She noted the impressive reach of the To Be Number One project among young people and its role.

Princess Ubolratana assesses the progress of the anti-drug project in Phuket

Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi visited the island of Phuket on 6 June to assess the progress of the ‘To Be Number One’ project, Thailand’s nationwide youth anti-drug initiative.

The visit began with the grand opening of the ‘To Be Number One’ and ‘To Be Number One Friends Club’ clubs at Rajabhat University in Phuket, located in the Ratsada district. The princess was greeted by local government officials, university faculty, and students, as well as participants in the project, which has played an important role in the development of Phuket’s youth and society since 2002.

In her speech, the princess noted the province’s consistent commitment to the program and its importance as a role model in the field of drug prevention at the national level. Phuket has been awarded the title of ‘To Be Number One’ Diamond Prototype Province for six consecutive years.

The province has an impressive level of youth involvement among 6- to 24-year-olds, at 99.48%. There are 503 clubs operating in schools, local communities, juvenile detention centers, prisons, and probation facilities. In addition, there are 60 active ‘To Be Number One Friend Centres’ providing peer support and organizing a variety of developmental programs.

Phuket became the first province in Thailand where all districts are actively participating in the project. The princess noted this as evidence of strong local leadership and public interest.

The To Be Number One club at Rajabhat University in Phuket has been a center for positive youth development since its founding in 2020. The club organizes many events, including the annual ‘To Be Number One Idol’ competition, life skills training, and participation in the national ‘To Be Number One Camp’ at The Pine Resort.

According to the official report, the university’s approach emphasizes cooperation between teachers, students, parents, and government agencies to create a drug-free atmosphere on campus.

The princess also visited the To Be Number One Friend Centre, where 20 volunteers provide counseling and emotional support and organize music, dance, art, and cognitive development games.

A special moment of the visit was the princess’s meeting with members of the group ‘Who is addicted to drugs, raise your hand’ from the Phuket Juvenile Observation and Protection Centre and the Phuket Probation Office. These people, who previously used drugs, are now seeking rehabilitation. The princess supported them and gave personal advice to help them stay on the right path.

In addition, Her Royal Highness answered questions from students from various schools and institutions, giving recommendations on solving problems related to drug addiction and youth development.

The visit underscored the princess’s unwavering commitment to empowering young people across Thailand and promoting a drug-free future based on the principles of self-respect, peer support, and community cooperation.

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