PMAC 2026

Side Meetings

SMB212

From Frameworks to Frontlines: Healthy Ageing in Thailand and Beyond

26
Jan

  • 09:00 - 12:30 HRS. (BKK)

  • Contact Person : Thanatporn Rawanghet, rawanghett@who.int

Organizers
  • WHO Thailand

Thailand is projected to become a “super-aged society” by 2037. This shift presents both challenges—such as rising demand for long-term care, sustainable health financing, and accessible services—and opportunities to harness the potential of older adults as active contributors to families, communities, and the economy.

The World Health Organization (WHO) supports the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030), which promotes four key areas of action: providing access to long-term care, fostering age-friendly communities, delivering person-centred integrated care, and changing societal attitudes toward ageing.

The side event, hosted by WHO Thailand, will explore Thailand’s journey in translating the global framework of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing into practice—spanning national policies, health service delivery, and grassroots implementation. It will place a special focus on the growing importance of non-professional health workers, the integration of care models aimed at maintaining functional ability, and the diverse actions of partners working to define roles and competencies more clearly. The event will also examine how Thailand is rethinking its workforce strategy to strengthen community-based care, while promoting inclusion, sustainability, and resilience in response to demographic change.

  • To showcase Thailand’s integrated approach to healthy ageing, highlighting the translation of global frameworks—particularly the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing into national policies, service delivery models, and community-based initiatives.
  • To demonstrate  the application of ICOPE guidelines in Thailand context, as an approach to maximize the functional ability of older adults.
  • To promote cross-sectoral learning and collaboration, by sharing local experiences and innovations—through case studies—that foster inclusive, age-friendly communities.
  • To explore the role of the non-professional workforce in supporting primary health and social care in Thailand and provide a platform for exchange of experiences and learnings with other countries.