On March 16, 2025, Mr. Thawida Kamolvej, Bangkok’s Deputy Governor, unveiled the “Healthy City Initiative, Good Health Starts” at a health running event in Buddha Monthon Park. This initiative targets underdeveloped districts like Dusit and Pom Prap Sattru Phai to enhance public safety, reduce congestion, and promote fitness activities, starting with a focus on walking for exercise.
The goal of the project is to elevate health awareness and prevent diseases among Bangkok residents, particularly non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart conditions and high blood pressure. By creating public spaces for exercise, the initiative hopes to engage up to 1,000,000 people in a healthier lifestyle.
Since launching on August 24, 2023, the initiative has conducted health screenings on 700,000 residents across six districts, including Bang Khae and Nong Khaem, with 82,347 examined. Alarmingly, the findings from Nong Khaem showed that 59.54% of those screened were at risk of heart disease, prompting the need for ongoing health education and monitoring.
With over half of the population identified as at risk, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) plans to enhance 15 parks, ensuring they become accessible for exercise to both civil servants and locals. This transformation underscores the commitment to fostering wellness throughout Bangkok.
Moreover, the BMA will kick off its first official event of the “Healthy City Initiative” on March 22, 2025, at 5:00 AM in the Phasi Charoen district. Participants can choose from distances of 3, 5, or 10 kilometres, emphasising community health. Registration is free, with healthcare and wellness consultations available to 2,920 attendees.
This event aims to galvanize community participation and inspire residents about the significance of health and fitness. The initiative has shown promising results in raising health awareness, encouraging civic engagement to mitigate NCD risks. Thawida states, “The Healthy City: Good Health Starts project aims to create health promotion and disease prevention awareness for Bangkok residents.”
With 55.34% of the population at health risk, officials stress the urgency of enhancing exercise initiatives. Encouraging an ethos of communal support, the initiative hopes to foster collective well-being and empower residents to lead healthier, more active lives.
Bangkok’s “Healthy City Initiative, Good Health Starts” aims to enhance public health by targeting underdeveloped districts, promoting exercise through public spaces, and raising awareness of non-communicable diseases. With significant health screenings revealing a high percentage of at-risk individuals, the initiative plans to improve parks and engage residents through community events, including a health run on March 22, 2025.
The “Healthy City Initiative, Good Health Starts” launched in Bangkok signifies a robust commitment to public health through increased awareness and community participation aimed at combating non-communicable diseases. By creating accessible spaces for physical activities and organising community events, the initiative not only addresses alarming health statistics but also promotes a culture of wellness and support amongst residents. As this initiative unfolds, Bangkok’s journey toward a healthier future becomes an inspiring narrative of collective empowerment and resilience.
Original Source: evrimagaci.org
