KKU Trains Core Student Leaders in Drug Prevention, Organises Workshop on Counselling Skills for Smoking Cessation

6 February 2026
17:21

Khon Kaen University (KKU) continues to advance its Healthy Organisation policy by hosting the training activity, “Counselling for Smoking Reduction and Cessation for Core Student Leaders (Training for the Trainer), and Smoking Cessation Clinic.” This event falls under the project driving the University toward becoming a Healthy Organisation that builds immunity and prevents drug abuse. The activity took place from 31 January to 1 February 2026, at Meeting Room 2, 2nd Floor, Student Activity Organisation Building, Khon Kaen University.

The primary objective of the training was to equip students with knowledge regarding the causes and mechanisms of nicotine addiction, alongside communication skills to generate motivation for quitting. This preparation ensures that the student leaders can effectively design activities and provide initial counselling to their peers within their respective faculties.

Why ‘Training for the Trainer’? Because ‘Peers’ are Best Positioned to Understand One Another

The workshop featured expert speakers from the Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University, including:

Associate Professor Netchanok Kaewchantha, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor Chompunut Chanama
Ajarn Nichyakul Khanbutsri

The programme was structured not merely as a lecture but as a hands-on workshop emphasising active participation and genuine understanding:

Mindset & Communication: Participants learned communication techniques to understand the motivation behind tobacco use and the application of the Cognitive Model for behaviour modification.

Practical Skills: Students practised counselling skills to correctly help peers reduce or cease smoking, including self-reflection and mental well-being check-ins.

Creative Campaign: A specific activity, “KKU Eggs: Away from Cigarettes (and Vapour),” required students from each faculty to collaborate on designing creative campaigns they could genuinely implement to support their peers.

This activity marks a significant step in establishing a robust student network dedicated to creating a smoke-free environment and promoting sustainable well-being within Khon Kaen University.