Attention smokers passing through Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport: prepare for a significant change in your travel routine. The days of convenient indoor smoking rooms are long gone. Now, if you’re looking for a smoking area bangkok airport, you’ll need to step outside the terminal building, braving the tropical heat for your nicotine fix.
Key Points to Remember
- Indoor Smoking Ban: As of February 2019, Suvarnabhumi Airport has implemented a strict no-smoking policy inside the terminal.
- Outdoor Smoking Only: Smokers must exit the building to use designated smoking areas, which can be inconvenient.
- Smoking Spot Locations: Two outdoor smoking areas are available – one at the S1 bus stop on the ground level and another near entrance 8 by the parking area.
- Hefty Penalties: Violating the smoking ban can result in fines from THB 5,000 to THB 30,000, or even up to 10 years imprisonment.
- Traveler Inconvenience: Many passengers find the lack of indoor smoking areas frustrating, especially during long layovers or bad weather.
- Health Considerations: The policy aims to protect non-smokers and staff from secondhand smoke exposure.
Suvarnabhumi Airport Overview
Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok’s primary air hub, now enforces a strict no-smoking policy throughout its premises. Smokers must venture outside the terminal to light up, as all indoor smoking rooms were shuttered in 2019 due to poor air quality and ventilation issues.
Many travelers still inquire about smoking areas within the airport, but unfortunately, none exist inside. Outdated information might mention smoking lounges in Concourses D and G, but these are no longer operational.
For departing passengers, it’s crucial to note that there are no smoking areas beyond security checkpoints. This means smokers must plan accordingly and be prepared to face Bangkok’s often challenging weather conditions if they need to smoke before their flight.
It’s also worth noting that smoking is prohibited on all domestic flights within Thailand. Violators of the airport’s smoking policy face severe penalties, underscoring the commitment to maintaining a smoke-free environment at Suvarnabhumi.
Available Facilities
While Suvarnabhumi Airport lacks indoor smoking areas, it does provide limited options for smokers outside the terminal building. However, these facilities are basic and exposed to the elements.
Smoking Area Options
The two designated smoking spots are located before security checkpoints. One can be found at the S1 bus stop on the lowest level, which incidentally is where you might catch a bus to popular areas like Khaosan Road. If you’re looking to explore Bangkok on two wheels, you might consider pp bikes rental bangkok for a unique city experience. The other smoking area is situated near entrance 8, close to the parking facility.
Amenities for Smokers
The smoking areas are equipped with ashtrays to ensure proper cigarette disposal. Beyond this basic provision, smokers shouldn’t expect any additional amenities or services. It’s crucial to adhere to the designated areas to avoid potential fines or other penalties.
Smoking Area Locations
As mentioned earlier, smoking is only permitted outside Suvarnabhumi Airport’s terminal buildings. This can be particularly inconvenient for travelers with connecting flights or those facing inclement weather.
Terminal-Specific Information
Prior to February 2019, smoking areas were available throughout the terminal, including near security gates. However, these have all been removed in compliance with Thailand’s Tobacco Products Control Act of 2017. Now, smokers must exit the building entirely to find a designated smoking spot.
Accessibility Considerations
The lack of smoking areas post-security means that once you’ve checked in and passed through security, you won’t have an opportunity to smoke until you’ve reached your destination. This can be particularly challenging for smokers on long-haul flights or those with extended layovers.
Regulations and Policies
Suvarnabhumi Airport’s smoking regulations are part of a broader public health initiative in Thailand. The strict enforcement of these rules reflects the country’s commitment to reducing tobacco use and protecting non-smokers from secondhand smoke exposure.
Smoking Restrictions
Smoking is prohibited in all public spaces within the airport terminals. The removal of indoor smoking rooms was a response to poor air quality and high pollution levels in these areas. Violating the smoking ban can result in substantial fines, with penalties reaching up to 25,000 Baht under the Public Health Act.
Health Considerations
The smoking policy at Suvarnabhumi Airport aligns with global health guidelines, including those set by the World Health Organization. With tobacco-related illnesses causing approximately 60,000 deaths annually in Thailand, the airport’s smoke-free policy aims to protect both travelers and employees from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.
Traveler Experiences
The lack of smoking areas at Suvarnabhumi Airport has garnered mixed reactions from travelers. While many appreciate the smoke-free environment, others find the restrictions challenging, especially during long layovers or adverse weather conditions.
Passenger Feedback
Many smokers express frustration with the need to exit the terminal building to smoke, particularly when faced with Bangkok’s often unpredictable weather. Some suggest that implementing a well-ventilated indoor smoking lounge could improve the overall airport experience for smokers without compromising the comfort of non-smoking passengers.
Comparison with Other Airports
When comparing Suvarnabhumi to other airports in Thailand, such as Don Mueang or Phuket, travelers often note the varying approaches to smoking facilities. For instance, while planning a trip from Bangkok to Pattaya, you might consider the bangkok to pattaya taxi fare as an alternative to flying. Some airports provide designated smoking areas, which many travelers find more accommodating.
Conclusion
Navigating Suvarnabhumi Airport as a smoker requires planning and patience. While the strict no-smoking policy can be challenging for some travelers, it reflects a global trend towards creating healthier public spaces. As you plan your trip through Bangkok, consider other aspects of your journey, such as visiting the indiagate pattaya for a unique dining experience or locating a pharmacy bangkok for any medical needs. For a memorable night out in Bangkok, you might want to check out krubb bangkok reviews for popular entertainment options. Despite the smoking restrictions, Suvarnabhumi Airport remains a vital hub for travelers exploring Southeast Asia, offering a wide range of services and amenities to ensure a comfortable journey for all passengers.
