To be honest, this ban is a move I fully support, and is no different from many other international airports around the world :)

Sure, neither of us smoke but Thailand should make it’s mind up how much it wants tourists

I don’t see any problem with the designated smoking lounges at other airports

Personally, I do not think it is a deterrent for tourist arrivals. Most people would likely either not know in advance or be used to it from their origin/transit points. On the contrary it could help showcase the country as taking public health seriously by discouraging smoking.

I always find that you are being hit by a wall of stinky smoke when forced to walk past those smoking rooms - as soon as the door is opened the smoke pours out and lingers in the air for long.

Yeah, but in BKK the smoking rooms were tucked away on the lower level. I've never left from one of those gates, so most would be hard pressed to have any smoke effects unless seeking the rooms out.

This makes BKK less appealing to transit tourists, and departing tourists. Arrival not so much of an issue.

I can imagine that someone addicted to smoking might well check on their ability to continue their habit whilst on holiday.
Smoking lounges would encourage & not discourage those pax.

If they really want to stop people from smoking, they could try taxes, 60 THB for 20 Camel .....

Yes there was even after they banned smoking at the airport. I suppose the new F lounge won't have one then

If that's the case, I am going to divorce my Thai missus and head to Vietnam to find a new wifey, can still smoke at the airport there :)

Sounds like a plan, if not a little drastic. :D

Better hope she does not read FT :D

It's the best plan I've got at the moment :)

...especially if she raises ducks. :D

Sounds like a voluntary downgrade to me.

Okay, back OT, I'm in the new "Prestige" lounge now waiting to depart on TG606. It's super spacious and the decor is quite attractive. I wish they had selected higher quality, more comfortable chairs. Food is a disappointment. It's basically the same stuff as across the way, plus a few cooked to order items - stir fried noodle with chicken ball, pad thai, and instant noodle soup. Perhaps that's just a mid-afternoon flat spot. But I would rate SKL food several notches higher.

There are a gazillion staff members standing around. All very friendly, but it's almost a little awkward, you can't go ten feet without giving at least two or three "sawasdee kraps."

Totally agreed. But guess what. The toilet has bum guns! BIG UPGRADE for me.

I had a quick visit yesterday and was quite impressed.
Still very few people using it.
I'm not particularly fond of Chang, but I'd have to say that the draught on offer is the best beer available at BKK.
Noticed also that one of the concourse 'C' lounges seems to be undergoing some serious refurb.

I recently visited and agree - this is a definite improvement. More food choices, 2 red, 2 white and sparkling wine available. They are overstaffed, but this is Thailand. :)