Yes, Phuket International Airport (HKT) has designated smoking rooms for passengers. All indoor smoking rooms at HKT were permanently closed in February 2019.
Terminal 2 (International)
- Outdoor smoking area at the ground floor outside the departures entrance
- Terminal 2 is a four-storey building that opened in 2016 as part of a 5.14 billion baht expansion
- The expansion increased airport capacity from 6.5 million to 20 million passengers per year
- No post-security indoor smoking areas — a Smokers’ Pub that once existed on Floor 2 was closed under the 2019 ban
Terminal 3 (Domestic)
- Outdoor smoking area outside the terminal entrance at ground level
- Terminal 3 was fully renovated in 2018 with over 30,000 square meters of space
- Features 66 check-in counters and gates 4 through 10 with seven air bridges
- The domestic terminal is a separate building from the international terminal
Terminal X (Charter)
- Outdoor smoking areas available outside this smaller terminal
- Opened in February 2014 specifically for charter flights
- Located separately from the main international and domestic terminals
Thailand Smoking Regulations
Thailand’s Tobacco Products Control Act B.E. 2560 (2017) bans smoking in all air-conditioned public spaces and within 5 meters of building entrances. Since February 3, 2019, all indoor smoking rooms at Thailand’s six major airports have been permanently removed. Fines for smoking in prohibited areas reach 5,000 baht (~$140 USD).
E-cigarettes, vaping devices, and all electronic nicotine delivery systems are completely banned in Thailand. Phuket is a major international tourist gateway, and customs officials at HKT routinely inspect incoming luggage for vaping devices. The 2025 nationwide crackdown saw 690 arrests in a single week across Thailand. Penalties include fines of 20,000-30,000 baht and imprisonment up to 10 years.
Tips for Smokers at Phuket International Airport
- Smoke before entering the terminal at Phuket Airport. There are no post-security areas, so once you clear security you cannot smoke without exiting and re-screening. Allow 20-30 minutes for the round trip.
- The ground floor areas outside both terminals offer the quickest access. The international terminal (Terminal 2) outdoor zone is near the departures entrance.
- Phuket’s tropical climate (28-33°C year-round, high humidity) makes outdoor smoke breaks comfortable but hot during midday. Early morning and evening are more pleasant.
- King Power operates departure duty-free shops in the international terminal where tobacco products are available. Arrivals duty-free shops closed at all Thai airports in August 2024.
- Do NOT bring e-cigarettes or vaping devices to Phuket. Thailand’s ban is strictly enforced, and Phuket customs officials are experienced at spotting vaping equipment in tourist luggage.
Travelers connecting from Phuket to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) will find a reinstated smoking room in the Satellite 1 Building airside. For connections to Krabi (KBV) or Koh Samui (USM), plan to smoke before security as neither has post-security areas.