Surat Thani University Launches Safety Culture Initiative

Prince of Songkla University's Surat Thani campus, in collaboration with the Institute for the Promotion of Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (public organization), is driving workplace safety knowledge and networks through a regional academic seminar on occupational safety and health in Surat Thani Province scheduled for August 5-6, 2025, at the university conference hall. The event aims to build a safety culture while integrating smart safety technology and innovation to elevate workplace safety standards and support economic and industrial growth in Southern Thailand.

Dr. Nanthachai Pannyasurit, director of the Institute for the Promotion of Occupational Safety, Health and Environment, presided over the opening ceremony. District Chief Suchaow Toomosik, representing the provincial governor, welcomed participants, while Associate Professor Suchadha Thipmonthree, vice rector of the Surat Thani campus, addressed the university's collaborative role in supporting the event and developing occupational safety knowledge at the regional level.

The seminar attracted participation from government officials, private sector representatives, safety network partners, business operators, academics, and workers from Southern Thailand to exchange knowledge and experience in occupational safety, occupational health, risk management, and the application of technology and innovation to create safer work environments.

A key highlight was the presentation of awards to 37 businesses that met the criteria of the Zero Accident Campaign 2026, recognizing organizations that prioritize accident prevention and serve as models for building safety culture within their organizations, while encouraging continuous improvement of safety standards across business and industry.

Over the two-day event, diverse knowledge-sharing activities were conducted, including academic lectures, panel discussions, demonstrations of safety innovations, virtual reality (VR) training, and exhibitions from government agencies, private companies, and educational institutions. These provided participants with practical exposure to safety technologies, tools, and management approaches applicable to their workplaces.

The event reflects the Smart Safety approach, which integrates technology and innovation as essential tools for risk prevention and management while building organizational safety awareness and culture. This positions occupational safety and health development to keep pace with technological change and contemporary work models.

As a higher education institution in Southern Thailand, Prince of Songkla University's Surat Thani campus plays a vital role in supporting academic knowledge, personnel development, and networking collaboration between the university, government agencies, business, and industry to collectively raise occupational safety, health, and work environment standards—a foundation for improving worker quality of life, organizational efficiency, and economic development.