Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin announced on Saturday that the proposal by Airports of Thailand (AoT) to reintroduce smoking rooms at Suvarnabhumi Airport has not yet been approved. The National Tobacco Products Control Committee, which he chairs, has decided to establish a task force to study the matter further.
The committee convened on Friday to deliberate on the proposal, which would require amendments to existing regulations that currently prohibit smoking areas within public buildings, including airports. Since 2019, all Thai airports have been smoke-free, aligning with global health standards and the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
National Tobacco Products Control Committee Task Force Examines The Situation
The newly formed five-member task force is assigned to assess the proposed smoking areas within Suvarnabhumi Airport in Samut Prakan province. They will evaluate the potential impact on airport users and examine the accessibility of existing outdoor smoking areas, which AoT claims can be reached via an electric train within one minute.
Minister Somsak emphasized that if current outdoor smoking facilities are deemed adequate and pose no inconvenience to passengers, there may be no need to amend the regulations. However, no specific timeframe has been set for the task force to complete its evaluation.
In addition to the study, the committee is considering increasing fines for individuals who smoke in prohibited areas within airports. Currently, violators face a fine of 5,000 ($150) baht, but the committee is contemplating doubling this amount to 10,000 ($150) baht to enhance compliance.
The proposal by AoT has sparked a debate between public health advocates and those concerned about passenger convenience. While AoT cites passenger complaints and the need for designated smoking areas, health organizations argue that reinstating smoking rooms would undermine Thailand's commitment to a smoke-free environment and could negatively impact public health.
As the task force conducts its assessment, the future of smoking rooms at Suvarnabhumi Airport remains uncertain. The committee's decision will likely hinge on balancing public health priorities with the practical needs of airport operations and passenger comfort.
