Recognising the importance of fostering healthy behaviours and protecting children and youth from the growing threats posed by alcohol, tobacco, and emerging nicotine products such as e-cigarettes, Saensuk Municipality has continued its efforts to promote safe and supportive learning environments through the implementation of the “Bangsaen Happy and Safe: Alcohol and Tobacco-Free Project, Fiscal Year 2026.” The initiative aims to strengthen health literacy among young students and equip them with the knowledge and life skills needed to make informed decisions and resist risky behaviours that could affect their health and well-being. The project represents a collaborative effort between the Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Section, Public Health Promotion Division, Bureau of Public Health and Environment, Saensuk Municipality, and the Faculty of Public Health, Burapha University, which serves as the academic supporting agency. Through educational activities and practical learning experiences, the program seeks to empower children to become aware of the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco, and e-cigarettes while fostering critical thinking, decision-making, and refusal skills that are essential for navigating challenges in everyday life. As part of this initiative, an educational program was organised on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Ban Laem Thaen School, bringing together 120 students from Grades 4 to 6 to participate in a series of lectures and interactive workshops designed to promote healthy lifestyles and contribute to the development of a safer and healthier community.
Project Coordinator: Lecturers from the Faculty of Public Health, Burapha University, included: Asst. Prof. Chaiyanan Muanphetch Dr. Rungkarn Inthawong Asst. Prof. Dr. Saksith Kulwong Dr. Nathakon Nilnate
Objectives:
- To enhance students’ awareness and accurate understanding of the impacts of alcohol, tobacco, and e-cigarettes on health, learning, family, and society.
- To promote decision-making skills, the ability to think before trying risky behaviours, and the ability to assess risks caused by peer pressure or environments that encourage drinking and smoking.
- To develop creative, confident, and age-appropriate refusal skills without damaging relationships with peers.
- To instil the values of “no drinking and no smoking” and to support schools and communities as safe public spaces for children and youth.
- To strengthen collaboration among local administrative organisations, schools, and higher education institutions in preventing health risk factors from an early age.
Program Activities:
The project began with an educational lecture delivered by lecturers from the Faculty of Public Health, Burapha University. The lecture emphasised simple, age-appropriate, and practical communication. It connected health knowledge with real-life situations that students may encounter, such as being persuaded to try alcohol or tobacco, misunderstanding that e-cigarettes are harmless, or believing that drinking and smoking are socially admirable behaviours. After the lecture, students participated in three interactive workshop groups designed to encourage active thinking, hands-on practice, and group discussion. Group 1: “Think Before Trying: Avoid Risks.” This activity encouraged students to analyse risky situations, recognise short- and long-term consequences, and practice choosing safer alternatives before making decisions. Group 2: “Bangsaen Happy Public Space: Thank You for Not Drinking or Smoking in Public Areas.” This activity promoted students’ understanding of safe public spaces, respect for others’ rights, and children’s role in helping create a healthy community environment. Group 3: “Say No with Confidence: Be Cool without Tobacco and Alcohol.” This activity trained students in refusal skills, positive communication, and standing firm in the face of peer pressure or media influence. Throughout the project, students were not merely passive listeners. They actively shared ideas, answered questions, and practised essential life skills to prevent risky behaviours. This made the learning process enjoyable, easy to understand, and applicable in school, family, and community settings.
Expected Outcomes (Impacts):
The activity is expected to enhance upper primary school students’ knowledge and awareness of the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco, and e-cigarettes while equipping them with critical thinking, decision-making, and refusal skills to cope with risky situations. It also contributes to creating healthier school and community environments and strengthening collaboration among the Saensuk Municipality, Ban Laem Thaen School, and Burapha University in promoting health risk prevention. Furthermore, the project supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), through health promotion, life skills education, safe community development, and multi-sectoral collaboration.
Date of Implementation: Friday, May 29, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
