Khon Kaen University (KKU) has advanced to the final round of evaluation for the Outstanding Smoke-Free Higher Education Institution award for the years 2024-2026. On Thursday, January 15, 2026, the university welcomed an evaluation committee for an on-site assessment and encouragement visit.
The evaluation is part of the “Comprehensive and Sustainable Development Project for Smoke-Free, E-cigarette-Free, and Tobacco-Free Higher Education Institutions,” managed by the Medical Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage. The project aims to foster knowledge exchange and recognize universities that serve as national models for excellence in tobacco control.
Assoc. Prof. Pensri Jaroenwanit, Ph.D Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization, formally welcomed the committee on behalf of the university. The delegation was led by Dr. Wanchat Supachaturas, Vice Chairman of the project and head of the evaluation committee, along with other distinguished members including Associate Professor Dr. Pongsri Srimoragot, the project’s Secretary-General.
In her opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pensri emphasized KKU’s commitment to creating a safe and healthy environment for its students, staff, and the surrounding community, with the goal of becoming a sustainably smoke-free campus. Following her address, Dr. Wanchat outlined the objectives of the visit before KKU presented its operational performance based on the established standards.
The session included a Q&A segment where the committee provided feedback and suggestions for further development. The committee also conducted a physical inspection of various campus locations to observe the policy’s implementation in practice. Key sites visited included the smoke-free zones within the Faculty of Engineering and the General Education and Basic Skills Development Building.
This assessment highlights the collaborative effort and dedication of all sectors within Khon Kaen University to tangibly implement its smoke-free campus policy. The final results of the award selection will be announced at a later date.
