Thailand is known for its successful nationwide community-based nutrition program implemented during the 1980s to mid-1990s.
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By mid-1990, industrial development to boost economic growth took precedence over
health and social welfare. The wave of globalization and
developments in communication technology brought
about rapid changes in the lives and well-being of the
Thai people. Thailand enjoys the reputation as a success
story in nutrition, having achieved marked reductions in
protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies among children and women within two decades. The
change in lifestyle from agricultural to non-agricultural
industrial occupations (such as, food, garments, information technology (IT) factories) resulted in a shift from
labor-intensive rural farm work activities to sedentary
factory work or office clerical work. As in other rapidly
industrializing countries, the rise of overnutrition and its
consequent health effects changed the nutrition and health
situation of the Thai people.