“The 3rd Pattaya Health Assembly adopted Night-time workers welfare-Tattoo Artist Charter & Measure to protect children from E-cigarettes”
Source: https://www.nationalhealth.or.th/associate/th/147
The 3rd Pattaya City Health Assembly 2025 of Thailand under the theme of BETTER PATTAYA: HAPPY CITY – Good Health, Happiness, organized by the National Health Commission Office (NHCO), Pattaya City, and partner organizations, was held on August 26, 2025, at Brighton Grand Hotel, Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Thailand. The program featured a “Ted Talk: Policy Perspectives” session as a platform to exchange views on participatory public policy development for health, along with consideration of key agenda items of the Health Assembly.
At the assembly, three agenda items were adopted :
- Night time workers welfare
- The Tattoo Artist Charter
- Measures to protect children and youth from e-cigarettes
Resolutions were handed over to Pattaya City, the Tattoo Artist Charter was officially announced, and a joint declaration was made to prevent children and youth from e-cigarettes.
Voices from the Assembly
Mr. Damrongkiat Phinitkan, Pattaya City Council Member, stated that night time workers—whether entrepreneurs or service employees—play a significant role in supporting tourism and driving Pattaya’s economy. However, their biological clock differs from daytime workers, leading to irregular rest and lifestyle patterns that increase health risks. At the same time, their working hours make it difficult to access health services, which typically operate during the day.
He expressed gratitude to Pattaya City and network partners for proactive outreach efforts, such as health checkups, advice, and consultations for night time workers, including those at risk of infectious diseases. He emphasized the importance of today’s discussions in raising awareness and shaping health policies tailored for all night time workers.
Mr. Phairoj Kaewla, Secretary of the Pattaya Tattoo Artists Association, explained that in the past, tattooing was not widely accepted in Thai society due to the negative image associated with tattoos. However, today tattooing has become a respected profession that generates income and pride. He expressed delight that the profession now receives support from Pattaya’s leadership and relevant organizations.
Tracing back, tattooing in Pattaya began informally within local communities, later booming when American soldiers brought modern tattoo machines, coinciding with the city’s tourism growth.
Although there was no official body to oversee standards in the past, today tattooing has advanced into a recognized profession contributing to Pattaya’s economy. Pattaya’s public health sector has supported this by promoting standards, training, and knowledge on proper practices.
He stressed that tattoos today are clean and safe—single-use needles are standard, infectious waste is disposed of properly, and hygiene is maintained, thanks to public health training and support.
Mr. Pramote Kaewla, President of the Pattaya Tattoo Artists Association, added that the establishment of the Tattoo Artist Charter is a milestone. It provides shared rules and agreements within the profession to raise service standards, regulate tattoo shops, and improve quality under agreed guidelines. He expressed gratitude to local leaders for recognizing and supporting the development of this profession.
Mr. Anusak Premproh, Deputy Director of Pattaya City School 3, noted that last month an MOU was signed between NHCO, Pattaya City, local schools, and 21 partner agencies to implement measures to keep children and youth away from e-cigarettes, a growing threat.
He compared the past, when students secretly smoked traditional cigarettes in bathrooms, with the present situation where e-cigarettes contain multiple harmful substances and legal penalties. Schools now address cases by involving police inspectors, educating both students and parents, and requiring behavioral agreements. If students refuse to comply, legal action is pursued.
Dr. Vallop Suwandee, Former Deputy Governor of Bangkok and President of Kasem Bundit University, emphasized that building strong urban communities requires two key elements: the community and government authorities. He explained that sustainable development should begin with community needs, then involve government support, rather than the other way around.
Pattaya’s approach is exemplary—starting with trust in community capacity, transparency in rules and regulations, and then launching community-beneficial projects with clear responsibilities. He stressed the importance of equipping communities with knowledge, especially from universities, and maintaining open communication to reduce resistance, misunderstandings, or conflicts of interest.
Looking Ahead
Beyond this city-level platform, the 18th National Health Assembly 2025 will be held November 27–28, 2025, at Impact Forum, Muang Thong Thani, under the theme:
“The New Economy: Building Sustainable Thai Well-being.”
It will address major national health policy issues for the country as a whole.