(November 7th, 2025)– Mr. Wuttisak Rermkijakarn, Deputy Mayor of Pattaya City, led a delegation to present the accomplishments of the “Outstanding Smoke-Free Local Government Organization (Cigarettes and E-Cigarettes)” initiative. The presentation was made in pursuit of the 2026 ASEAN Smoke-Free Award, organized by the ASEAN Secretariat.
The presentation took place at Meeting Room 132, Pattaya City Hall, and was attended by the Pattaya City Clerk, Deputy City Clerk, Director of the Public Health and Environment Office, Director of the Disease Control Division, Head of the Substance Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Unit, and heads of relevant departments.
The evaluation was conducted via Zoom Meetings, with representatives from the Action on Smoking and Health Foundation (ASH Thailand), the Tobacco Control Human Resource Development Center, the National Tobacco Control Committee under the Department of Disease Control, the Ministry of Public Health, and the Ministry of Interior participating in the review. The session was held at the Asawin Grand Convention Hotel.
The ASH Foundation, together with the Department of Disease Control, selected five outstanding local government organizations to compete for the 2026 ASEAN Smoke-Free Award. The finalists are:
– Pattaya City, Chonburi Province
– Maha Sarakham Municipality, Maha Sarakham Province
– Sateng Nok Municipality, Yala Province
– Kut Khon Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Kalasin Province
– Non Kok Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Chaiyaphum Province
Mr. Wuttisak stated that Pattaya, as an international tourism destination welcoming visitors from around the world, prioritizes a clean, safe environment and the well-being of all residents and tourists. The city aims to evolve into a “health and wellness tourism hub,” recognizing tobacco use as a major risk factor affecting both public health and the environment.
Pattaya has implemented rigorous measures to prevent and control access to cigarettes and e-cigarettes, particularly among youth. These include public awareness campaigns, educational outreach, screening and treatment programs, and efforts to prevent new smokers. The city has also integrated cooperation with local police stations and the Banglamung District Office for ongoing monitoring and enforcement.
Under the “BETTER PATTAYA: HAPPY CITY” policy, Pattaya is committed to becoming a “healthy city” with livable communities, a clean environment, and healthy residents—serving as a model for sustainable smoke-free urban development.
The evaluation committee praised Pattaya’s efforts, noting that its tobacco control strategies are well-suited to the context of a tourism-driven city and demonstrate a sustainable development approach worthy of emulation by other local governments.
**Reported by:** Ms. Natcha Traipipattan
**Photography by:** Ms. Chinnarang Chumchue
**Public Relations Division**
**Office of Tourism and Sports Administration**
English Version by Adam Judd for The Pattaya News
