A British tourist in Thailand had water thrown over him by kitchen stand staff to extinguish his cigarette after ignoring a no-smoking sign and the warnings that were made to him. However, the no-smoking sign on display at the kitchen stand was not part of a meaningless smoking ban like we are used to and possibly the British tourist as well, but a well-justified warning in relation to the gas bottles that were being used to power the cooking kitchens that can dangerously explode because of lit cigarettes.
The trivial incident took place in Chiang Mai where the tourist decided to light up a cigarette in the Chang Phuak street food market, and declined to put it out when asked. The British tourist was prompt and apt to defend himself from being more used to smoking bans by turning against the staff who instructed him to extinguish his cigarette by saying that it was his personal freedom to smoke in public, but the staff had been instead warning him about the gas cookers. After he toppled a tray they decided to act on his unwillingness and threw water over him to extinguish his cigarette. The British tourist’s extended reaction was to start swearing at them while seen away with his friends trying to relax and persuade him about the necessity that had emerged. He later apologised as did the owner of the stall who was called out.
“Police are aware of the incident involving the foreigner at the night market, but there were no emergency calls made when the incident happened. If there is a report made, we will investigate and mediate.” said a police lieutenant from the regional police force.
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