NEWS & ACTIVITIES
Demographic Divides and Health Equity: Ageing Thai Society and Migrant Realities in Urban Thailand
January 27, 2026
The Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, through the School of Global Health, was honoured to host this PMAC 2026 Side Meeting on January 27, bringing together policymakers, academics, civil society, and community leaders to reflect on one of Bangkok s most pressing realities: an ageing Thai population alongside diverse migrant communities living and working in the same urban system.
The session highlighted how demographic transitions, when intersecting with social determinants of health, can deepen urban health inequities—yet also open opportunities for community-centered, inclusive, and resilient health systems.
We were privileged to learn from distinguished speakers representing multiple perspectives:
• Dr. Jiruth Sriratanaban, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
• Dr. Tavida Kamolvej, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
• Dr. Praseedha Janakiram, Dr. Shirley Lee and Dr. Katherine Rouleau, University of Toronto
• Dr. Jirayudh Sinthuphan, Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University
• Dr. Weraphan Leethanakul National Health Security Office
• Ms. Prateep Hata, Duang Prateep Foundation, who powerfully shared community-level experiences and the lived realities of vulnerable urban populations
• Dr. Bumi Herman, School of Global Health, Chulalongkorn University
Discussions emphasized the role of community medicine, social prescribing, health system navigation, and cross-sector collaboration in addressing the needs of both elderly Thais and migrant workers—moving beyond siloed approaches toward people-centered urban health systems.
The Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University remains committed to advancing health equity, community engagement, and policy-relevant evidence, and to working closely with government partners, civil society, and international collaborators to co-create solutions that leave no one behind.
Our sincere thanks to all speakers, participants, NGOs, and partners for contributing insights, experiences, and shared commitment to inclusive urban health.
#PMAC2026 #FacultyofMedicine #SchoolofGlobalHealth #ChulalongkornUniversity
#HealthEquity #UrbanHealth #AgeingSociety #MigrantHealth
#CommunityMedicine #SocialPrescribing #LeaveNoOneBehind #SDG3
The session highlighted how demographic transitions, when intersecting with social determinants of health, can deepen urban health inequities—yet also open opportunities for community-centered, inclusive, and resilient health systems.
We were privileged to learn from distinguished speakers representing multiple perspectives:
• Dr. Jiruth Sriratanaban, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
• Dr. Tavida Kamolvej, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
• Dr. Praseedha Janakiram, Dr. Shirley Lee and Dr. Katherine Rouleau, University of Toronto
• Dr. Jirayudh Sinthuphan, Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University
• Dr. Weraphan Leethanakul National Health Security Office
• Ms. Prateep Hata, Duang Prateep Foundation, who powerfully shared community-level experiences and the lived realities of vulnerable urban populations
• Dr. Bumi Herman, School of Global Health, Chulalongkorn University
Discussions emphasized the role of community medicine, social prescribing, health system navigation, and cross-sector collaboration in addressing the needs of both elderly Thais and migrant workers—moving beyond siloed approaches toward people-centered urban health systems.
The Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University remains committed to advancing health equity, community engagement, and policy-relevant evidence, and to working closely with government partners, civil society, and international collaborators to co-create solutions that leave no one behind.
Our sincere thanks to all speakers, participants, NGOs, and partners for contributing insights, experiences, and shared commitment to inclusive urban health.
#PMAC2026 #FacultyofMedicine #SchoolofGlobalHealth #ChulalongkornUniversity
#HealthEquity #UrbanHealth #AgeingSociety #MigrantHealth
#CommunityMedicine #SocialPrescribing #LeaveNoOneBehind #SDG3
