ASIA

Bangkok

Joined the programme in 2025

 

Bangkok became the first city in Thailand to join the Cities for Better Health network in November 2025, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Royal Danish Embassy in Bangkok and Novo Nordisk Thailand. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening urban well-being and building healthier urban environments to address the growing impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). 

bangkok-image

The challenge in Bangkok

Bangkok’s transformation into a fast-growing urban centre has brought significant shifts in lifestyle, environment and health. Rising rates of obesity and other NCDs are placing increasing pressure on the city’s health and well-being. These challenges highlight the need for coordinated action across schools, public spaces and food environments to support healthier living for all Bangkok residents. 

Key facts and figures

45%

 

of Thai people live with obesity or overweight1

20% 

 

of children in Bangkok live with obesity3

58% 

 

of Bangkok residents live with obesity2

About the programme

Cities for Better Health Bangkok works with partners across education, public spaces and school food systems to improve access to active and nutritious environments and support healthier lifestyles for children and communities. 

 

Childhood Obesity Curriculum

The Childhood Obesity Curriculum will be implemented in Bangkok Metropolitan Administration schools during the second semester of 2025. Created with the Department of Education, Thai Health Promotion Foundation and Nudge Thailand, the curriculum strengthens health literacy among children in public schools. Through hands-on activities, students learn about food, movement and wellbeing in interactive ways designed to build healthy habits early in life.  

 

Recreational spaces for active living

Cities for Better Health in Bangkok will expand opportunities for physical activity by improving public areas in two major parks. Inspired by Copenhagen’s Spor10 project, which transformed a former railway district into a community space for movement and play, the initiative will create pickleball courts and muscle training zones. These additions will provide residents with inclusive spaces to be active, encouraging movement and supporting social connection.  

 

Healthy school lunches 

The healthy school lunches project will enhance the safety and nutritional quality of meals served in Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Schools. Planned activities include exploring central kitchen models and establishing systems to monitor the quality of food and ingredients. By improving access to nutritious food for schoolchildren, the initiative aims to reduce the risk of obesity and support healthier growth and development.  

 

“Today, we take a monumental step forward in prioritising the health of the people of Bangkok. Through this partnership, we are not only raising awareness about obesity and cardiometabolic diseases but also equipping our future generations with the tools they need to lead healthier lives. This is our commitment to fostering a healthier Bangkok.”

– Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok

 

“This collaboration reflects the enduring partnership between Denmark and Thailand, as the two nations share the vision for a healthy urban life. Through Cities for Better Health, we are not only exchanging knowledge and best practices, but sharing our inspirations for a healthier and more sustainable future.”

– Danny Anan, Danish Ambassador to Thailand

Partners

References

  1.  Aekplakorn W. and Patanavanich R. 7th Thailand National Health Examination Survey 2024-2025. 2025
  2.  Data on file of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Health Screenings, https://health2.bangkok.go.th/, accessed 16 October 2025.
  3.  The Standard Team. “BMA introduces proactive obesity prevention plan reducing prevalent rate among people and students in Bangkok.” THE STANDARD, May 7, 2025. https://thestandard.co/bma-obesity-prevention-plan/.