PMAC2025: ThaiHealth Unites with its Partners to Promote Spiritual Health for a Holistically Healthy Society
PMAC2025: ThaiHealth Unite with Partners to Promote “Spiritual Health” for a Holistically Healthy Society
The Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) was established with the vision that everyone in Thailand shall have lifestyles, society, and environment which foster well-being across four dimensions: physical, mental, social, and spiritual. According to the National Health Act B.E.2550 (2007),
“health” is clearly defined as a state of complete physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being,
which are interconnected holistically and in balance. This underscores that cultivating strong minds and recognizing the value of life are crucial to achieving a “good life.”
Recently, in collaboration with the Knowledge Center and Coordination on Spiritual Health, Mahidol University, and seven other organizations—including the International Health Policy Foundation (IHPF), JitArsa Bank, IDG Oneness Thailand, the School of Public Policy at Chiang Mai University, the Contemplative Education Center of Mahidol University, the Faculty of Learning Sciences and Education at Thammasat University, and the Sathirakoses-Nagapradipa Foundation—ThaiHealth, through its Media System and Spiritual Well-health Promotion Section, hosted a side meeting titled “Complete Well-being in the Age of AI: The Crucial Role of Spiritual Health and Practical Strategies.” This event was part of the Prince Mahidol Award Conference (PMAC) 2025 at Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok.
Dr. Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon, M.D., CEO of Thai Health Promotion, noted that with AI’s growing prominence in today’s world, negligence of spiritual health may hinder the goal of achieving complete
well-being for all. For over 40 years, this dimension of health has been a subject of discussion by the global health community. Even if “spiritual health” has yet to be incorporated into the World Health Organization’s definition of health, it has garnered increasing recognition in medical and public health sectors, particularly in end-of-life care (palliative care), chronic disease management for HIV/AIDS and cancer patients, and primary healthcare promotion. This is also reflected in addressing social determinants of health and lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the past two decades, ThaiHealth and its partners have continuously fostered discussions and exchanges while formulating strategies which prioritize spiritual health to promote holistic well-being.
In the present, AI becomes increasingly integral to daily life and can be utilized to promote well-being across all dimensions through applications enabling users to track and analyze emotions and the use of AI in providing basic counseling. Despite these advancements, it is essential to account for the future of the next generation and integrate the spiritual dimension into policymaking and healthcare services—areas where human contribution cannot be superseded.
The side meeting featured a panel discussion titled “Inspirations to Actions: Global Stories on Revitalizing Spiritual Well-being”, which started with Dr. Fredrik Lindencrona, Head of Research Co-Creation at
Inner Development Goals (IDG), Sweden—a leading figure in the IDG initiative. He underscored the crucial role of spiritual health in driving society towards a sustainable and peaceful future.
He asserted that addressing social and environmental issues sustainably requires internal transformation within humans, together with external structural change. A deep sense of awareness of one’s value and interconnectedness with others and the world, therefore, serves as a key foundation. In relation to spirituality, developing the inner dimension entails understanding the inner “self” and recognizing
the value of life, thereby contributing to inner peace and balance.
The inner development goals, derived from human experiences, encompass five following dimensions.
1. Being: Knowing oneself, being aware of one’s thoughts and emotions, practicing mindfulness, and fostering trust.
2. Thinking: Practicing critical thinking and fostering creativity
3. Relating: Developing healthy relationships through compassion and empathy
4. Collaborating: Working together harmoniously and creatively, while embracing diversity
5. Acting: Taking action and assuming responsibility for society and the environment.
Spiritual health emerges from understanding the self, fostering balance in thoughts and emotions, and reflecting upon the deep meaning of lives and actions. This state of health allows individuals to contribute positively to the environment and society.
“I’m working with research groups around the world, and we also exploring AI. But we have to preserve our human capabilities because we, as humans, can do many things that AI cannot. AI-powered chatbots and programs can still help and support us”.
