Passengers’ smoking in unauthorized areas poses a significant health and safety risk, according to airport authorities.
Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) has requested that the Ministry of Public Health reconsider its regulations to permit smoking rooms in the six international airports it operates.
AoT president Kirati Kijmanawat explained that the request stems from numerous complaints by passengers, particularly those with lengthy layovers between connecting flights.
Reports have surfaced regarding smoking violations in non-smoking zones, including washrooms, with some passengers opting to pay fines for the privilege of smoking. This behavior adversely affects non-smokers and deteriorates the overall air quality within the terminals, as noted by Mr. Kirati.
Additionally, instances of fire alarm systems being triggered by cigarette smoke further exacerbate the problem.
These issues have prompted calls for AoT and related authorities to consider establishing designated smoking areas within passenger terminals.
Mr. Kirati stated that AoT, which manages major airports like Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai, is urging the health ministry to amend existing regulations to facilitate indoor smoking rooms.
The proposed changes aim to enhance passenger travel experiences, improve air quality in terminals, and mitigate fire hazards.
Furthermore, the airport operator believes such initiatives could safeguard the nation’s tourism reputation and uphold passengers’ rights, especially for those enduring long waits without the option to exit the terminal.
A formal request has been made to the director-general of the Department of Disease Control (DDC), seeking adjustments to the regulation to allow for smoking areas within airport facilities. The tobacco-control committee has expressed agreement to form a working group to investigate the issue further.
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin indicated that the committee intends to explore whether outdoor smoking areas can be accessed within a minute via an electric train.
While he personally advocates for smoke-free airports, the minister acknowledged the need to understand AoT’s challenges before reaching a conclusion.
DDC representatives have conducted site visits at Suvarnabhumi airport to identify possible locations for smoking rooms.
Mr. Kirati pointed out that the current regulation, which restricts smoking to areas outside terminals, does not meet passenger needs, contrasting with many leading global airports like Changi in Singapore and Narita in Japan, which feature indoor smoking rooms.
However, Naowarat Charoenka of the National Health Foundation’s Thai Health Academy cautioned that permitting smoking rooms at airports could undermine Thailand’s efforts to meet international safety and quality standards. She highlighted a global trend towards entirely smoke-free airports, which Thailand would contradict by allowing smoking rooms to return.
