Royal Guest Inspects Drug Prevention Program in Rayong
Princess Ubonratana visited Rayong province to inspect the To Be Number One drug prevention program, opening a new counselling centre at Taksin Rayong Secondary School. The initiative combines government, education, and community efforts to
On Wednesday, 16 September, Princess Ubonratana visited Rayong province to monitor the To Be Number One programme and opened a To Be Number One club and counselling centre at Taksin Rayong Secondary School in Mueang district.
Rayong Governor Traiphop Wongtrirat explained that the province is driving the To Be Number One programme continuously by integrating cooperation from government agencies, educational institutions, businesses, local administrative organisations, and the community. The work follows three main strategies: creating momentum, developing networks, and building psychological resilience among youth and the public to help them become good, capable citizens who succeed without relying on drugs.
Taksin Rayong Secondary School Principal Wachoraporon Sompongpuang said the school has adopted the To Be Number One principles to combat and address drug problems. The school's To Be Number One club, operating for two years, has organised activities including the To Be Number One Idol competition, stress-relief activities, awareness campaigns, and World No Tobacco Day events. Members also volunteer at the To Be Number One counselling centre. The school's "Raise Your Hand" programme involves supervisory committees and student groups conducting random urine tests to prevent drug involvement. The counselling centre, open for six years, employs 30 volunteers and operates on a peer-support basis, offering consulting services, emotional intelligence development, singing, dancing, brain games, and art activities.
During the visit, Princess Ubonratana granted an audience to members of the "Raise Your Hand" programme from the Rayong Child and Youth Protection Centre and the Rayong Child and Youth Training Centre—former drug users now committed to recovery—and offered them encouragement and advice to prevent relapse. She also provided counselling to To Be Number One members from schools across Rayong who sought her guidance on handling various challenges.
