The Thai cabinet has approved in principle a 24-hour ban for drinking and smoking shown on television screens, Deputy Government Spokesperson Danuporn Punnakan was quoted by the Thai News Agency as saying Tuesday.

According to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, showing cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption on TV, whether as images or sound, is now totally prohibited.

The decision effectively stops all advertising for alcohol and tobacco products on television.

The spokesman explained that smoking and drinking on TV has a strong influence on the general public, especially children who tend to easily develop positive attitudes and values towards the two kinds of behaviors shown on TV, and eventually form their own smoking and drinking habits.

The cabinet, therefore, approved the ban for 24 hours, not only on prime time as presently applied.

Source: Xinhua