Thailand Journal of Health Promotion and Environmental Health

An Analysis of the Appeal Committee's Rulings Reflecting Structural Gaps in the Enforcement of the Public Health Act, B.E. 2535 (1992)

Amporn Benjaponpitak — 2026-06-17

The Public Health Act, B.E. 2535 (1992), serves as a pivotal legislative framework empowering local government organizations to regulate and remediate environmental health issues impacting public well-being. In practice, however, the enforcement of this statute has given rise to numerous disputes among citizens, business operators, and state agencies, culminating in administrative appeals lodged with the Appeal Committee.

This article aims to analyze the Appeal Committee's rulings concerning nuisance control, as well as the revocation and non-renewal of business licenses, to elucidate the structural challenges and gaps in legal enforcement. The findings reveal that while the statute grants comprehensive authority for public health protection, practical impediments persist due to the ambiguity of statutory provisions. Furthermore, the study identifies significant disparities in the exercise of administrative discretion by local officials, coupled with the absence of centralized enforcement standards. Crucially, an incongruity exists between traditional public health control paradigms and modern public law principles, most notably, the Principle of Proportionality and the Principle of Legality.

Consequently, the study recommends enhancing the capacity of local officials, formulating standardized operational guidelines, and refining subordinate legislation to ensure greater clarity. These measures are imperative to elevate enforcement efficiency and sustainably mitigate administrative disputes

Factors related to satisfaction of public health service center recipients Krabi Municipality Office

Onsurang Nualvijit — 2026-05-07

This descriptive study aimed to investigate personal factors, service levels, and satisfaction among patients at the Krabi Municipality Public Health Center, and to examine the relationship between service factors and patient satisfaction. Data were collected from a sample of 275 individuals using accidental sampling. The research was conducted from January 2025 to May 2025, a total of five months. The research instrument was a questionnaire with an overall reliability of 0.79. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean (M), standard deviation, and Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient. The significance level was set at 0.05. The research results found that the majority of the sample were female, 172 people, accounting for 52.50 percent. The average age was 41-50 years and over 51 years, accounting for 29.80 percent. The highest level of education was bachelor's degree, accounting for 44.70 percent. They worked as government officials/state enterprises, accounting for 28.40 percent. The highest average monthly income was 10,001 - 15,000 baht (baht/month), accounting for 57.80 percent. The highest treatment right was social security, accounting for 37.10 percent. The highest number of service times/year was 1 - 5 times/year, accounting for 68.00 percent. Overall service factors were at a high level (M=4.10, SD=0.50) and overall satisfaction of service recipients was at a high level (M=4.11, SD=0.60). Service factors were positively related to the satisfaction of service recipients at the Krabi Municipality Public Health Service Center. It is at a very high level (r = 0.807**) with statistical significance at the 0.01 level.

Factors associated with parents’ satisfaction on dental service for special needs patients at pediatric dental clinic of Hatyai Hospital

Manthana Musikapan — 2026-05-07

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine parents’ satisfaction and factors associated with satisfaction among parent of children with special health care needs who received dental services at the Pediatric Dental Clinic, Hatyai Hospital. The study also explored parents’ opinions regarding the dental services provided. A total of 123 parents participated in the study between June and November 2024. Data were collected in three parts: (1) general information of parents and patients obtained through questionnaire, (2) parental satisfaction with dental treatment and services assessed using a 27-item questionnaire covering five domains, and (3) patient information obtained from medical records. The results showed that parents’satisfaction ranged from high to the highest level. Differences in satisfaction scores according to associated factors were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test and the Kruskal–Wallis test, with a significance level set at 0.05.. Differences in parental age groups showed significant differences in overall satisfaction (p = 0.00), satisfaction toward dentists (p = 0.00) and satisfaction toward service patterns (p = 0.03). In addition, Educational level differences were significantly associated with satisfaction toward dentists (p = 0.04). The findings indicate that parental age and educational level influence satisfaction with dentists and service patterns. Enhancing dentists’ communication skills to suit parents with difference ages and educational backgrounds, along with designing dental services during regular office hours, including service settings that facilitate accessibility and treatment approaches that respect the physical and psychological conditions of patients and their parents dental care based on professional ethics and moral principles is expected to further enhance satisfaction and contribute to a better quality of life for children with special health care needs and their families.

