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 impact of their efforts on the lives of individuals in their cities.

“A good quality of life is something we all want. It means living a healthy life, with friends and family, while having access to services we want, breathing clean air, walking in greenery, living a life without stress. That is what I think we all want,” he said.

Dr Jos said achieving a good quality of life requires a lot of work. It means ensuring everyone feels good in all aspects, which requires good governance with city governments showing the way. 

“Every ship needs a captain and a crew. Without them, the ship never reaches its destination,” he said.

His remarks were made at the Awarding of the SEAR Healthy City Network on October 30, 2024, at Best Western Plus Wanda Grand Hotel in Nonthaburi. It is the first award given under the SEAR Healthy City Network, which was initiated in 2022 to accredit cities in Asia.

Out of the 23 applicants in the region, 11 cities are being awarded as Committed Healthy Cities in recognition of their progress, including 4 Thai cities: the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the Sadao Municipality in Songkla, the Bansuan Municipality in Chonburi, and the Klongchaun Subdistrict Municipality in Surat Thani.

 

Dr Jos explained that each of these cities can be a model for others on urban health. Bangkok is revolutionising health with 1,034 new sports fields and sports centers, green spaces, and health literacy programmes.

Meanwhile, Sadao excels in community empowerment through active citizen engagement in urban solutions, the Health Security Fund for quality healthcare access, and the Center for Quality of Life and Promotion for Productive Aging.

Similarly, Bansuan focuses on vulnerable populations with community development projects fostering self-sufficiency, home visits for chronically ill patients, and initiatives for the aging population.

Klongchaun sets an example for aged societies by ensuring health funds for long-term and palliative care, providing age-friendly facilities, and launching health promotion and community health campaigns.

Dr. Thiti Saweangthum, deputy director-general of the Department of Health, said WHO recognition for cities’ commitment shows how much emphasis they have placed on the health and well-being of local people. 

“I would like to extend congratulations to these cities. Because of your commitment, you are able to represent Thailand on the global stage,” he said.

Thana Boonlert, Communications Team