In Khung Samphao, a riverside community in Chai Nat Province, Thailand, the “Courtyard of Happiness” is transforming everyday public areas into vibrant hubs of sport, art, and community life. Part of the Healthy Space Next Door initiative, Laan Me Sook offers safe, colorful, and accessible areas for all ages to move, play, and connect—just minutes from home.
From Empty Plazas to Active Hubs
Once underused, the stone embankment plaza near Guan Yu Shrine Khung Samphao and the municipal plaza were reimagined through a collaboration between Khung Samphao Municipality, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), the Healthy Space Forum, and community partners.
What were once hard concrete surfaces are now active public spaces—multi-use sports courts, agility trails, and family-friendly playgrounds—inviting daily activity and social connection for residents of all ages.
Six Ways Laan Me Sook Gets People Moving
1. Multi-use Sports Courts
Three new courts host six sports: basketball, badminton, sepak takraw, volleyball, handball, and futsal. Painted hopscotch and agility ladder designs turn them into community sports facilities that encourage games beyond formal play.
2. Agility Trails Inspired by the River
Wave-like lines reflect the curves of the Chao Phraya River community. Along the 250-meter agility trail, more than 12 activity stations encourage jumping, squatting, balancing, and other fun movement-based challenges.
3. Walking & Running Track with Motivational Messages
Beside the embankment, a 250-meter walking and running track in Thailand offers health tips every 25 meters. Just 12 laps meet the daily recommendation for brisk walking—making fitness both easy and accessible.
4. Creative Seating for Rest and Play
Two unique seating types: hammocks woven from local OTOP water hyacinth products and bike racks that double as benches—supporting cycling culture in Khung Samphao.5. Flexible Event Space
Movable furniture and adaptable layouts allow the space to host festivals, markets, and seasonal celebrations without disrupting daily activities.
6. A Family-Friendly Playground
The brain-based learning playground outside the municipal office promotes motor skill and cognitive development through climbing nets, balance paths, and hanging activities—encouraging multi-generational play.
Co-creation Through Community Art
One of Laan Me Sook’s most distinctive features is its art that promotes physical activity. Designed to be stepped on, hopped across, and played with, these ground paintings were created during a community-led art day.
Under the guidance of artist-educator Kru Tong from the “Street Kids” initiative, residents, children, and local artists co-designed patterns and games that reflect local identity—from river curves to boat motifs. Kids painted hopscotch grids and agility paths, while parents added vibrant colors to the sports courts.
This community art project in Thailand not only beautified the space but also fostered a sense of ownership. When you’ve painted the very court you play on, you’re more likely to return, take care of it, and invite others to join.
Health and Happiness, Close to Home
Laan Me Sook shows that public space transformation in Thailand doesn’t require large-scale construction or expensive facilities. By combining creative design, cultural heritage, and community-led public space design, Khung Samphao now has a space where physical activity, social connection, and joy happen every day.Here, sports and art integration has turned two once-empty plazas into colorful, active, and inclusive spaces—proving that better health can start right at home.
✍🏻 Suchinda Phaisomboon, Regional Communications Officer
