Three provinces in Thailand, Udon Thani, Chiang Mai, and Nong Bua Lamphu, are taking significant steps toward expanding the Parenting for Lifelong Health for Young Children (PLH-YC) programme, a community-driven, evidence-based initiative aimed at strengthening caregiving practices and improving child wellbeing.
In Udon Thani, a virtual meeting on 21 March 2025 brought together 25 stakeholders from the health and education sectors to review programme implementation and plan for expansion. Chaired by Dr. Sombat Tapanya of the Peace Culture Foundation, the forum highlighted positive outcomes reported by facilitators from local hospitals and health centres. Parents noted improved child behaviour, less reliance on physical punishment, and closer parent-child relationships. Emerging peer support networks among parents were also celebrated. However, challenges such as facilitator workload, policy gaps, and logistical barriers were discussed, with proposed solutions including shorter course formats, simplified digital tools, and targeted refresher training. Non-implementing districts expressed renewed interest, suggesting integration of PLH strategies into wider public health and education systems. The meeting concluded with calls for local model sites and cross-sectoral coordination, with firm backing from the Udon Thani Provincial Public Health Office.
Meanwhile, in Chiang Mai, a review meeting on 31 March 2025 convened facilitators, public health staff, and partners to evaluate the programme’s rollout and strategise its scale-up. Success stories from Chiang Dao and Hang Dong districts showcased gains in caregiver confidence and community engagement, supported by strong collaborations with village health volunteers and schools. A key obstacle was the difficulty parents faced attending the full 8-week course due to work demands. To address this, stakeholders proposed weekend sessions and integrating digital tools for flexible delivery. Plans are underway to expand to additional districts, increase facilitator capacity, and coordinate activities post-Songkran, with training in Pang Ma Yao already scheduled.
In Nong Bua Lamphu, an online session on 27 March 2025, co-hosted by the Provincial Administrative Organization, Provincial Public Health Office, and Peace Culture Foundation, aligned efforts for launching PLH-YC in the region. Dr. Tapanya and Dr. Amalee McCoy presented on the programme’s broader impact across Health Region 8, while Dr. Chanarong Chaiudomsom introduced the national parenting framework through the Strategic and Technical Alliance Team (STAT). Local leaders, including Ms. Khemjira Piya-ariya and Ms. Rungnapa Suinu, emphasised the need to address developmental delays and enhance family well-being.
Together, these provincial efforts signal growing momentum in Thailand to scale up parenting support through local leadership, intersectoral collaboration, and community-rooted solutions, laying the foundation for a healthier, more nurturing environment for young children.
