Jump to full article: The Nation (th), 2009-08-10
Author: Achara Deboonme
Intro: Since its establishment in 2001, the Action on Smoking and Health Foundation has done an extraordinary job of discouraging smoking in the Kingdom. . . .
The Tobacco Consumption Control Law has been strengthened. Gone are the days when smokers could light up freely in bus stations, restaurants and entertainment venues.
So it's not surprising to learn that, according to Mahidol University's research centre, the number of smokers in Thailand fell from 11.7 million in 1991 to 9.54 million in 2006.
Many give the credit for these successes to Prakit Vathisathokit, secretary-general of the Action on Smoking and Health Foundation.
The bad news for smokers is that Prakit, who retired from the civil service years ago, is determined to be on the scene for a long time, despite his advancing years. Though smokers are annoyed by the growing number of strict controls on their habit, many more are planned, he said.
"The rules are strictly enforced in Bangkok, but many smokers in the provinces are not aware of them. I still have a lot to do," he said.
And Prakit appears physically fit enough to continue with his plans.
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