Driving and Evaluation of Health Promotion Operations for Populations Across the Life Course in Health Region 6

Siripon Jariyajirawattana — 2026-05-07

This evaluation research applied System Theory to investigate the driving mechanisms and evaluate the outcomes of health promotion operations for populations across all age groups in Health Region 6. The sample consisted of 77 participants, including executives, health promotion practitioners, and administrative members of Local Administrative Organizations within Health Region 6 . The research instruments included in-depth interview guides and relevant operational summary reports. The study was conducted between October 2022 and January 2024.The findings revealed that the driving mechanisms through regional committee structures comprised five key components: 1) situational analysis and planning, 2) capacity building for personnel and partner networks, 3) monitoring and evaluation, 4) knowledge exchange and synthesis of governmental inspection results, and 5) recognition and honorary awards. Regarding the systematic evaluation: Input: Health Region 6 operated under the policy framework and strategies of the Department of Health, integrated with local situational data. This resulted in a regional integrated plan covering eight provinces, alongside provincial-level 3 projects tailored to specific local contexts. Process: Partner networks from various sectors actively participated in driving the operations, providing resource and budgetary support. Operations adhered to relevant standards and regulations, incorporating health communication strategies to foster behavioral changes for improved well-being. Output/Outcome: The driving model in Health Region 6 followed a five-step process: 1) situational analysis, 2 ) strategic measures and planning, 3) network building, 4) health literacy enhancement, and 5) monitoring and evaluation. Most operational results achieved their targets, including: 58 .6% of children aged 6–14 years meeting height and weight standards; a 13.4% repeat pregnancy rate among females under 20; 52.6% of the working-age population (15–59 years) having a normal Body Mass Index (BMI); and 97.2% of the elderly being non-dependent. Recommendations: The study suggests focusing on systematic participation and linking personal factors with complex environmental determinants. This approach aims to enhance health management capabilities and promote positive behavioral changes, ultimately leading to sustainable health outcomes.

Implementation of the Strategy for Prevention and Resolution of Adolescent Pregnancy, 2017–2026: A Midterm Assessment (2021)

Piyarat Eaimkhong — 2026-05-29

This research aims to evaluate the implementation of the National Strategy for Prevention and Resolution of Adolescent Pregnancy, 2017–2026, during the midterm phase (2021). It examined adolescents' awareness and access to rights, the opinions of provincial sub-committees, and evaluated the operation of oral health promotion services among pregnant adolescents. A mixed-methods research design was employed based on the CIPP Model framework. Multi-stage sampling was conducted across six provinces. The results showed that adolescent birth rates for females aged 10–14 and 15–19 were 0.9 and 24.4 per 1,000 population, respectively. While 66.6% of adolescents were aware of the Act's enforcement, primarily through online media. However, 77.9% of adolescents had never received sexual health services from public health personnel. Regarding the perception and opinions of the provincial sub-committees, the majority viewed the issue of adolescent pregnancy as highly important and considered the strategy to be highly successful. Key obstacles included a lack of understanding regarding the roles and responsibilities of the provincial sub-committees, a lack of in-depth local data, and insufficient budgets; nevertheless, 83.3% of the indicators met the criteria. Regarding dental public health, it was found that adolescent access to services was low due to concerns about fetal safety and a lack of linkage between antenatal care and dental appointment systems. The recommendations from this research are that host agencies for all strategies should urgently build knowledge and understanding of roles and responsibilities for provincial sub-committees, accelerate database system management to support operations, and expedite the development of data collection tools for indicators at the provincial level. Additionally, the role of Local Administrative Organizations should be promoted to support budgets and resources, and Youth-Friendly Health Services (YFHS) should be developed to cover both dental care and contraception to reduce service access issues for adolescents.

Evaluation of Elderly Health Care Policy Implementation in Health Region 1

Nithirat Boontanon — 2026-06-06

This qualitative research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Thailand’s elderly health care policy implementation in Health Region 1 during the 2025 fiscal year. Data were collected through document analysis and interviews with key informants selected by purposive sampling until data saturation, totaling 40 participants. These consisted of 24 administrators and health professionals involved in elderly health care implementation across all levels of health services and diverse local contexts, and 16 older adults who had received services under the policy, selected to represent community-dwelling, homebound, and bedridden older persons in all eight provinces of Health Region 1. Data were analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that the effectiveness of policy implementation still exhibited gaps in several indicators that did not achieve the intended outputs and outcomes, particularly geriatric syndrome screening and home-based inpatient care (Home Ward). Key facilitating factors included strong administrative support, robust community health networks, and increased public awareness. Major barriers comprised resource constraints, discontinuity of service delivery, coordination gaps among local-level agencies, insufficient coverage of screening in remote areas, and the absence of a systematic monitoring and evaluation system. Recommended strategies to enhance policy management effectiveness include ensuring adequate and sustainable resource allocation, establishing clear inter-agency coordination mechanisms, strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems, and promoting meaningful stakeholder participation in the design of service delivery systems.

