On September 28, 2023, the Thailand Physical Activity Knowledge Development Center (TPAK) at the Population and Social Research Institute, Mahidol University, in collaboration with the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and partners in the physical activity promotion network in Thailand, launched the activity manual titled “Walkshop, Walk and Talk” at the PA FORUM – an Academic and Policy Seminar on Physical Activity (EP1) with the theme ‘Development of a Well-being Space that Everyone Participates In: Active Environment for All.’
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Piyawat Katewongsa, Director of the Thailand Physical Activity Knowledge Development Center at the Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, explained that the “Walkshop, Walk and Talk” activity promotes healthy and active meetings by introducing “walking meetings.” This approach allows participants to engage in discussions and exchange information while walking, rather than sitting for extended periods. It aims to stimulate creativity, generate new ideas, reduce stress, and improve physical health by incorporating movement and exercise, thereby mitigating the negative effects of prolonged sedentary behavior, which is associated with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
The event garnered significant attention from various organizations and offices, highlighting the importance of building a culture of physical activity and the three-pronged approach of the PA Forum EP.1. The initiative aims to expand well-being spaces that engage everyone and encourages physical activity, particularly among young professionals working in office environments. By incorporating walking into meetings, the goal is to foster creativity, strengthen team relationships, and combat NCDs.
This groundbreaking initiative has received extensive media coverage, with over 30 mentions in various publications. Some examples are provided below:
Daily News: https://www.dailynews.co.th/news/2761180/
Matichon: https://www.matichon .co.th/news-monitor/news_4205037
Khaosod news: https://www.khaosod.co.th/monitor-news/news_7889585
Manager: https://mgronline.com/sport/detail/9660000087707
Bangkok Today: https://bangkok-today.com/SSSS-launch of organizing manual/
Bangkok Thurakit: https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/health/well-being/1090916
Post Today: https://www.posttoday.com/general-news/700115
Siamrath: https://siamrath.co.th/ n/480780
Today.line: https://today.line.me/th/v2/article/peoZ2Nq
Today.line: https://today.line.me/th/v2/article/qoGRGew
FB (Bangkok Today ): https://www.facebook.com/132396692880844/posts/298926132894565
