The initiative was unveiled at Baan Mai Riab PPAO School (Tantikowit Bamrung) this week, where PPAO President Rewat Areerob presided over a training session for teachers and parents on implementing the ‘7 Measures for Smoke-Free Schools and E-Cigarettes’.
Joining Mr Rewat were PPAO Vice President Chalam Athamatham and Khemwan Hemarat from the Phuket Smoke-Free News Center Network, who served as guest speakers and experts.
The programme was jointly organised by the PPAO and the Phuket Smoke-Free News Center Network, with support from the Campaign for a Smoke-Free World and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth).
The campaign aims to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking and vaping, while ensuring schools become safe spaces for students’ health and development.
The ‘7 Measures’ policy calls on schools to:
- Establish a clear policy prohibiting smoking and e-cigarettes.
- Implement systematic management to maintain a smoke-free environment.
- Create a safe, tobacco-free school atmosphere.
- Integrate lessons and activities to build students’ understanding of health impacts.
- Encourage student participation in awareness and prevention campaigns.
- Provide care and counselling for at-risk or affected students.
- Build partnerships with communities to extend and monitor smoke-free practices.
Mr Rewat stressed that all five pilot schools under the PAO must work together to implement the measures seriously and continuously, ensuring children are protected from exposure to harmful substances.
“Our students must grow up healthy, safe, and free from the dangers that threaten their futures,” he said.
The PPAO plans to expand the model to other schools across the province once the pilot phase demonstrates effective outcomes.
Of note, Thailand became a party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on Feb 27, 2005.
Further, under the Tobacco Product Control Act, smoking or vaping in prohibited areas already carries a fine of up to B5,000.