Your Excellency, Mr. Vongsavanh THEPPHACHANH, Deputy Governor of Luang Prabang;
Mr. Somboun DAOSAVANH, Director-General of Lao Airports Authority;
Mr. Samnan SONTHANY, Vice-Governor Lung Prabang Capital;
Dr. Maniphan VONGPHOSY, Coordinator, Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance;
Esteemed government colleagues and international partners; Members of the media; Distinguished guest; Ladies and Gentlemen,
Sabaidee and good morning!
I am both honoured and delighted to take part in this event.
On behalf of the World Health Organization, I would like to congratulate the Lao government, and especially Luang Prabang Province, for making this beautiful International Airport smoke-free.
It is always a pleasure arriving in Luang Prabang with all its culture, history and natural beauty. However, from today onwards it will be even more of a pleasure! Travellers arriving at this airport will be greeted by Luang Prabang’s sweet fresh air, rather than the stench of tobacco smoke.
For an increasing number of tourists and business travellers, Luang Prabang International Airport is their first point of entry into Lao PDR. First impressions count - they have a big impact. So, it helps the whole country that this International Airport is now smoke free. It reinforces its image as a country with an unspoiled environment.
But as well as being a step forward for tourism in Lao PDR, today is also an important milestone for the government’s efforts to protect people here from the harm caused by tobacco. As I am sure you know, tobacco use is one of the main causes of preventable deaths – both in Lao PDR and world-wide.
Tobacco use is a major risk factor for cancer, heart attacks, lung disease and many other chronic illnesses.Every year, tobacco related diseases kill at least 8 million people globally. This includes 900,000 non-smokers who are exposed to other people's tobacco smoke.
In 2015 in Lao PDR, the National Adult Tobacco Survey showed that 63% of people are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke. In other words, nearly two thirds of people in Laos are regularly exposed to this serious, tobacco-related health risk.
Making public spaces, like International Airports, smoke-free helps protect the health of non-smokers. The more public spaces are smoke-free, the less they are exposed to second-hand smoke. And it also helps protect the health of smokers.
Having smoke-free public spaces reduces the opportunities for smokers to indulge their habit. It encourages them to smoke fewer cigarettes each day, and it supports smokers who are trying to quit.
Earlier this year, Wattay International Airport in Vientiane went smoke free. I hear that feedback from both staff and visitors to the airport has been very positive. Cleaning staff have an easier job, and so do fire safety staff. Both smokers and non-smokers appreciate that the airport is cleaner. I am sure you will have the same experience here in Luang Prabang.
Ladies and gentlemen, having a smoke-free environment benefits everyone. Again, I would like to congratulate the government, the Province and City of Luang Prabang and the Lao Airports Authority for taking this important step today. Let’s continue fighting against tobacco in Lao PDR and make Lao PDR a healthy smoke-free country.
Thank you very much - KOB CHAI LAI LAI