On June 11, 2024, a meeting was held to discuss ways to further develop the promotion of physical activity through play according to the Active Child Program (ACP) concept, led by Dr. Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon, Manager of Thai Health Promotion Foundation, together with Dr. Pairoj Saonuam, Deputy Manager of Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Mrs. Praphasri Bunwiset, Member of Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Ms. Niramon Rasri, Director of the Office of Healthy Lifestyle Promotion (Office 5), the working group, and representatives from the Japan Sports Association (JSPO). The representatives from JSPO who traveled to Thailand this time include Mr. IWATA Fumiaki, Mr. NISHII Motoaki, Mr. AONO Hiroshi, Mr. SAKAI Motoaki, and Mr. NAGANO Asuka. Additionally, the TPAK Academic Center team from the Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Piyawat Katewongsa, Director of TPAK Center, attended this meeting to discuss future cooperation in promoting physical activity in Thai children and youth through ACP play, including supporting the work of member countries in the ASEAN region.
During the joint discussion meeting, Thailand explored ways to further develop knowledge, research, and the application of the ACP program to physical activity promotion projects. Most recently, it has been integrated into the WoSPA project, applied in students’ classroom sessions, and included in activity breaks for teachers. The operation and further development highlight the value and benefits of the ACP program, which can extend from children in primary schools to university levels, including in-depth development of teachers and trainers, as well as sports scientists. JSPO expressed gratitude and appreciation for Thailand’s efforts in using play to promote physical activity among Thai children, which Thailand has executed very effectively and can serve as a model for expansion to ASEAN in the future.
In addition, on June 10, 2024, the academic team from the TPAK Center and representatives from the Japan Sports Association participated in observing students’ play and made a study tour of the teaching and learning of physical education at Saeng Prateep Ratbamrung School, Nonthaburi Province. The visit was led by Lt. Col. Jit Thammakuna, Director of Saeng Prateep Ratbamrung School, and Mr. Sorasak Chandraphiban, who demonstrated physical education teaching techniques to the school’s teachers and the visiting group. The exchange of experiences aimed to enhance collaborative efforts in promoting physical activities in schools.
For those interested, photos from the activity can be viewed on the following Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=IPSRMAHIDOLUNIVERSITY&set=a.934324931824917
