Airport Smoking Room Debate: Health Minister Holds Off on Decision

[webfact]

PIcture courtesy: The Thaiger

 

Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) is pushing for the reinstallation of smoking rooms within international terminals, yet this proposal has hit a pause as Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin takes a cautious approach. His recent remarks suggest a thorough review is necessary before any definitive decision is made.

 

Currently, a working group under the Public Health Ministry is assessing the potential impact of reinstating smoking rooms at Thailand's international airports.

 

This group is yet to deliver a conclusive report, as there is no specific deadline set for the completion of their analysis. Minister Somsak emphasised the need to address this complex issue meticulously before reaching any resolution.

 

He also hinted that instead of reintroducing smoking rooms, authorities could double fines for those caught smoking in public spaces, including airports. Presently, offenders may face penalties up to 5,000 Thai Baht for smoking in prohibited areas.

 

The restoration of smoking areas is a contentious topic. The Airports of Thailand, which manages hubs such as Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and several regional airports, cites passenger complaints as a driving force behind their proposal.

Passengers on long layovers without access to smoking areas within terminal buildings have reportedly expressed frustration, leading some to illegally light up in restrooms.

AoT President Kirati Kijmanawat has raised concerns about the hazards of unauthorized smoking within airport facilities, including the potential for fire risks. He points out that airports like Singapore's Changi and Japan's Narita provide designated smoking zones, which AoT believes should be a model for Thailand to consider.

 

However, anti-smoking advocates, including Action on Smoking and Health Foundation Thailand, oppose the reintroduction of smoking rooms.

 

They argue that passengers' health and welfare should take precedence, highlighting a list of major international airports, like Chicago O’Hare and Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson, that maintain smoke-free environments.

 

Further, they cite the stance of the United Nations Human Rights Council, which recognises a clean environment as a fundamental human right.

 

Public Health Minister Somsak underscores the importance of balancing public health with potential economic benefits to tourism. He indicates that any steps forward must align with Thailand's commitments to environmental rights and health standards.

 

The outcome remains uncertain, with Minister Somsak's approach focusing on a comprehensive study to ensure that Thailand’s public health policies serve both the nation’s citizens and its global visitors. The decision, when it comes, will reflect the broader values of health, safety, and quality of experience for all airport users, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-15

 

 

[flyingtlger]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

authorities could double fines for those caught smoking in public spaces

Now that's  a step in the right direction....

[NoMoonLogistics]

2 hours ago, flyingtlger said:

Now that's  a step in the right direction....

Yes. I agree. Absolutely.

The health minister is right on the mark with this suggestion.

 

Science has proven that being in any outdoor public place in Thailand increases your chance of catching cancer by a factor of 3.578 million % - whether you are smoking or not.

On the other hand, 5 minutes in one of those stale stinking smoking rooms in airports only increases your horrible-death risk by about 100x.

 

Thailand - the global wellness industry's smoking gun.

 

[JoePai]

What is the argument/problem against smoking rooms?

After all, if people are stupid enough to want to kill themselves why not let them ?

[Tropicalevo]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

authorities could double fines for those caught smoking in public spaces,

 

3 hours ago, flyingtlger said:

Now that's  a step in the right direction....

 

Including vaping and smoking cannabis.

And if the police actually implemented the fines, Thailand would generate a huge income stream and there would be no need for the overseas income debacle.

[redwood1]

Every single non smoker should be 100% for smoking rooms.....That will protect them from 2nd hand smoke.....

 

And besides most Asian airports DO HAVE smoking rooms...

[Satcommlee]

Theres a lounge where you can smoke charging 1500 baht (or use priority pass), obviously someone not getting thier cut!!

[klauskunkel]

How did the reporter miss this juicy tidbit:

 

Theeraj Athanavanich, newly appointed (Jan 23) Board member of AoT, is also the current chairman of the Tobacco Authority (4 years and counting)

https://www.marketscreener.com/insider/THEERAJ-ATHANAVANICH-A3JQML/

 

As soon as the Tobacco guy becomes a AoT Board Member, AoT proposes to reinstall smoking rooms..., what a coincidence...

[hotchilli]

44 minutes ago, klauskunkel said:

How did the reporter miss this juicy tidbit:

 

Theeraj Athanavanich, newly appointed (Jan 23) Board member of AoT, is also the current chairman of the Tobacco Authority (4 years and counting)

https://www.marketscreener.com/insider/THEERAJ-ATHANAVANICH-A3JQML/

 

As soon as the Tobacco guy becomes a AoT Board Member, AoT proposes to reinstall smoking rooms..., what a coincidence...

Nice find...

[redwood1]

Smoking rooms is a start, but whats really needed is smoking on the airplane again like the good old days....We can only hope....