Chiang Rai Mae Fah Luang International Airport (CEI)

Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) operates under the same strict no-smoking rules that apply to all six Airports of Thailand (AOT) managed airports. Since 3 February 2019, all indoor smoking rooms across AOT's airports were permanently closed, and CEI was explicitly included in that announcement. Your only option here is a single outdoor smoking hut located opposite the terminal building, landside.

Before Security

There is one reported smoking spot at CEI:

• Outdoor smoking hut opposite the terminal building: A small, standalone smoking shelter located outside, across from the main terminal entrance. This is the only confirmed smoking facility at the airport. It is accessible before check-in and before you pass through security. A traveler report from February 2023 (John P.) confirmed this hut exists and is the sole option.

Thailand's law also prohibits smoking within five meters of any entrance or exit of a public building, so stay clear of the terminal doors even in the outdoor area.

After Security

There are no smoking facilities whatsoever airside at CEI. No smoking rooms, no outdoor terraces, no paid lounges with smoking access have been documented past the security checkpoint. Once you clear security, you will not be able to smoke until you arrive at your destination.

Transit and Layovers

If you have a connecting flight through Chiang Rai, you would need to exit the terminal, smoke at the outdoor hut, and then go back through security screening before your onward flight. Factor in extra time if you plan to do this, as re-entry means rejoining the security queue.

Vaping Rules

Vaping, e-cigarettes, and heat-not-burn devices are completely illegal throughout Thailand, not just at the airport. Penalties under Thai law can reach up to 10 years imprisonment or fines of up to 500,000 THB (roughly $15,000 USD). Thai customs actively confiscates these devices. Do not bring any vaping products into Thailand.

Bottom Line

Smoke at the outdoor hut opposite the terminal before you check in; once you are through security at CEI, there is absolutely nowhere to smoke until you land.