Acknowledgements
As always, this volume of Thai Health would not have been possible without the generous support and kind contributions of many. We would like to thank in particular Dr Suwit Wibulpolprasert,
Dr Wichai Chokwiwat and Khun Parichart Siwaraksa for reviewing all three sections of the report and Dr Ampol Chindawattana for reviewing the section on “Self-managing communities: Foundation of national reform.” Everyone’s valuable suggestions for improvement were most welcome.
We are grateful also to Dr Komart Chungsatiensap, Ajarn Suraphol Liamsungnoen, Amnat Charoen’s Tambon Puay community, Chachoengsao’s Tambon Ban Chong community, Kanchanaburi’s Tambon Nong Sarai community and Pathum Thani’s Sangsan Nakhon Rangsit community for vital in-depth information which makes the special feature “Self-managing communities: Foundation of national reform” a fascinating read.
We are also indebted to the Food and Drug Administration, Priest Hospital and Dr Wichai Ekpalakorn for comprehensive information on obesity indicators as well as the authors of the 10 Outstanding Health Situations sections for their contributions.
Last but not least, we would like to express our appreciation for the moral supports from all readers of Thai Health which keeps us dedicated to improve the quality of Thai Health even further in the future.
Thai Health Working Group March 2014
Preface
With this volume, Thai Health has entered its second decade of existence. Over the last ten years, we have solicited readers’ opinions on how to improve Thai Health further. Most readers would like the content and format kept as it is, with only some minor changes. Those suggestions, including explanations for tables and graphs and the use of simple language have been incorporated into successive volumes of Thai Health.
This volume’s special feature entitled “Self-managing communities: Foundation of national reform” presents the stories of local communities whose strength allowed them to successfully achieve
their goals and overcome problems. Although differing in methods, these communities share certain characteristics such as broad participation and strong leadership. These strong communities, that can solve their own problems, make for a very strong foundation for sustainable national reform.
This year’s 10 outstanding health situations include some of the most debated government policies such as the rice-pledging scheme, the 2-trillion-baht loan and the 350-billion-baht water management mega-project as well as controversial social and environmental issues such as disgraced monks and the ICJ verdict on PreahVihear dispute. Four success stories are also presented: Thailand’s victories
in international sports; World Soil Day; Siriraj Hospital winning international prize for thalassemia researches; and DrKraisid winning international nutritionist award.
This year’s health indicators focus on obesity, the silent threat which causes many negative health consequences. The report presents the obesity problem in Thailand, related factors and impacts from various angles in the hope that readers will become more aware and use this information
to combat obesity.
Thai Health Working Group is grateful to all readers who have over the last ten years followed
Thai Health, as well as provided feedbacks, suggestions and moral support which keep us dedicated to improve the report even further. We hope that you find this volume of Thai Health useful as always and continue to support us in the future.