Caring for spiritual health is not only a personal issue but a crucial mechanism for ensuring a sustainable and fair future for society and next generations. The integration of this dimension of health with education, work, and public policy should be prioritized and continuously advanced. This will contribute to achieving balanced and sustainable inner and outer development.
In addition, Mr. Gábor Karsai, Managing Director of Mind and Life Europe, a network of Mind and
Life Institute—a pioneering organization committed to fostering the dialogue between mindfulness and science—has been instrumental in establishing strategic directions and coordinating with research institutions and organizations across Europe. His efforts focus on bridging scientific knowledge and contemplative practices, aiming to foster the development of the mind and overall health.
According to Mr. Karsai, spirituality is described as the process through which individuals realize the true meaning or value of life. Instead of being solely limited to religious beliefs, it allows them to discover their “inner self”, which can foster inspiration and positive actions for themselves and society.
This acts as a key foundation for peaceful co-existence in society.
Spiritual health is achieved as a result of the mind and the body being in balance, nurtured through mindfulness, meditation, and self-reflection. Those with this aspect of health tend to be aware of how their actions can impact others and the environment. This awareness empowers them to adopt positive behavioral changes, which influence society and ultimately contribute to global and humanitarian changes.
“Findings from research on mindfulness and meditation suggest that we need to develop skills in regulating emotions, managing stress, and a sense of life’s values through mindfulness and meditation. Additionally, studies have shown genetic changes, which can provide implications for studies on immune system functions passed down through generations. Mindfulness can also reshape social values, reduce conflicts, and promote more open and empathetic communication.”
Strategies for Coping with Crisis and Failure
Additionally, Mr. Karsai offered guidance on strategies for the young generation to navigate crises and failures—essential skills in the present era, especially for this generation encountering various challenges. These skills, which contribute to well-being, encompass:
1. Cultivating compassion and kindness
2. Upholding ethical values
3. Practicing mindfulness and meditation
4. Developing compassionate leadership
5. Developing emotional quotient.
Insights into spiritual health are also shared by Ouyporn Khuankaew, Founder of the International Women’s Partnership for Peace and Justice, who is committed to enhancing the lives of women and communities through inner development and empowerment for peace and justice in society.
She explained that spiritual health is not solely a personal concern—it serves as a means to promote social justice and address structural violence. In addition, it empowers women to find courage and develop
self-confidence, leading to a deep sense of their own value.
Nurturing Spirituality and the Mind
Women facing violence or oppression can nurture their spirituality and mind through the following practices.
1. Meditation
2. Deep listening
3. Providing support with respect for their dignity
The integration of these approaches will cultivate spiritual health, compassion for others, and drive meaningful social change.
“With over 30 years of experience advocating for spiritual health, I have realized that this aspect of health is vital for all, particularly women. We have established safe spaces where women are empowered to share their experiences and engage in deep listening. Also, we promote meditation, mindfulness, and art therapy, allowing them to heal, express their emotions, and ease their pain. Therefore, spiritual health involves recognizing “one’s self-worth” and deeply supporting one another to create personal and social change.”
In the Wisdom Reflections for the Morning Session, Prof. K. Srinath Reddy, M.D., Honorary Distinguished Professor and Goodwill Ambassador of Public Health Foundation of India for Public Health Partnerships, pointed out that holistic well-being must integrate gender, ethnicity, and environment under the
umbrella of health. Thus, health no longer solely involves the physical aspect. It is essential to redefine the perspectives on health in the 20th century. Specifically, global health involves not only investigating diseases but also addressing other areas, such as vulnerability and equity.
Spiritual health serves as a crucial factor due to its interconnectedness with all dimensions of life—physical, mental, social, and spiritual. Building a society that promotes spiritual health requires cooperation and the integration of knowledge across different disciplines. AI can aid in connecting and analyzing in-depth data, from the causes to the impacts, thereby allowing for effective solutions.
The effective use of AI provides a clearer understanding of issues while fostering knowledge exchange and the development of innovative approaches to enhance social well-being. Today’s discussion, therefore, serves as a stepping stone towards shaping a brighter future.
