News & Articles
🌍 Webinar: Building Urban Health Resilience and Preparedness for Public Health Emergencies in Response to Climate Change
📅 Tuesday, 2 September 2025 ⏰ Time 📍 Online | Zoom Meeting Registration is free but required to receive the Zoom meeting link. 🔹 About the Webinar The World Health Organization South-East Asia Regional Office (WHO-SEARO) and the Regional Laboratory on Urban Governance for Health and Well-being (RL-UGHW) invite you
Art in Motion: Laan Me Sook as a Playground for All
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
Understanding Climate Mitigation and Urban Challenges: How Cities Are Fighting Climate Change
What is Climate Mitigation? Climate mitigation means taking actions to reduce or prevent the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere or to enhance natural systems that absorb these gases. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide trap heat from the sun, warming the planet and causing climate change. Since the
Beyond the Awards: Continuing the Journey
The recent Healthy Cities Network Award Ceremony was more than just an awarding event – it was a call to action. On 28 March 2025, the WHO Southeast Asia Regional Office brought together over 120 attendees, including mayors, governors, policymakers, and health officials, to recognize cities that have prioritized public health and sustainable urban development.
Strengthening Local Capacity: WHO Healthy Cities Workshop Empowers Eight Thai Cities Toward Sustainable Urban Health
From 22 to 24 April 2025, the Regional Laboratory on Urban Governance for Health and Well-being (RL-UGHW), in collaboration with Khon Kaen University, the Department of Health, and with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), hosted a dynamic three-day workshop in Pattaya, Chonburi Province, Thailand. Building on earlier capacity-building
Workshop: Developing Comprehensive City Health Profiles
In partnership with Khon Kaen University, RL-UGHW conducted a workshop for Thai health officials on 4th April 2025. Organised by the Ministry of Public Health and WHO Thailand Country Office, the workshop hosted in Khon Kaen province focused on building the capacity of cities to develop comprehensive health profiles. Based
Celebrating Healthy Cities: WHO Award Ceremony for Healthy Cities
28 March 2025 — The first World Health Organization (WHO) Award Ceremony for Healthy Cities in the WHO South-East Asia Region was conducted virtually on 28th March 2025, bringing together over 120 representatives and partners to recognize the exceptional efforts of 23 cities in advancing health, equity, and urban resilience.
Tackling PM 2.5 in Thailand: A Multifaceted Approach Informed by Diverse Sources
Thailand’s battle with PM 2.5—fine particulate matter known for its serious health implications—has garnered significant attention from government bodies, research institutes, and international organizations. With contributions from a variety of sources, the country is advancing a comprehensive strategy to address air quality challenges. According to TDRI, legislative measures, such as
Transforming Health Promotion: Insights from the Thai UHC Journey Workshop 2024
The Thai UHC Journey Workshop 2024 highlights health promotion as a transformative pathway to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Co-hosted by leading health organisations, the event gathered health professionals and policymakers from Southeast Asia to exchange knowledge, showcase best practices, and explore innovative tools to address modern health challenges. Key
Thai Mayors Unveil Healthy City Projects
It takes time to see the impact of positive change on individual lives in cities. World Health Organization South-East Asia (WHO SEARO) initiated the WHO Regional Healthy City Network for SEAR in 2022. After two years of collaboration with the Regional Lab on Urban Governance for Health and Well-Being (RL-UGHW),
What Would A Disability-Inclusive Environment Look Like?
1 in 6 of us are persons with disabilities. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 1.3 billion people – or 16% of the world’s population – experience disability nowadays. Despite the prevalence of disability, available evidence points to a global lack of accessibility to urban environments and services.
Understanding Social Impact Assessments: Why They Matter and How to Conduct Them Effectively
In today’s world, where businesses and development projects can have far-reaching effects on communities, the need for responsible decision-making has never been greater. A Social Impact Assessment (SIA) is a vital tool that helps organisations, governments, and stakeholders evaluate the potential social effects of a project. But what exactly is
Making South Sukhumvit More Walkable
South Sukhumvit (Phra Khanong-Bang Na) was once the suburb of old communities. Now, developers are touting it as the southern downtown and the gateway of Bangkok. Projects are underway to make the neighbourhood more walkable, according to a public seminar. Speaking at Baan Jirayu-Poonsap Learning Library, Assoc Prof Niramon Serisakul,
WHO Awards Thai Healthy Cities
World Health Organization South-East Asia (WHO SEARO) has awarded four Thai cities – Bangkok, Sadao, Bansuan, and Klongchaun – for their progress towards becoming WHO Healthy Cities. Dr Jos Vandelaer, WHO representative to Thailand, said they have shown commitment to improving the health and well-being of their residents, and the
Helping Hand for the Homeless Elderly
Born in Phetchaburi, Phorn is unable to return home because nobody is there anymore. She ends up living on the street in Bangkok, collecting discarded items and sleeping in an alley near McDonald’s restaurant on Ratchadamnoen Avenue. Her working hours start from 1 am till dawn. She works day in