In Reply to: you must be bored to put a post posted by hools on Friday, 29. December 2006 at 17:08 Bali Time:
I really ummmed and ahhhed over posting. I knew it would bring out statements like yours. I was extremely surprised at the article as Thailand is like Bali in so many ways.
I do slip slop slap (for my own sake, already had skin cancers removed, and do NOT go in the sun if I can avoid). I do not drink coffee (don't like it)nor eat mangoes (don't like them either!!!!). I am a mad recycler. I drink in the privacy of my own home and would not dream of drinking and driving as I could put someone else at risk. The point is that my meat eating/drinking etc does not impact negatively on anyones health but my own (and the cow I might be munching on).
I have no problem whatsoever with people smoking in the privacy of their own home, just the same as I do with my drinking. It is the imposition on the majority of the population that are non smokers that is the problem.
In fact, a few forumites don't smoke at home but light up in Bali!!
Thailand is extremely concerned about the very high levels of lung cancer in its Hospitality workers (like Bali most females do not smoke there). A lot of people here love the Balinese but have no problems forcing them to breath their second hand smoke and endangering their health. 52,000 people die a year in Thailand from smoking related diseases.
I nursed my father until his awful death through lung cancer yet do not consider myself a wowser..he killed himself, just don't want anyone to kill me!!!
I actually have found this forum to be very influential in the tourist areas of Bali. So many people read it, it is quite amazing if you ask around. From my hairdresser to my tailor to my therapist, they all talk about the forum. Most readers/posters are genuine lovers of Bali and its people. If I can persuade just one smoker to be a little more thoughtful and perhaps save just one life it is worth all the s..t you want to heap on me.
A happy and healthy New Year to you Hools