Call for total smoking ban at main international airports
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A health advocate called for a total ban on smoking at major airports nationwide Tuesday after many areas of passenger terminals were found to have "second-hand" smoke levels two times higher than World Health Organisation (WHO) standards over 24 hours.

Mahidol University public health researcher Assoc Prof Dr Niphan Kungskulniti said her team found that smoking rooms, areas near to doors of smoking rooms, and non-smoking areas at four airports - Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai and Phuket - had high second-hand smoke levels with small particles under 2.5 micrograms exceeding WHO airquality standards.

The study, revealed Tuesday, found a level of second-hand smoke in the smoking room, areas near the door of smoking rooms, and non-smoking areas at the international airports were 773.4, 54.6, and 14.3 mcg per cubic metre, respectively.


-- The Nation 2013-05-07

I don't like smoking, and hope everyone can quit, but this is overkill.

For God's sake is it so hard to make a smoking room that doesn't leak???

For God's sake is it so hard to make a smoking room that doesn't leak???

nope, check out changi

I see the dawn of a new age of peace and prosperity for Thailand, if only this can be added to the government's list of achievements!

Oh boy, this will be upsetting to the Chinese and the Japanese.

"called for a total ban on smoking at major airports nationwide Tuesday after many areas of passenger terminals were found to have "second-hand" smoke levels two times higher than World Health Organisation (WHO) standards over 24 hours"

Are we to expect a call for a total ban on all burning in northern Thailand when pm10 readings are only 2x higher than WHO standards?

In swampy smoking areas I met the international melting pot of a banned race of humans: Japanese businessmen, Korean businessmen, Australian outbacks, European Hippies, Thai staff, American anorexics,

and so on. Banned we had a basic understanding. We are banned, but we respect everone in the smoking jail,

"called for a total ban on smoking at major airports nationwide Tuesday after many areas of passenger terminals were found to have "second-hand" smoke levels two times higher than World Health Organisation (WHO) standards over 24 hours"

Are we to expect a call for a total ban on all burning in northern Thailand when pm10 readings are only 2x higher than WHO standards?

I suggest he go stand under the bts on sukhumvit in rush hour. Then he can ban cars too.

Why is there this endless pandering to the micro, when the macro is soooooo enormous.

So are they going to ban Alcohol in airports also ?

Some one we all know very well is on her high horse over freedom of speech..... Well where's my freedom in able to having a smoke while waiting many hours at an airport.

Why is it we all know Alcohol is the root of all evil, but this is permitted at all times at airports and during the flight.

I know who I would rather sit next to...... Someone just come out of a smoking room than someone on Alcohol any day !!

So you anti smokers who like a drink.... Let's take your rights away also... No Alcohol in all airports! Why should you sit and be able to consume something that kills and destroys life's everyday but we can not.

And comments about it being a passive evil killer will be ignored!! Just better air circulation is needed and if it says "smoking room" this way only..... I suggest you turn around

ps... That's to you also English Airports !! Ban smoking... Ban alcohol.... make it fair please

Thank Buddha I quite smoking over 5 years ago, but I totally think they should have smoking lounges for those that need it. Invest a few Baht into better ventilation and sealing of the rooms. With the amount of cash the airports receive in taxes cut down on the corruption and invest.

"called for a total ban on smoking at major airports nationwide Tuesday after many areas of passenger terminals were found to have "second-hand" smoke levels two times higher than World Health Organisation (WHO) standards over 24 hours"

Are we to expect a call for a total ban on all burning in northern Thailand when pm10 readings are only 2x higher than WHO standards?

I suggest he go stand under the bts on sukhumvit in rush hour. Then he can ban cars too.

Why is there this endless pandering to the micro, when the macro is soooooo enormous.

They are setting their sights on objectives small enough to be achieved within a term. The county doesn't have the political will or the rule of law necessary to tackle important issues

"called for a total ban on smoking at major airports nationwide Tuesday after many areas of passenger terminals were found to have "second-hand" smoke levels two times higher than World Health Organisation (WHO) standards over 24 hours"

Are we to expect a call for a total ban on all burning in northern Thailand when pm10 readings are only 2x higher than WHO standards?

I suggest he go stand under the bts on sukhumvit in rush hour. Then he can ban cars too.

Why is there this endless pandering to the micro, when the macro is soooooo enormous.

They are setting their sights on objectives small enough to be achieved within a term. The county doesn't have the political will or the rule of law necessary to tackle important issues

I think so. Solving a tiny issue like this makes much better headlines than doing solving something that can improve the situation for millions. It's a joke.

I don't smoke, but this is rediculous. Change the air filters in the smoking lounges. Add a second door to the outside areas. Increase clean air circulation. This isn't rocket science. If every major electronics factory can control particle count, then anyone can.

How about enforcing existing no-smoking regualtions?

There are many bars that allow smoking, even though they shouldn't.

The Landmark Hunstman's Pub, for one. Cactus in Soi Cowboy, for two. There are plenty of others.

Well where's my freedom in able to having a smoke while waiting many hours at an airport.

Your habit involves damaging the health of others. SO I say you have no say.

Why is it we all know Alcohol is the root of all evil, but this is permitted at all times at airports and during the flight.

I know who I would rather sit next to...... Someone just come out of a smoking room than someone on Alcohol any day !!

So you anti smokers who like a drink.... Let's take your rights away also... No Alcohol in all airports! Why should you sit and be able to consume something that kills and destroys life's everyday but we can not.

