On November 18, 2025, the Institute for Population and Social Research (IPSR), Mahidol University, organized a feedback meeting on local food system indicators for Thaweewattana Subdistrict (Sai Noi District) and Bang Sithong Subdistrict (Bang Kruai District) in Nonthaburi Province. The meeting was part of the research project “Study of Local Food System Conditions in Thailand,” supported by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth).
The meeting was opened by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chalermpol Chamchan, Director of IPSR, who emphasized the significance of the project as a policy-impact research initiative generating real-world change by enabling local authorities to apply evidence-based data to develop their food systems. This was followed by a presentation of research findings by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jongjit Rittirong, Principal Investigator, accompanied by the research team: Dr. Pattraporn Chuenglertsiri, Ms. Pimolpan Nitnara, and Ms. Thanaporn Kirdkaew, at Srabua Room (109), 1st Floor, IPSR.
The findings highlighted key food system challenges in urban areas, including: safety concerns related to food sourced from other areas, detection of bleaching agents and formalin in certain foods, consumption behaviors that risk exposure to chemical residues, food waste management issues in communities, degraded water sources, and use of agricultural chemicals posing health risks.
Additionally, safe food options were found to be more expensive, limiting accessibility for some residents.
Participants collaboratively outlined 1–5-year development strategies, such as: food quality testing, public awareness campaigns on safe consumption, waste segregation, reducing chemical use, developing green spaces, restoring water bodies using EM, and establishing safe food distribution points within communities.
This meeting underscored the power of research data in driving policy transformation and tangible development outcomes through multisectoral collaboration, supporting Nonthaburi Province in its pathway toward a safe food system and sustainable quality of life for all residents.
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