Governor launches Wellness Sandbox initiative across Prachuap Khiri Khan
Wellness Sandbox Prachuap Khiri Khan launched across eight districts
The Wellness Sandbox Prachuap Khiri Khan initiative was officially launched on Monday as provincial authorities outlined plans to develop health-focused model subdistricts across all eight districts of the province.
The launch event took place on 9 March 2026 at the meeting hall of the Km.5 Subdistrict Municipality in Ao Noi, Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan district. The ceremony was presided over by Prachuap Khiri Khan Governor Sitthichai Sawat Saen.
The project aims to create eight model subdistricts under the Lifestyle Medicine Healthy Model Area Project, encouraging communities to adopt healthier daily habits in order to reduce the growing impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Around 140 participants attended the event, including Prateep Boriboonrat, Deputy Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan; Neramit Luengaramfa, District Chief of Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan; Jarurat Phatthong, Deputy Provincial Public Health Doctor; along with representatives from government agencies, the private sector, religious organisations and community networks. The event was also broadcast online to participants in all eight districts.
During the event, officials outlined the policy direction “Prachuap Model 2026: Driving the Wellness Economy and Lifestyle Medicine towards Prachuap Khiri Khan becoming a Longevity City.”
As part of the programme, Governor Sitthichai presented health charters to the Km.5 Subdistrict Municipality and the Ao Noi Subdistrict Administrative Organisation. These charters promote the use of Lifestyle Medicine as a key strategy to improve community health and encourage long-term behavioural changes.
Lifestyle Medicine focuses on six core principles:
• healthy and appropriate nutrition
• regular physical activity
• adequate sleep
• avoiding addictive substances
• effective stress management
• maintaining positive social relationships
Health officials say these lifestyle factors can significantly reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and obesity, which are becoming increasingly common.
Governor Sitthichai said the province is currently facing growing health challenges linked to NCDs while also entering what officials describe as a fully aged society. At present, elderly residents account for around 24.24 percent of Prachuap Khiri Khan’s population.
Under the provincial policy framework “Next Move Prachuap,” authorities are working through an integrated development mechanism known as the “Eight Sages” framework. The framework is supported by memorandums of understanding covering 11 areas of provincial development.
One key component of this strategy is the “Healthy Province” initiative, which seeks to improve public health while also strengthening economic development and overall quality of life.
The Wellness Sandbox Prachuap Khiri Khan project therefore focuses on integrating Lifestyle Medicine into everyday environments such as homes, schools, temples and community spaces.
Officials say the goal is to make health promotion part of daily life rather than relying solely on hospital-based care.
The development of the pilot areas will involve participation from a wide range of sectors. Teachers, students and community leaders will be trained as Lifestyle Coaches, while religious leaders will also help communicate health messages within their communities.
District Quality of Life Development Committees will oversee the implementation of the project, while health charters aimed at preventing NCDs will be developed at subdistrict level to ensure long-term sustainability.
The initiative also encourages communities to design towns and districts with a stronger focus on wellbeing. If the approach proves successful, officials hope the province can gradually develop communities into Wellness Cities where residents enjoy better health while supporting growth in the local health economy.
During the event, Dr Pasuk Kaewcharoenta, a senior professional nurse at Laplae Hospital in Uttaradit province and a specialist in Lifestyle Medicine, delivered a lecture titled “Designing a Wellness City based on Lifestyle Medicine concepts for community wellbeing.”
