Yes, Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok, Thailand, does have designated smoking areas, but there are some important details about how smoking is regulated within the airport.
Smoking Regulations at Suvarnabhumi Airport:
- Smoking Rooms:
- Suvarnabhumi Airport provides designated smoking rooms for passengers to use, but smoking outside these designated areas is prohibited.
- Smoking is not allowed in the general areas of the terminal, including near the check-in counters, boarding gates, or restaurants.
- The smoking rooms are ventilated, enclosed spaces equipped with air filtration systems designed to separate the smoke from the rest of the terminal, providing a safer environment for both smokers and non-smokers.
- Locations of Smoking Rooms:
- Before Security (Public Areas): There are smoking rooms in the public areas of the airport, such as near the check-in counters. These areas are accessible to passengers before they go through security.
- After Security (Departure Areas): Once you pass through security and immigration, you will find additional smoking rooms located near the departure gates, within the secure area. These rooms are for use by passengers who have already gone through security and are waiting for their flights.
- Signs and Designated Areas:
- The smoking rooms are clearly marked with signage, so you should have no trouble finding them. Look for smoking symbols or “smoking room” signs as you walk through the terminal.
- It’s essential to follow the airport’s smoking policies and use the designated smoking rooms, as smoking outside these areas can result in fines.
- Penalties for Smoking in Unauthorized Areas:
- Thailand is very strict about smoking regulations, especially in public places like airports. Smoking outside the designated smoking rooms could lead to a fine of up to 2,000 Thai baht (about 60 USD), depending on the situation.
- It’s important to note that smoking is strictly prohibited in areas like stairwells, restrooms, or other non-designated spaces inside the airport.
- Electronic Cigarettes (e-cigarettes):
- E-cigarettes are banned in Thailand, so you should not bring e-cigarettes or vaping devices into the country. There are severe penalties, including fines and possible confiscation of the devices, for possessing or using e-cigarettes in Thailand. This includes at the airport.
- Other Information:
- Air Quality: The smoking rooms are typically well-ventilated, but they are still somewhat isolated to avoid exposing non-smokers to tobacco smoke. The air inside the rooms may still have lingering smoke, but these rooms aim to minimize the discomfort for people who don’t smoke.
- Alternatives to Smoking Rooms:
- If you’re a smoker and need a break, use the designated rooms as soon as you arrive at the airport, especially if you have time before your flight. Waiting until the last moment could lead to rushing, as there might be a bit of walking involved to find these rooms.
- Be mindful of the time, as some rooms might be located in areas with limited access depending on your terminal or gate.
In Summary:
- Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok provides designated smoking rooms both in the public areas (before security) and the departure areas (after security).
- Smoking outside these rooms is strictly prohibited and can result in fines.
- E-cigarettes are banned in Thailand, so it is illegal to bring them into the country or use them in the airport.
It’s a good idea to plan ahead and make sure you know where the smoking rooms are when you arrive at the airport. If you need help finding them, just ask an airport staff member, and they’ll be able to guide you.