“Since the Covid-19 pandemic started, it has had a big impact on Thailand’s tourism. However, the crisis also provides opportunity. Therefore, the foundation, in cooperation with networks, is using this chance to upgrade and change Bang Sean Beach to be a tourist destination that is free of risk factors, especially alcohol and cigarettes.
“This project emphasizes not only the economy, but also quality of life and good health.”
Supreeda said the project requires the cooperation of beach vendors, good publicity efforts, enforcement and the staging of activities to promote the reduction of risk factors.
Saen Suk Mayor Narongchai Kunplome said cigarettes already are outlawed on Bang Saen with signs and smoking areas installed. The subdistrict will now move to enforce an alcohol ban.
“In the past, we often got complaints from tourists about people drinking, leading to quarrels and even death,” he said.
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