World health body praises PM’s exercise initiative

Government Spokesman Lt-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd yesterday disclosed that WHO director-general Dr Margaret Chan had applauded the Prime Minister Prayut for his project to encourage the country’s civil servants to exercise at least once a week – every Wednesday – and stated that the PM’s initiative was a good example for the other countries to follow.
“WHO thanks Thailand for promoting the importance of exercise and implementing the policy very quickly and it can be announced that it is the first step forward for the Bangkok Convention on exercising for a healthier world and sustainable development,” Sansern said.
He also stated that the government was drafting the strategy plan that aimed to encourage Thai people to increase their exercise rate from 68 per cent to 75 per cent in the next five years.
He said the strategy would focus on children, teenagers, working people, and the elderly and promote exercising in hospitals, offices, schools, parks, and bus terminals. 
The government will support the initiative through research, audits, development, and advertising.
“The prime minister stated that our country has the potential and medical advancement, so the government is ready to further develop this course to let the people have healthier lives by exercise regularly in every population age group and decrease the chance for suffering from chronic diseases such as cancer or diabetes,” he said.
“Therefore, the government would like to invite all civil servants to participate in Wednesday exercise sessions from 3.30pm to 4.30pm every week and encourage all the people to exercise regularly at the time and place that is convenient for them.”