This move aims to reduce marine pollution and introduce fresher air to the country’s famous beaches.

The next time you visit Thailand, consider ditching your pack of cigarettes for the good of the environment.

The country has implemented a smoking and littering ban that will come into effect at 24 of its beaches across 15 provinces from February 1 onwards.

According to the regulations set by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, violators will face fines of up to US$3,226 and/or a year in prison.

Famous tourist beaches affected include Patong, Koh Khai Nok, Koh Khai Nai in Phuket; Hua Hin, Cha-Am, Khao Takiab in the western province of Prachuap Khiri Khan; Pattaya, Jomtien, Bangsaen in the eastern province of Chonburi, as well as Samila in Songkhla city.

Officials say this new ban aims to reduce marine pollution and introduce fresher air to the country’s palm-fringed beaches, with more beaches expected to be added to the list in the future.

Bannaruk Sermthong, a director at the Office of Marine and Coastal Resources Management told Reuters “Starting today, smoking and cigarette-butt littering are prohibited at beach areas.”

“Anyone who wants to smoke must do so in designated smoking areas, not on the beaches.”