Strengthening capacity of Thai Healthy cities to join the WHO Healthy Cities Network 22-24 April 2025 | Chonburi Province, Thailand

On 22–24 April 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO), together with the Health Impact Assessment Division of the Department of Health (DOH), Ministry of Public Health hosted a workshop to strengthen the capacity of local administrative organizations (LAOs) in advancing urban health and facilitate their participation in the WHO Healthy City network. The workshop was held at the Grand Palazzo Hotel, Chonburi Province.

Participants included more than 70 representatives from 8 Gold-Level Healthy Cities from Health Region 7 — Khon Kaen city municipality, Ban Phai district municipality, Khao Suan Kwang subdistrict municipality from Khon Kaen province, Kalasin district municipality, Kuchinarai district municipality, Hua Na Kham subdistrict municipality from Kalasin province, Maha Sarakham subdistrict municipality from Maha Sarakham province, and Roi Et subdistrict municipality from Roi Et province — along with staff from Provincial Public Health Offices across the region joined the three-day workshop. These cities have been recognized as top performers under the Department of Health’s Thailand Healthy City program. Since its launch in 2023, the DOH has awarded Healthy City recognition to 346 LAOs across 12 Regional Health Promotion Centers; and by 2027, it is expected to recognize 1000 cities

The objective of the workshop was to equip local policymakers with the knowledge and tools needed to sustain and further advance their efforts in building healthier cities, moving toward becoming part of the WHO Healthy Cities Network. The WHO Healthy Cities Network advocates for evidence-based planning, participatory governance, and multisectoral collaboration, all aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

In his opening remarks, Dr. Jos Vandelaer, WHO Representative to Thailand, highlighted the critical role of leadership in building healthy cities, "A healthy city is about how we live, the environments we build, and the decisions we make that put people at the center. It takes leaders like you and your teams, who engage communities, listen to their needs, and work together to create cities where everyone can thrive."

Dr. Naiyana Chaitiemwong, Director of Health Impact Assessment Division stated during the opening session, "This meeting will reignite and sustain the strong foundation laid by Thailand’s Gold-Level Healthy Cities, advancing them toward international standards."

Throughout the three-day workshop, participants engaged in knowledge-sharing sessions, technical lectures, and practical exercises by experts from the Regional Laboratory on Urban Governance for Health and Well-being (UGHW). Using WHO templates and guidance, they developed concrete, evidence-based action plans to strengthen their Healthy City initiatives and prepare for full application into the WHO Healthy Cities Network. Ms. Thanatporn Rawanghet, National Professional Officer from WHO provided an overview of the background of the WHO Healthy Cities project.

Participants also had the opportunity to visit the learning center at Khlong Tamru Municipality, Chonburi Province, renowned for its waste bank project, and to learn from the lessons and experiences shared by representatives of Ban Suan Municipality, Chonburi Province which has already been certified as a WHO Healthy City.

In 2024, WHO SEARO awarded four Thai cities — Bangkok, Sadao (Songkhla Province), Ban Suan (Chonburi Province), and Klong Chanuan (Surat Thani Province) — for their significant progress toward becoming WHO Healthy Cities. These achievements showcased the strong commitment of local authorities from Thailand to improve the health and well-being of their communities.  

The WHO Healthy Cities Network is a global platform that brings cities together to prioritize health and equity in urban planning. Member cities commit to creating inclusive, healthy living environments, reducing health inequalities, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and sharing innovations to inspire progress worldwide.