The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) has issued an official announcement titled
“Guidelines for Controlling Smoking and E-cigarettes in Higher Education Institutions and Affiliated Educational Institutes.”
This aims to create a safe, smoke-free, and healthy environment for students, staff, and the general public within all educational campuses.
Key Principles of the Announcement
Since both conventional and electronic cigarettes pose serious health risks to smokers and non-smokers alike, MHESI recognizes the need to prevent and control smoking behaviors in universities. The main guidelines are as follows:
- Promote knowledge and awareness of the harms of smoking and e-cigarettes
Educational institutions must integrate smoking prevention content into curricula, learning activities, awareness campaigns, and research projects to educate students and staff. - Designate all campuses as 100% smoke-free zones
Institutions must fully comply with the Tobacco Products Control Act B.E. 2560 (2017), which prohibits smoking in all educational premises and requires active monitoring and enforcement. - Prohibit the sale and promotion of tobacco and e-cigarette products on campus
Any form of advertising, sales, or promotional activities related to tobacco or e-cigarettes is strictly forbidden. - Collaborate with local authorities and police
Institutions must cooperate with law enforcement officers to inspect and prevent violations of the smoking ban within campus areas.
Laws and Regulations RMUTL Must Comply With
As a public university under MHESI, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna (RMUTL) is legally required to implement the following measures:
- Tobacco Products Control Act, B.E. 2560 (2017)
- Section 42: Prohibits smoking in educational institutions.
- Section 46: Prohibits the sale of tobacco products within educational institutions.
- Section 47: Requires institutional administrators to ensure compliance with the Act.
- MHESI Official Announcement on Smoking and E-cigarette Control
- Directs all higher education institutions to enforce smoke-free measures across all campuses.
- Encourages institutions to promote health awareness programs and designate smoke-free zones with clear signage and enforcement protocols.
RMUTL’s Implementation Measures
- Establish “Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Zones” across all RMUTL campuses.
- Conduct educational and awareness programs on the dangers of tobacco and vaping.
- Install clear “No Smoking” and “Smoke-Free Campus” signs in all areas.
- Form a Smoke-Free Campus Committee to monitor compliance and enforce policies.
- Promote the “RMUTL Smoke-Free Campus Initiative” to support a healthy, tobacco-free learning environment.
The MHESI’s Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Policy marks a significant step toward improving health and environmental quality in higher education institutions.
Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna (RMUTL) is fully committed to enforcing this policy in compliance with national laws and ministry directives, aiming to become a truly “Smoke-Free University” for the well-being of all students, faculty, and staff.
