From Policy to Practice: Walailak University’s Drive for Sustainable Tobacco Control

09Oct 2025 by Suphanida Duangchinda

Sustainability and Stewardship

Walailak University recognizes the impact of smoking on health and the environment and has implemented a smoke-free policy covering all areas of the campus since 2022. This policy aims to create a safe environment and promote a healthier quality of life for students and staff. It was developed through a diagnostic assessment of health risks and university community behaviors, followed by continuous development of preventive measures. The policy was further revised in 2024 to include the regulation of e-cigarettes and cannabis-related products, along with clear penalties for violations, such as behavioral point deductions and close monitoring. In addition, regular measurement of policy compliance and student awareness has been conducted to ensure ongoing improvement and effectiveness.

In 2022, Walailak University issued the Policy to Protect Nonsmokers’ Health and Designate Specific Smoking Areas, B.E. 2565 (2022), in alignment with national tobacco control measures. This policy was first reviewed in 2022 and later updated in 2024 to address additional concerns, including electronic cigarettes and cannabis. Its primary objective is to raise awareness among students and staff about the health impacts of smoking.

In 2022, Walailak University issued the Policy to Protect Nonsmokers’ Health and Designate Specific Smoking Areas, B.E. 2565 (2022), in alignment with national tobacco control measures. This policy was first reviewed in 2022 and later updated in 2024 to address additional concerns, including electronic cigarettes and cannabis. Its primary objective is to raise awareness among students and staff about the health impacts of smoking through active engagement in health promotion campaigns, workshops, and educational activities that foster shared responsibility for a smoke-free campus.

Policy Details

Prohibition of E-Cigarettes

Walailak University strictly prohibits the use of e-cigarettes and all vaping devices in all areas of the campus, both indoors and outdoors, to protect the university community from toxic substances and the negative effects of these products.

Smoking Cessation Campaigns

The policy aims to encourage students and staff to quit smoking through educational programs and campaigns, including training, counseling, and smoking cessation services in collaboration with public health organizations.

Smoke-Free Campus

All areas of the university, including Walailak University Hospital, sports centers, academic buildings, and public transportation hubs, have been designated as 100% smoke-free zones to support a clean and safe environment for everyone.

Walailak University also issued a statement in addition to the policies mentioned above. Statement of Walailak University Re: Non-support of legal amendment for the sale of e-cigarettes to protect children and youth, students, and university students

Figure : Statement of Walailak University Re: Non-support of legal amendment for the sale of e-cigarettes to protect children and youth, students, and university students

Walailak University Announcement

Re: Measures of Punishment and Recording of Student Behavior Scores, B.E. 2553 (2010)

Walailak University has established disciplinary measures for students who violate the smoke-free policy. Students found smoking in prohibited areas will have their behavior score reduced by 1 to 10 points from a total of 100. If a student’s score is reduced by 70 points or more, the university will not issue a certificate of conduct. Furthermore, if the score is fully deducted to 100 points, the student will be ineligible for graduation.

Process for Monitoring and Recording Smoking Behavior

The monitoring process begins when officers are notified of a violation. Officers and dormitory advisors will record the incident and forward the names of the violators to the Student Discipline Office for entry into the system. In cases of repeated offenses or other inappropriate conduct, students may be summoned to a disciplinary meeting to review the matter and determine appropriate measures.

Figure : The Student Behavior Record System

Activities to Promote Smoke-free Policy

The university has extended activities related to the smoke-free policy both within and beyond the campus to promote health in all communities. One such activity is the workshop “E-Cigarettes & Health: Empowering Young Leaders”, which aims to enhance the leadership skills of 20 student representatives from educational institutions in the upper southern region. These young leaders are trained to communicate the risks associated with e-cigarette use and prevent its adoption among youth. The workshop incorporates the “Think-Pair-Share” learning technique and features a special lecture by Dr. Geoff Frampton from the University of Southampton.

In addition, the university has organized a smoke-free campaign walk with the objective of raising awareness about the dangers and health impacts of smoking, both for smokers and those around them. The activity was held on campus and included participants carrying signs with messages about the harms of smoking, encouraging smoking cessation, and promoting the symbol of a “Smoke-Free University.” This campaign also aims to foster an environment and organizational culture that supports health promotion, encouraging the university to become a 100% smoke-free zone. It further demonstrates the university’s commitment to preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) caused by smoking, such as cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and respiratory illnesses. Moreover, it aligns with the university’s green policy and its efforts to promote well-being for all students and staff.

Impact and Monitoring

Walailak University has assessed the impacts of smoking on health and the environment within the campus and will regularly report progress to the university community. This policy not only helps reduce smoking rates among students but also promotes the creation of smoke-free spaces in surrounding communities. Owing to its strong and continuous efforts in 2024, Walailak University received the “Outstanding University for Tobacco Control” Award, recognizing its decisive actions in pushing forward policies against e-cigarettes, issuing a public statement opposing the legalization of e-cigarettes, enforcing measures that prohibit students from possessing such products, and actively promoting a completely smoke-free campus—achievements that have been acknowledged at the national level.

Walailak University demonstrates a strong commitment to creating a smoke-free and e-cigarette-free environment. This began with a comprehensive smoke-free policy covering the entire campus in 2022, which was updated in 2024 to include strict controls on e-cigarettes. The university’s efforts go beyond regulations, incorporating proactive activities such as workshops to develop student leaders and awareness-raising walks about the dangers of tobacco. These initiatives led to the university receiving the “Outstanding University for Tobacco Control” award, confirming its success in implementing policies and fostering a sustainable culture of good health.

In addition, the university has promoted online campaigns to encourage smoke-free public spaces, including healthcare and health promotion facilities, shared public areas, educational institutions, public transportation, service establishments, and religious sites. Violators of the law prohibiting smoking in public areas are subject to a maximum fine of 2,000 THB.

Figure : World No Tobacco Day

The university disseminates media highlighting the harmful effects of smoking to encourage students, staff, and other audiences to adopt preventive behaviors and reduce the risk of smoking-related diseases.

Figure : Cancer

Figure : World Thrombosis Day

Figure : World Pneumonid Day

Figure : World Osteoporosis Day

In 2024, the university organized a comprehensive student health check-up fair, providing health screenings for 11,200 students across all year levels. The assessments included body mass index (BMI) measurement, blood pressure checks, and screening for risks related to smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use, as well as evaluations of stress and depression. Counseling and guidance were also provided, with referrals or medical appointments arranged for students identified as at risk. This initiative ensured holistic healthcare coverage for students and contributed to improving their overall quality of life.