On August 24, 2024, at Wat Mahathat, Sukhothai Historical Park, Mueang District, Sukhothai Province, a team of researchers from the Thailand Physical Activity Knowledge Development Center (TPAK), Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Piyawat Katewongsa, Director of TPAK, along with the Department of Health, led by Dr. Ekachai Piensriwatchara, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health, and Dr. Wanchat Chinsuwatay, Director of the Physical Activity for Health Division, Mr. Chaisit Ruangroj, Head of the Health Promotion Group, Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Public Health Office, and Ms. Natcha Koyama, Director of Wat Rit School (Kham Muen Pathum Anusorn), presented to Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health and First Vice Chairman of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, and the committee of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation.
The exhibition presented examples of operations and policy implementation related to promoting physical activity in daily life. This started with the promotion of physical activity for pregnant and postpartum women, highlighting the importance of physical activity from the mother’s womb, which is crucial for the fetus in both physical and mental aspects. The initiative continued through the early childhood period, with operations in collaboration with the pilot area of Ubon Ratchathani Province and research operations testing early childhood development under the SUNRISE THAILAND project, in collaboration with 71 countries worldwide. It further extended to school-age children and teenagers, showcasing activities from Wat Rit School (Kham Muen Pathum Anusorn), Sukhothai Province, a model school under the project aimed at developing a cooperation mechanism to promote physical activities for Thai children and youth based on the Whole-of-School Approach to Physical Activity (WoSPA). All presentations were centered around the concept of joining forces to create good health, a strong economy, and a sustainable city, serving as a model for national health promotion activities.
This event is considered an important step toward bringing such policies to the goal of formulating a provincial strategic plan to create a community economy through the establishment of sustainable festivals.
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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.979224060668337
