Thai Health Foundation Mobilizes Nation to Combat NCDs with 25th Mindful Walking-Running Visakha Ceremony

The Thai Health Foundation, collaborating with running federations, associations, and network partners, is preparing to host the 25th 'Mindful Walking-Running Visakha Buddha Worship Day—Five Precepts Observance, Reduce and Abandon Bad Behavior 2569' simultaneously across 70 locations nationwide on May 31, 2569. The campaign aims to spark behavioral change among Thai citizens toward reducing sedentary living and practicing mindful movement, under the powerful yet simple principle: 'A strong body requires movement; a resilient mind requires calm.' Dr. Pairoj Saonuam, Deputy Manager of the Thai Health Foundation, revealed that the activity integrates 'active living' with 'mindfulness in physical activity,' using Visakha Bucha Day as a unifying moment for people nationwide to practice self-care through mindful walking and running. The event emphasizes participation and accessibility across all age groups rather than competition. The program targets at least 30,000 nationwide participants and aims to create 'new runners' representing at least 10 percent of participants, welcoming those with no prior exercise habits or inconsistent physical activity to start in a friendly and safe manner. The initiative addresses both physical and mental dimensions, particularly cultivating 'intrinsic motivation' to help people apply mindfulness principles to daily work, life, and health management. Dr. Pairoj highlighted that Thai society's major challenge is 'sedentary behavior'—insufficient physical activity—a primary risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. WHO data indicates adults should engage in moderate physical activity for 150–300 minutes weekly, yet 28.9 percent of Thais aged 18 and over fall below this threshold. The activity reflects the Foundation's commitment to building 'health-conscious lifestyles' rather than short-term campaigns, using symbolic events as catalysts for sustained behavioral change. 'This activity isn't just about getting people out to run once and finishing; we aim for long-term behavioral change, helping people understand that physical movement is achievable daily in forms suited to their needs, eventually becoming part of their lives,' Dr. Pairoj stated. Prasad Jirchaisokul, Chairman of the Thai Running Association for Health Foundation, emphasized the event's hallmark feature: 'accessible design' meeting safety standards, open to all—children, adults, seniors, and those newly beginning health management—without restriction to professional runners. The flexible format accommodates walking, running, or combined meditation practice.