BANGKOK, Thailand – The Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) reports that 78 percent of Thai monks are at risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), primarily due to unhealthy dietary habits. In response, ThaiHealth has launched the “Almsgiving with Monks’ Health in Mind” campaign, encouraging Buddhists to offer healthier food during almsgiving. Health data from 2022 to 2025 show that high cholesterol, obesity, and hypertension are the most common health issues among monks. Nearly half of those screened had cholesterol levels above 200 milligrams per deciliter, and obesity rates ranged from 35 to 45 percent. Hypertension affected over 73,000 monks receiving outpatient care nationwide.
ThaiHealth Manager Dr. Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon stated that the rise in NCDs among monks is a significant public health issue, affecting the well-being of those who play an important role in supporting Buddhist communities and religious activities. The campaign urges the public to choose foods lower in sugar, fat, and sodium for almsgiving. ThaiHealth believes increased awareness among Buddhists, food vendors, and religious communities will improve monks’ health and help reduce long-term healthcare costs.
As part of the initiative, ThaiHealth has launched a public awareness campaign using AI to recreate the images and voices of three well-known Thai artists, with their families’ permission, to promote healthier food offerings. ThaiHealth has also initiated a pilot research project involving donors, food merchants, and temples on Kraisi Road in Bangkok’s Bang Lamphu area, with plans to expand this community model nationwide. For more information about this project and health, please visit https://creativehealthcampaign.thaihealth.or.th, ThaiHealth social media platforms, or https://www.sonkthaiglairok.com. (NNT)
