ThaiHealth Joins PMAC 2026 Preparatory Meeting in Hong Kong to Advance Global Health
ThaiHealth Joins PMAC 2026 Preparatory Meeting in Hong Kong to Advance Global Health
Representatives from the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) participated in the 4th Prince Mahidol Award Conference 2026 (PMAC 2026), Preparatory Meeting held from 11–13 September 2025 at the Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel, Hong Kong. The ThaiHealth delegation was led by Dr. Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon, ThaiHealth CEO; Ms. Natthaya Boonpakdee, Senior Director of Healthy Child, Youth, and Family Promotion; and Mr. Rungsun Munkong, International Relations Expert. More than 70 participants from leading health-related organizations worldwide attended the meeting.
The PMAC 2026 will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 26–31 January 2026, under the main theme: “Navigating Global Demographic Transitions Through Innovative Policy: An Equity-Centered Approach.”
ThaiHealth has served as a Thai co-host organization and a member of both the Thai and International Organizing Committees of PMAC for almost a decade. ThaiHealth’s active role in PMAC helped to elevate Thailand’s health promotion to the global stage through the promotion of healthy and active meeting in PMAC, sharing of best practices and lessons learned, and fostering international collaboration.
Key Outcomes of the Preparatory Meeting
- Abstract Selection for PMAC 2026
Over 250 abstracts were submitted, with around 60 selected for presentation the main conference. - Conference Program Development
The meeting finalized the key sessions of the conference, including the Special session on geopolitics and health, the Opening Ceremony, Plenary Session 0 (PL0), and the Welcome Dinner. ThaiHealth has volunteered to serve as co-lead in 4 parallel sessions. For the side meetings, ThaiHealth will propose 3 candidates on the topics of environmental health, spiritual health, and vulnerable populations. - Framing PMAC 2027
The meeting reached unanimous agreement on the central theme for PMAC 2027 to be on “Commercial Determinants of Health (CDH).” ThaiHealth was honored to be one of the three leads tasked with drafting the Concept Note to drive this theme forward. - Strengthening PMAC Strategic Institute
ThaiHealth representatives learned of the progress of the PMAC Strategic Institute, including the Policy Unit, Global Health & UHC Hub, and PMAC Academy, while also committing financial support for its operations in 2025–2026.
Elevating Thai Health Promotion to the Global Arena
ThaiHealth’s active involvement in PMAC not only underscores its proactive role as Thailand’s leading health promotion agency but also contributes to advancing global health knowledge, fostering international recognition, and strengthening networks for sustainable collaboration in global health.
