PPAO Leads Initiative to Create Vape-Free and Smoke-Free Schools
Phuket officials have launched a comprehensive campaign to ban smoking and vaping in local schools, marking a major step in protecting youth health and promoting community awareness. The Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) introduced the initiative with the goal of making schools across the island completely smoke-free and e-cigarette-free.
The project officially began at Baan Mai Riab PPAO School (Tantikowit Bamrung), where PPAO President Rewat Areerob led a training session for teachers and parents. The event focused on implementing the Seven Measures for Smoke-Free Schools and E-Cigarettes, a strategic framework to eliminate tobacco use within educational institutions.
Collaboration Between Health and Education Sectors
The campaign is a joint effort between the PPAO and the Phuket Smoke-Free News Centre Network, supported by the Campaign for a Smoke-Free World and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth).
Vice President Chalam Athamatham and Khemwan Hemarat, a representative from the Smoke-Free Network, joined as expert speakers, sharing insights on youth health and effective policy enforcement.
Seven Measures for Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Schools
The Seven Measures introduced under the campaign aim to create a healthier environment and instill lasting habits among Phuket’s youth. These include:
-
Establishing a clear policy banning smoking and vaping on all school grounds.
-
Managing school environments to ensure they remain smoke-free.
-
Creating a tobacco-free atmosphere throughout the school.
-
Integrating health education into the curriculum to teach the dangers of smoking and vaping.
-
Encouraging student participation in awareness campaigns.
-
Providing counselling and support for at-risk students.
-
Partnering with local communities to extend smoke-free practices beyond the classroom.
Expanding the Program to More Schools
Currently, five pilot schools are participating in the initial phase of the campaign. Once the results prove successful, the PPAO plans to expand the initiative to schools across the island.
“Our students must grow up healthy, safe, and free from the dangers that threaten their futures,” said Rewat Areerob, emphasizing the importance of consistency in implementation.
Thailand’s Strong Tobacco Control Measures
Thailand has long been recognized for its strict tobacco control laws. As a signatory to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (2005), the country enforces the Tobacco Product Control Act, under which smoking or vaping in prohibited areas can result in a fine of up to 5,000 baht.
Tackling the Rising Trend of Teen Vaping
With vaping becoming increasingly popular among Thai teenagers, this new campaign aims to curb the habit before it spreads further. By promoting education and prevention within schools, officials hope to reinforce the dangers of nicotine addiction and the benefits of healthy living.
Building a Healthier Future for Phuket’s Youth
Phuket’s smoke-free school campaign reflects a growing commitment to youth well-being and community health. By involving educators, parents, and local organizations, the initiative strives to create a sustainable, health-conscious culture that prioritizes education and prevention over punishment.
The long-term goal: a generation of students who are informed, empowered, and free from the influence of tobacco and vaping products.
SEO Keywords:
Phuket vape ban, smoke-free schools Phuket, vaping prevention Thailand, PPAO campaign, ThaiHealth anti-smoking, Phuket youth health, school smoking ban Thailand, Phuket anti-vaping initiative, tobacco control laws Thailand, smoke-free education programs.
