Pattaya, Thailand – March 23rd, 2026– Deputy Mayor Wutthisak Roemkitchakarn chaired a key planning meeting today focused on enhancing drug prevention and resolution strategies in Pattaya’s municipal schools, hoping to address overlaps, respect student privacy, and minimize disruptions to academic schedules.
The session took place at 1:30 p.m. in the Naowarat Conference Room, Building 3, at Pattaya City School 2 (Charoenratsadon Uthit). In attendance were City Clerk Kiatisak Sriwongchai, Assistant Secretary to the Mayor Saksachai Charoenyukongrod, school administrators from municipal institutions, and heads of relevant government agencies.
This follow-up meeting stemmed from the March 9th, 2026, session of the Pattaya City Drug Prevention and Resolution Operations Center Committee, also chaired by Deputy Mayor Roemkitchakarn. During that earlier discussion, school principals raised concerns about overlapping initiatives from multiple external agencies entering schools, potential impacts on class time, and the sensitive nature of sex education components in drug awareness programs.
In response, Deputy Mayor Roemkitchakarn instructed the city’s drug prevention unit to organize today’s dedicated meeting to develop more effective, coordinated approaches. The group reviewed and refined planned activities, including:
– A “Building Relationships Against Drugs” event featuring an anti-drug music contest.
– Seminars to build mental resilience against narcotics.
– School-based training to strengthen drug immunity.
– A grand rally event to mobilize communities in drug prevention efforts.
Participants were encouraged to share opinions freely, leading to consensus on guidelines that prioritize school schedules, cultural sensitivities, and student rights.
Following the meeting, Deputy Mayor Roemkitchakarn stated: “Today, we invited school administrators to discuss the duplication of drug-related projects across agencies entering schools. Moving forward, we will reorganize and integrate these initiatives to better align with each school’s context and workload. Schools already have heavy responsibilities, so we want joint discussion on what they can realistically implement and what challenges exist.”
He explained that all future drug prevention projects in schools will involve prior consultation with every principal, allowing schools to participate in deciding which programs are feasible and how to adapt others appropriately.
“Drug abuse is a national issue that requires collective action,” he added. “But it must be integrated and harmonious, not imposed in ways that burden schools. If Terms of Reference (TOR) are not suitable, we can revise them for greater benefit, not to weaken efforts but to make them more effective.”
The deputy mayor assigned City Clerk Sriwongchai to compile feedback and explore further improvements. Officials expect these adjustments to create more unified, efficient drug prevention efforts in Pattaya’s schools going forward.
*News: Khwanchai Sue-trong*
*Photos: Chinanang Chumchue*
*Public Relations Division, Tourism and Sports Office*
English Version by Adam Judd for The Pattaya News
