Chiang Mai, Thailand
Smoking policy at Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
Warnings & Caveats
Smoking inside any AOT airport terminal carries a fine of up to 5,000 Thai Baht. Smoking within five metres of any public building entrance or exit is also illegal under Thai law. Vaping and e-cigarettes are banned throughout Thailand. Possession can result in fines or arrest.
Chiang Mai International Airport is effectively a no-smoking building since 3 February 2019, when Airports of Thailand (AOT) closed all indoor smoking rooms across its six major airports. The only legal place to smoke at CNX is in designated outdoor areas at ground level, outside the terminal buildings. Once you pass through security, there is no way to smoke airside and no option to exit and re-enter.
Before Security
Landside smoking is permitted only at the designated outdoor smoking areas on the ground floor, outside the terminal entrances. These are the only spots where you can legally light up.
You must go fully outside the building to reach them.
Thai law also prohibits smoking within five metres of any entrance or exit of a public building, so you need to move well clear of the doors.
There are no covered or enclosed smoking shelters reported inside either the Domestic or International terminal buildings.
After Security
There are no smoking areas of any kind airside, in either the Domestic or International departures. The indoor smoking rooms that previously existed (visible in archived photos) were permanently closed in February 2019 under Thailand's 2017 Tobacco Control Act. Once you clear security, your only option is to wait until you land at your destination.
Vaping and Heat-Not-Burn Products
Vaping, heat-not-burn devices, and e-cigarettes are banned throughout Thailand, not just at the airport. Importing or using a vape device in Thailand can result in fines or even arrest. Do not attempt to vape anywhere in the terminal or outside it.
Transit and Layovers
If you have a connecting flight and are already airside, you cannot exit to the outdoor smoking area and return through security. Plan to smoke before you check in and clear security, as there will be no further opportunity until you arrive at your next destination.
Bottom Line
Smoke outside before you enter the terminal and before you go through security. Once airside, there are zero options, and vaping is illegal in Thailand entirely.
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