BANGKOK-- Thailand has stepped up its aggressive campaign against cigarettes by imposing a complete ban on smoking in air-conditioned restaurants and public toilets, Reuters quoted as officials saying on Friday.

Public Health Minister Sudarat Keyuraphun told news conference she had signed a ministerial regulation to extend the smoking ban to 19 categories of public places from 16 currently, including shopping malls, cinemas and hair salons.

"We would like to improve the health of the Thai people so We have imposed a complete ban on smoking in air-conditioned restaurants," Sudarat told reporters.

The law, which takes effect on November 8, will carry a fine of 2,000 baht ($47.50) for smokers and 20,000 baht for owners of places that violate the law, she said.

Thailand said in may it would force manufacturers to put graphic health warnings, complete with photos of cancerous lungs, on cigarette packets in hopes of countering the rise in teenage smoking.