Policy Measures on Strengthening and Developing Capabilities for National Tobacco Control in Thailand
Mondha Kengkarnpanich PhD*, Lakkhana Termsirikulchai PhD*, Sarunya Benjakul PhD**
Affiliation : * Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand ** Bureau of Tobacco Control, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective : To assess the situation and report on a national capacity plan for tobacco control under the National Strategic Plan
for Tobacco Control (NSPTC) 2010-2014.
Material and Method: Systematic documentary review and analysis were managed by the working group. The results were
discussed and provided recommendations by the sub-committee on developing the NSPTC 2010-2014. Seven meetings were
organized from March 2009-January 2010. Eventually, the NSPCT 2010-2014 was approved by the National Committee for
Tobacco Control, chaired by the Minister of Public Health on 22 April 2010.
Results : The major result of the present study was brought to the National Capacity in Tobacco Control Plan under the
NSPTC 2010-2014. The purpose of the plan is to strengthen and develop national tobacco control capacity before 2011. Seven
strategic areas for National Tobacco Control Capacity have been proposed. They are, 1) tobacco control policy and
leadership development, 2) developing an organizational structure and management systems, 3) developing surveillance,
monitoring and evaluation systems, 4) formulate measures to support research and knowledge management, 5) capacity
building and network expansion for tobacco control in various sectors, 6) capacity building and expansion of a collaborative
network for tobacco control at regional levels and 7) improving and strengthening tobacco control laws. In addition, the
indicators, key players and support partners were addressed.
Conclusion : Although the strength of the strategic plan on National Capacity in Tobacco Control is participatory planning
process and result in the integrated and comprehensive capacity in tobacco control plan, but some concerns should be
considers. They are infrastructure, evidence and networking and leadership.
Keywords : Strengthen and develop capacity, National tobacco control plan
