Thailand advances action on commercial determinants of health

21 October 2026
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Bangkok, Thailand, October 2026 – People’s opportunities to live healthy lives are shaped not only by individual choices, but also by the products available to them, how those products are priced and marketed, and the environments in which they live and work. Thailand is strengthening action on these commercial determinants of health, while continuing to invest in health promotion and disease prevention.

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes, remain the leading cause of death in Thailand, claiming approximately 400 000 lives each year and accounting for 74% of all deaths in the country. Beyond their impact on individuals and families, NCDs also impose substantial social and economic costs. They are estimated to cost THB 1.6 trillion annually, equivalent to 9.7% of Thailand’s 2019 gross domestic product.

Against this backdrop, the National Conference on Commercial Determinants of Health 2026, held from 5 to 7 October 2026 under the theme "From Landscape to Action: Governing Commercial Determinants for Equitable Health in Thailand", brought together policymakers, academics, civil society organizations, media representatives, development partners and private-sector stakeholders to explore how governance, financing and public policy can better support health and well-being.

The conference was organized by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and partners, including WHO Thailand.

Dr Ailan Li, WHO Representative to Thailand joins leaders and representatives of co-host organizations at the opening of the National Conference on Commercial Determinants of Health 2026 in Bangkok.
Dr Ailan Li, WHO Representative to Thailand joins leaders and representatives of co-host organizations at the opening of the National Conference on Commercial Determinants of Health 2026 in Bangkok. Photo credit: ThaiHealth

Understanding the commercial determinants of health

WHO describes the commercial determinants of health as private-sector activities that affect health—directly or indirectly, positively or negatively. Commercial activity can create jobs, drive innovation and expand access to goods and services. However, some practices can undermine health through the production and marketing of harmful products, environmental damage, unsafe working conditions or undue influence on public policy.
Addressing these determinants requires strong governance that encourages business practices that support health and prevents or reduces harm. 

In a keynote video message, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that economic development and public health need not be competing goals. “The challenge is not to choose between health and prosperity. It is to shape economies that serve people and planet.” He thanked the Government of Thailand, ThaiHealth and partners for advancing this agenda.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus delivers a keynote video message at Thailand’s National Conference on Commercial Determinants of Health 2026.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus delivers a keynote video message at Thailand’s National Conference on Commercial Determinants of Health 2026. Photo credit: ThaiHealth

Dr Ailan Li, WHO Representative to Thailand, emphasized that health policies should not only respond to illness but also address the conditions that shape people's health: “Investing in prevention, health promotion and action on the determinants of health is a wise choice—one that helps keep people healthy and builds health systems that are future-ready, resilient and sustainable.”
WHO experts also helped translate evidence into practical action across the conference programme. Dr Monika Kosinska, Technical Lead for Social Determinants of Health Equity at WHO headquarters, stressed that healthier market outcomes require deliberate policy and governance. Dr Sushera Bunluesin of WHO Thailand highlighted the need to address the commercial, policy and food-system drivers of diets, including through school nutrition policies, healthy food procurement and measures that support healthier choices.

Dr Monika Kosinska, Technical Lead for Social Determinants of Health Equity at WHO headquarters, delivers a presentation during the plenary session, “Designing Markets for Health

Dr Monika Kosinska, Technical Lead for Social Determinants of Health Equity at WHO headquarters, delivers a presentation during the plenary session, “Designing Markets for Health: Positive Pathways and Responsible Business,” at the National Conference on Commercial Determinants of Health 2026 in Bangkok. Photo credit: ThaiHealth

Investing in prevention

Thailand has long been recognized internationally for its commitment to health promotion and disease prevention. Since its establishment in 2001, ThaiHealth has fostered multistakeholder  partnerships for health - government agencies, civil society organizations, academic institutions, communities and the private sector. These collaborations have supported the development of policies and legislation to address NCD risk factors while strengthening the capacity of organizations, communities and individuals to promote healthier lifestyles and environments. 

Thailand has demonstrated how sustained investment in prevention can contribute to improved public health outcomes. Its experience has also informed international discussions on innovative approaches to financing health promotion and disease prevention.

Health taxes and sustainable financing

WHO identifies well-designed health taxes, including on tobacco, alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages as effective public health and fiscal measures available to governments.

When appropriately designed and implemented, health taxes can help reduce consumption of products that contribute to NCDs while generating revenue that governments can invest in health, development and other national priorities.

Countries use different approaches to finance health promotion and prevention programmes, including general government budgets, dedicated funds and earmarked revenues. Evidence generated by WHO from a review of earmarked tobacco taxes across nine countries, including Thailand, highlights the value of dedicated health taxes as a predictable and sustainable financing mechanism. The review found that earmarking tobacco tax revenues for tobacco control and health promotion can provide a continuous and reliable funding stream that is protected from annual budgetary uncertainties. 

At the same time, financing arrangements must be adapted to national circumstances, governance systems and development priorities. Regardless of the financing model adopted, sustained and adequate investment in prevention remains essential to reduce the growing burden of NCDs and improve population health.

Looking ahead

Discussions at the conference highlighted the importance of working across sectors to address the factors that shape health. Governments have a central responsibility to protect public health, supported by communities, civil society and academia, alongside transparent and accountable engagement with relevant private-sector actors, with appropriate safeguards against conflicts of interest.

The conference is expected to contribute to broader regional and global dialogue on the commercial determinants of health, including the Prince Mahidol Award Conference 2027 and the forthcoming WHO Global Report on Commercial Determinants of Health.

Thailand's experience illustrates the importance of effective governance, broad-based partnership and long-term investment in prevention can help address complex health challenges and advance health equity.

WHO will continue to support Thailand through evidence generation, technical cooperation and international knowledge exchange on commercial determinants of health, health taxes and sustainable financing for health promotion, in line with national priorities and context.