The Bureau of Nutrition recently organized World Obesity Day 2025 at the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health, on March 4, 2025, under the campaign theme "Changing Systems, Healthier Lives." The event was chaired by the Honorable Minister of Public Health, Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin, with opening remarks by Dr. Amporn Benjaponpitak, Director-General of the Department of Health, and a special speech by Dr. Jos Vandelaer, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Thailand.
The program was live-streamed on the Department of Health’s Facebook fan page and attended by advisors to the Minister of Public Health, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Public Health, executives from the Ministry of Public Health and the Department of Health, as well as representatives from partner organizations, including WHO Thailand, UNICEF Thailand, the Office of the Basic Education Commission, the Department of Local Administration, Bangchak Retail Co., Ltd. (Inthanin Coffee), Krua Je Ngor Restaurant, and 200 community health volunteers (Aor Sor Mor).
The event aimed to raise awareness and promote policy changes to reduce obesity and non-communicable disease risks, fostering a healthier Thai population through systemic changes in four key areas:
Improving school food systems to ensure higher-quality meals
Regulating food marketing to reduce sugar, fat, and salt content
Enhancing healthcare services by implementing nutrition screening and appropriate referral systems for obesity treatment
Creating an environment that encourages physical activity across all age groups
A panel discussion on "Changing Four Systems to Reduce Obesity Risks for Thai Children" was also held, moderated by Dr. Sanga Damapong. The invited speakers included Dr. Saipin Chotivichien, Director of the Bureau of Nutrition; Dr. Wanchart Chinsuwatay, Director of the Physical Activity for Health Division; Mr. Siriphun Srikongpol, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Local Administration; Mr. Channarong Srichan from the Office of the Basic Education Commission; and Ms. Nusara Warangdej, Managing Director of Krua Je Ngor Restaurant.
The event also featured exhibition booths showcasing key initiatives, including School Meal System Reform, Healthier Food Marketing, Nutrition and Healthcare Services, Physical Activity Promotion, and Private Sector Collaboration. Notable campaigns from the private sectors included Inthanin Coffee’s "Less Sweet, Your Choice" and Krua Je Ngor Restaurant’s "Low Sugar, Low Fat, Low Salt".
The event concluded by underscoring Thailand’s commitment to tackling obesity through policy-driven systemic changes, fostering long-term health benefits for all.
