16 June 2026
Suphachalasai Meeting Room, Department of Physical Education, Bangkok

Mr. Mongkol Wimonrat, Director-General of the Department of Physical Education (DPE), together with Prof. Dr. Kriengsak Chareonwongsak, Chairman of the Nation-Building Institute Foundation, jointly announced a collaborative initiative between the Department of Physical Education and the Nation-Building Institute Foundation under the theme: “Developing Human Resources and Building Wellness & Longevity Communities for All Ages to Reduce NCDs.” The event was witnessed by Mr. Surat Jaranayothin, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Physical Education; Ms. Pirawan Pasyamart, License Holder of Miss Wellness World Thailand; executives, government officials, distinguished guests, and members of the media.

The Department of Physical Education, under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and the Nation-Building Institute Foundation have established this partnership to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce the prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) among Thai people of all age groups. The collaboration aims to enhance public health and quality of life while supporting the vision of a society characterized by quality longevity.

The Memorandum of Cooperation was formally signed by Mr. Mongkol Wimonrat, Director-General of the Department of Physical Education, and Prof. Dr. Kriengsak Chareonwongsak, Chairman of the Nation-Building Institute Foundation. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Mr. Surat Jaranayothin, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Physical Education, and Ms. Pirawan Pasyamart, License Holder of Miss Wellness World Thailand.

This partnership is founded upon a shared commitment to building a healthier future for Thailand amid increasingly complex public health challenges. In particular, the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)—including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity—has become a significant threat to public health, national economic development, and the well-being of Thai families.

At the same time, Thailand is rapidly transitioning into a fully aged society. The key challenge is not merely extending life expectancy, but ensuring that people can live longer in good health, maintain independence, and enjoy a high quality of life. This vision aligns with the global concept of “Longevity with Quality of Life.”

The Department of Physical Education firmly believes that exercise and sports are not only for competition but also serve as essential tools for promoting public well-being. Regular physical activity can be regarded as a powerful social vaccine for disease prevention. Activities such as walking, running, stretching, and engaging in daily movement can significantly reduce the risk of NCDs and contribute to better overall health.

Although the Department of Physical Education possesses extensive expertise in sports, exercise, and physical activity promotion, and has physical education personnel deployed nationwide, meaningful change at the national level requires collaboration among all sectors, including government agencies, private organizations, academic institutions, civil society, and local communities.

This partnership therefore represents an important integration of expertise in physical activity, sports, and health promotion with knowledge and experience in leadership development and social transformation. Together, both organizations aim to foster a “Wellness Society,” where healthy living is not merely an option but becomes an integral part of Thai culture.

The initiative seeks to benefit people across all stages of life—from children and youth who grow through active lifestyles and reduced sedentary behavior, to working-age adults striving to balance professional responsibilities with personal well-being, and older adults who continue to live actively, contribute meaningfully to society, and maintain a high quality of life.

A key focus of the collaboration is the development of model personnel and health leadership networks that will serve as catalysts for knowledge transfer, inspiration, and community engagement. These networks will extend to families, schools, workplaces, communities, public parks, and sports facilities throughout the country.

Ultimately, the partnership aims to shift Thailand’s health paradigm from treatment-based healthcare toward preventive healthcare. Both organizations are confident that this collaboration will lead to the development of innovative projects, sustainable networks, and measurable outcomes that reduce the burden of NCDs while establishing Thailand as a model Wellness & Longevity Society for the future.