Bangoy: Bangoy Subdistrict Administrative Organization creates a "Community Health Charter" to unite efforts in building a sustainably smoke-free community.
According to Thai News Agency, smoking remains one of the persistent health risks in communities, particularly among working-age adults and the elderly, who often use it as a way to relieve stress from work and daily life. Simultaneously, there's a growing trend of smoking among some young people, influenced by close relatives and friends, leading to smoking being perceived as normal in some community contexts. While the National Statistical Office indicates a declining trend in tobacco use, the increasing prevalence of e-cigarettes among youth remains a concern. Latest data from 2024 shows approximately 9.8 million smokers aged 15 and older, representing 16.5% of the population, while e-cigarette use has increased more than 11 times compared to 2021. Furthermore, there are misconceptions about the dangers of e-cigarettes among youth. For example, in Bangoy Subdistrict, Raman District, Yala Province, the high rates of both tobacco and e-cigarette use are a significant concern. The Bangoy Subdistrict Administr ative Organization is therefore participating in a nationwide "Smoke-Free Local Administrative Organization" initiative, supported by the Community Health Promotion Division (Division 3) of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHPF), to integrate efforts in controlling tobacco and e-cigarette use through local network partnerships.
Ms. Tuankasa Kuno stated that, given the context and situation of smoking in Bangoy Subdistrict, smoking remains prevalent across all age groups, from the elderly and working adults to youth and students. This is especially true among working-age individuals engaged in agriculture, such as rubber tappers, who show a high tendency to smoke. This situation is a key factor driving the Bangoy Subdistrict Administrative Organization to implement proactive campaigns and measures to create smoke-free zones in all aspects, encompassing government offices, schools, and community areas. The goal is to promote an environment conducive to the health and well-being of the local population. Bangoy has a strong working mechanism and collaborative network, leveraging the participation of various sectors in the community and integrating efforts systematically in areas such as monitoring, healthcare, and assistance for those wishing to quit smoking.
One key mechanism is the network of village health volunteers (VHVs), who conduct surveys, health checkups, and collect data on smokers in each household. This data is then analyzed to refer those who wish to quit smoking to treatment programs in collaboration with sub-district health promotion hospitals (HPHs). Furthermore, VHVs play a crucial role in monitoring, counseling, and acting as "inspiration from afar," providing encouragement to those wanting to quit smoking to continuously change their behavior and maintain their health. Local leaders and community representatives, in collaboration with the Bangoy Sub-district Administrative Organization, organize awareness campaigns and public relations activities through community forums and sub-district-level events to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking. Meanwhile, HPHs are responsible for caring for smokers, ensuring their entry into treatment programs, and providing ongoing follow-up to support smoking cessation.
For schools in the area, Bangoy Subdistrict Administrative Organization has continuously implemented projects in collaboration with educational institutions, incorporating them into local regulations, to build immunity among youth against cigarettes and drugs. These projects are implemented through training and educational activities, the 'Youth Role Model for a Smoke-Free Society' project, and campaigns on World No Tobacco Day. Furthermore, the organization collaborates with external agencies and local administrative organizations to exchange knowledge and innovations in controlling cigarette and e-cigarette consumption in the area. 'In addition, the Subdistrict Administrative Organization conducts daily 'Al-Gore' sessions after prayers (approximately 3:00-4:00 PM) to provide religious education about the dangers of cigarettes and drugs, particularly among male employees. As a result, currently, no male employees smoke at the Subdistrict Administrative Organization, which is a clear success and a good exampl e for the community.'
The Bangoy Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO) held a "Morning Meeting" to provide a platform for local leaders and various agencies to collaboratively brainstorm, plan, and determine strategies for developing a smoke-free zone in the subdistrict. The results of this brainstorming session led to the creation of a "Community Health Charter," a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, serving as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for creating a tangible smoke-free environment. Ms. Tuankasa stated the goal of driving towards a sustainable "Smoke-Free Model Subdistrict," focusing on two key approaches: reducing the number of existing smokers through counseling, treatment, and health promotion activities, coupled with preventing new smokers, especially among youth, and continuously monitoring and preventing the spread of e-cigarettes in the area. The new equation: Reduce risk factors + Reduce expenses = Improved health. The core concept of this community-based smoke-free initiative is not simply a tr aditional anti-smoking campaign, but a systemic approach, viewing reducing expenses from major risk factors (tobacco, alcohol, gambling) as the starting point for a better quality of life.
Dr. Nisa Rattadilok Na Phuket, Director of the Community Health Promotion Office (Office 3) of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHPF), illustrated the "community-driven ecosystem," explaining that sub-district leaders must work in conjunction with various entities, from local authorities providing policy and budget support, to sub-district health centers that promote NCDs (Non-Community-Based Disease) prevention, and to agricultural vocational training organizations or the Community Organization Development Institute (CODI) that support income generation. This interconnected network leads to tangible results: "a decrease in NCDs, reduced expenses, and increased savings."
Therefore, the initiative to create a smoke-free zone by the Bangoy Subdistrict Administrative Organization reflects the collaborative power of community members working together to build a healthy society. This is achieved through the systematic and continuous integration of health, religion, education, and local administration. Thanks to the dedication of all sectors, Bangoy Subdistrict has become a "model smoke-free subdistrict," not only reducing smoking in the area but also creating a new, sustainable health culture for future generations.