Abstract

Drug problems in educational institutions pose severe threats to student development and national human resource quality. This research aimed to develop administrative strategies to prevent and solve drug problems in schools under the Office of Basic Education Commission in Surin Province. Multiphase mixed-methods research was conducted in three phases: 1) investigating the current state, desired state, and needs regarding drug problem administration using a questionnaire administered to 300 school administrators and teachers; 2) formulating strategies based on Modified Priority Need Index (PNI_modified) and SWOT-TOWS analysis, reviewed by nine experts via focus group discussion; and 3) evaluating strategies through expert and stakeholder assessment.

Results: Current drug prevention and solution practices were rated at a high level, while the desired state was rated at the highest level. Necessary needs, in descending order of priority, were treatment, prevention, surveillance, screening, and management. The developed strategy consists of a vision, mission, goals, and four main strategies: (1) reforming the prevention system (5 practices); (2) transforming the supporting system for at-risk students (11 practices); (3) enhancing network partnerships for surveillance and treatment (5 practices); and (4) elevating the management system for continuous operations (6 practices). Experts evaluated the strategy as highly appropriate, feasible, and beneficial. Conclusion: The administrative strategy developed is comprehensive, contextually relevant, and ready for implementation. It emphasizes continuous management, multi-sectoral collaboration, and evidence-based practices to address drug problems in schools effectively.

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