I would be perfectly fine with makeing all flights (and airports) alcohol free. Smoke free too.

Is this the same genius that wanted (succeeded?) to ban electronic cigs. If it is, her agenda is clear - simply a one-woman crusade driven by a pathological hatred of smokers and smoking.

For God's sake is it so hard to make a smoking room that doesn't leak???

nope, check out changi

Thai smoke differen, na!

If the dumbass smokers would learn to close the smoking room doors instead of propping open the door to let fresh air in...and the smoke out...they might get more support.

Have you smelt a smoker that has just come out of one of those rooms. They reek.

I'm all for it...alcohol too.

I just hope they can keep them terrorist free!

I am a smoker and I know that smoking is bad for my health as well as others who maybe around me. I try to find a quiet place alone without anyone else around when I choose to smoke. But flying and traveling for a long time is stressful if you are a smoker. I usually buy about 2 packs of chewing-gum before I fly just to take my mind off smoking while in flight. If they were to close the smoking rooms at the departure gate area it would be cruel as that is they last chance for my to say goodbye to my partner the "ciggy" for 17 hours. If you are not a smoker or have quit then you never need to walk into these smog filled rooms, stay away but please don't take them away from the people who need them.

"called for a total ban on smoking at major airports nationwide Tuesday after many areas of passenger terminals were found to have "second-hand" smoke levels two times higher than World Health Organisation (WHO) standards over 24 hours"

Are we to expect a call for a total ban on all burning in northern Thailand when pm10 readings are only 2x higher than WHO standards?

Well it would be interesting to know when they checked the levels wouldn't it. If it was in March/April then I would imagine it would have been many times over everyones limit as it is every year.

I don't smoke, but I used to. I loved smoking. If I found out that the world was going to end tomorrow, I would go out and buy three packs of cigarettes, sit on my balcony and enjoy the setting sun right up to the last minute.

Flying is very hard for smokers. It's better to keep the rooms and give them a little comfort and stress relief.

Thank Buddha I quite smoking over 5 years ago, but I totally think they should have smoking lounges for those that need it. Invest a few Baht into better ventilation and sealing of the rooms. With the amount of cash the airports receive in taxes cut down on the corruption and invest.

Perhaps they could copy Singapore and have an outside balcony from one of their smoking rooms. No need to ''switch on'' air filters then or even clean them and no one would notice the extra smoke for most of the year. Like you I stopped, 10 years ago, it was giving me earache. Nag Nag Nag!

I pass through the airport regularly - I don't smell the smoke coming out of these rooms unless I walk within 2m of them as someone exits.

Instead of banning people from smoking at the airport, the authorities could simply improve the facilities so that both the non smokers and the smokers are happy?

Is that common sense too much to ask ?

There are too many people ready to destroy people freedom and relaxation these days.

IF what people are doing doesn't harm others, then let them and help them do it. Smoking in an Airport Smoking room harms no one.

If the dumbass smokers would learn to close the smoking room doors instead of propping open the door to let fresh air in...and the smoke out...they might get more support.

Have you smelt a smoker that has just come out of one of those rooms. They reek.

I'm all for it...alcohol too.

Would you also prevent people from eating burgers or anything else potentially damaging to health ?

Or, is this to stop drunks and smokers inflicting their fumes and alcohol breath on others ?

When was the last time you saw an out of control drunk at an airport ?

Lets give people the opportunity to relax. Too many rules makes too many stressed and irritable people.

Personally I'd hate it if I couldn't have a glass of wine on a flight or at the airport.

Thank Buddha I quite smoking over 5 years ago, but I totally think they should have smoking lounges for those that need it. Invest a few Baht into better ventilation and sealing of the rooms. With the amount of cash the airports receive in taxes cut down on the corruption and invest.

Perhaps they could copy Singapore and have an outside balcony from one of their smoking rooms. No need to ''switch on'' air filters then or even clean them and no one would notice the extra smoke for most of the year. Like you I stopped, 10 years ago, it was giving me earache. Nag Nag Nag!

I think balcony's are a bit touchy in Thailand, not?

Thank Buddha I quite smoking over 5 years ago, but I totally think they should have smoking lounges for those that need it. Invest a few Baht into better ventilation and sealing of the rooms. With the amount of cash the airports receive in taxes cut down on the corruption and invest.

Perhaps they could copy Singapore and have an outside balcony from one of their smoking rooms. No need to ''switch on'' air filters then or even clean them and no one would notice the extra smoke for most of the year. Like you I stopped, 10 years ago, it was giving me earache. Nag Nag Nag!

Brisbane's are outside as well.

Thank Buddha I quite smoking over 5 years ago, but I totally think they should have smoking lounges for those that need it. Invest a few Baht into better ventilation and sealing of the rooms. With the amount of cash the airports receive in taxes cut down on the corruption and invest.

Perhaps they could copy Singapore and have an outside balcony from one of their smoking rooms. No need to ''switch on'' air filters then or even clean them and no one would notice the extra smoke for most of the year. Like you I stopped, 10 years ago, it was giving me earache. Nag Nag Nag!

I think balcony's are a bit touchy in Thailand, not?

It would be touchy to have a balcony and not let them smoke out there.

OK while we are on this, how about banning the planes flying over us, banning cars on the roads that pollute us all. This is getting to much. Give smokers a smoking room. SIMPLE.

Whats the big deal ?? Infact lets ban soft drinks, fatty foods etc.. Why not Absolute C**P !