SEATCA

Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance

25 Years of Advancing Tobacco Control in Southeast Asia

SEATCA marks a quarter century of tobacco control leadership in Southeast Asia and beyond, championing evidence-based policies, protecting public health, and countering tobacco industry interference across the region. Explore key milestones that define SEATCA’s contributions to regional tobacco control, public health policy, and WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) implementation.

Explore SEATCA's work in these posters.

Tobacco Control Legacies

On 6 February 2026, SEATCA hosted an event honouring two iconics pioneers in the world of tobacco control – Professor Judith Mackay and Professor Prakit Vathesatogkit. The event was attended by H.E. Palakorn Suwanrath, Privy Councilor for Thailand, local and international government officials, representatives from Embassies and academic institutions, and tobacco control advocates. SEATCA inaugurated three tobacco control awards during the event, the Judith Mackay Torchbearer Award, the Prakit Vathesatogkit Trailblazer Award, and the SEATCA Unsung Hero Award.

Prof. Judith Mackay

Prof. Judith’s courage in defying the tobacco industry made her a leading voice for tobacco control in Asia, advising governments on policy and legislation. She was instrumental to the development of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. She has been identified by the tobacco industry as one of the most dangerous people in the world. But through the vilification, abuse, and death threats, Prof. Judith has remained unwaveringly devoted to her cause.

Prof. Prakit Vathesatogkit

Prof. Prakit’s bold and visionary leadership was a catalyst for the establishment of landmark tobacco control policies in Thailand and beyond. He resolutely defended his country when the United States pressured Thailand to open up its market to the tobacco industry. Prof. Prakit played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, of which Thailand was an early signatory and active contributor to key provisions.

Legacy Awards 2026

Judith Mackay Torchbearer Award

Phan Thi Hai
Ministry of Health Vietnam

In recognition of her distinguished leadership and unwavering commitment in advancing tobacco control measures in Vietnam and the region through principled efforts to defy the influence of the tobacco industry.

Prakit Vathesatogkit Trailblazer Award

Ong Ye Kung
Minister for Health Singapore

In recognition of his bold and visionary leadership in tobacco control, and of his regional leadership in the protection of public health.

Legacy Awards 2026

Judith Mackay Torchbearer Award

Phan Thi Hai
Ministry of Health Vietnam

In recognition of her distinguished leadership and unwavering commitment in advancing tobacco control measures in Vietnam and the region through principled efforts to defy the influence of the tobacco industry.

Prakit Vathesatogkit Trailblazer Award

Ong Ye Kung
Minister for Health Singapore

In recognition of his bold and visionary leadership in tobacco control, and of his regional leadership in the protection of public health.

Katthanaphone Phandouangsy

Unsung Hero Award

In recognition of their steadfast dedication to tobacco control, and of her exemplary leadership in advancing public health.

Maniphanh Vongphosy

Anniversary Highlights in Photos

SEATCA in Media