Suvarnabhumi: Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health, along with officials from the National Tobacco Product Control Committee and the Department of Disease Control, visited Suvarnabhumi Airport to assess the arrangement of smoking areas. This initiative follows the directive of Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, aiming to standardize smoking rooms within the airport to meet international criteria, similar to world-class airports. The inspection was joined by Ms. Pawina Jariyathitipong, Acting Director-General of Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), and Mr. Kittipong Kittikhajorn, Director of Suvarnabhumi Airport.

According to Thai News Agency, the minister and his team inspected smoking facilities situated on the platform, level 4, gate 1, which have been operational since June 1st. They also assessed smoking areas inside the passenger terminal on the B-concourse, level 4, and D-concourse, level 2. Ms. Pawina stated that AOT is prepared to implement the government’s policy to establish smoking rooms inside passenger terminals at the six airports under its purview, enhancing the travel experience and improving the airport’s image.

Suvarnabhumi Airport is prioritizing the deployment of smoking rooms inside its terminals. The initial phase includes three service points in the international departure area: two at Concourse B and one at Concourse D (west side). These rooms will feature state-of-the-art air filtration and smoke management systems, equipped with double doors to protect non-smokers and comply with legal standards. The Ministry of Public Health has also suggested designing open smoking areas as a future guideline. Mr. Kittipong noted that aside from the main terminal, AOT has prepared smoking areas in the secondary terminal (Sat-1) on floors 2 and 3, totaling eight rooms, which will be renovated to meet international standards.

While awaiting approval to open smoking rooms inside the terminal, AOT has temporarily established smoking rooms with air conditioning and purification systems on the platforms outside the terminal. These are located in front of the Departure Terminal on the 4th floor at Gates 1 and 10, and in front of the Arrival Terminal on the 2nd floor at Gates 1 and 10. An additional smoking room is being installed in front of the platform on the 4th floor at Gate 5, expected to be operational soon.