Why Thailand is restoring smoking areas at its airports
Thailand’s prime minister has directed officials to install standardised smoking areas at airports to better serve the needs of travellers while still protecting public health.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra issued the order at a cabinet meeting this week, calling on the transport and health ministries to work together to create designated areas that meet international standards.
Government spokesman Jirayu Huangsub said the prime minister made the decision after concerns that passengers were smoking in unauthorised areas due to the lack of proper facilities.
He added that the change would help airports manage crowds more effectively and reduce health risks for non-smokers through better ventilation systems.
Thailand had previously removed smoking rooms from its major airports as part of efforts to enforce anti-smoking laws.
But officials say the absence of designated spaces has led to unintended problems, with some travellers lighting up in open areas, near restrooms or even outside terminal entrances.
This has increased clean-up costs and caused discomfort to other passengers.
Earlier this year, a smoking room was reinstated at Suvarnabhumi Airport’s new terminal, Satellite 1.
The Airports of Thailand (AoT) has proposed similar rooms at five other international airports, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai and Chiang Rai, but the Ministry of Public Health is still reviewing the plan.
While Thailand remains committed to reducing tobacco use, the government says designated smoking areas at airports reflect a more practical approach to managing public spaces used by travellers from all over the world.
By creating proper smoking zones, officials hope to align with practices seen in other global airports and ease pressure on staff, while also protecting the rights of non-smokers.