The Situation of Iodine Deficiency and Factors Associated with Iodine Status among Children Aged 3-5 Years in Bangkok, Thailand

Chantira Nanthamongkolchai — 2026-06-06

Iodine is an essential micronutrient required throughout the life course, particularly in children aged 3–5 years, as it plays a crucial role in physical growth and cognitive development. This analytical study aimed to assess iodine status and identify factors associated with iodine status among children aged 3–5 years in Bangkok, Thailand. A total of 150 children and their caregivers were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected between July and August 2024 through caregiver questionnaires and urinary iodine concentration analysis conducted in a laboratory using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, and mean, as well as the chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis.The results showed that none of the children had iodine deficiency. Most children had adequate iodine levels (64.7%), while 35.3% had more-than-adequate iodine levels. Factors significantly associated with iodine status (p-value < 0.05) included caregivers’ knowledge of iodine deficiency prevention and household practices related to iodine supplementation. Children whose caregivers had poor knowledge were 14.0 times more likely to have more-than-adequate iodine levels than those whose caregivers had good knowledge. Similarly, children from households with poor iodine supplementation practices were 3.5 times more likely to have more-than-adequate iodine levels than those with good practices. In contrast, child-related factors, caregiver characteristics, and children’s dietary behaviors were not significantly associated with iodine status. In conclusion, improving caregivers’ literacy regarding iodine consumption is essential to enhance understanding of its benefits, risks, and health impacts on children. Continuous monitoring of excessive iodine intake should also be emphasized.

Factors Related to the Health Beliefs and Hypertension Preventive Behaviors Among Buddhist Monks in Bangbo District, Samutprakan

Kanya Suvankereekhn — 2026-06-09

This correlational research aimed to study the level of hypertension preventive behaviors among buddhist monks and factors related to health beliefs model with hypertension preventive behaviors among buddhist monks. The participants were 110 buddhist monks living in Bangbo District, Samutprakan Province, selected by simple random sampling. The research instrument was a questionnaire with an item-level content validity index (CVI) between 0.86–0.89 and a reliability coefficient (Cronbach's Alpha) between 0.70–0.88. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentage, mean, standard deviation) and pearson's product moment Correlation Coefficient. The results revealed that the overall level of hypertension preventive behaviors (nutrition, and physical activity) was at a low level (M = 1.44, SD = 0.47). Factors that were positively correlated with hypertension preventive behaviors at the statistical significance level of .01 were perceived susceptibility of hypertension (r = .278), perceived severity to hypertension (r = .310), and perceived benefits to hypertension preventive behaviors (r = .248). Healthcare professionals should use research findings to develop programs for hypertension preventive behaviors among buddhist monks.

Health Literacy and Associated Factors in Atherosclerosis Preventing among Elderly Hypertensive Patients : A Study in a Subdistrict Health-Promoting Hospital, Ang Thong Province, Thailand

Sutthichok Deesamo — 2026-06-09

Atherosclerosis is strongly linked to hypertension, a leading risk factor that accelerates vascular degeneration. Improving health literacy is crucial for preventing such complications and enhancing patient outcomes. This study aimed to assess the level of health literacy in preventing atherosclerosis and to explore demographic, health-related, and social factors associated with health literacy among patients with hypertension. A descriptive correlational design was used with 100 hypertensive patients receiving care at a Subdistrict Health-Promoting Hospital in Sawaengha District, Ang Thong Province. Data were gathered through a questionnaire with four sections: (1) demographic characteristics, (2) health perception, (3) social support, and (4) health literacy in preventing atherosclerosis (including knowledge, access to information, communication, self-management, and media literacy). Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation analysis were performed. Most participants exhibited high health literacy (63.0%), followed by moderate (34.0%) and low levels (3.0%). The factors found to have a significant correlation with health literacy were: knowledge (r=0.347, p=0.000), 0.347, p=0.000), Receiving health care support from family members (r = 0.411, p=0.000), receiving advice on disease prevention (r=0.200, p=0.046), receiving health-related support from the community or social organizations (r=0.256, p=0.010), (r = 0.256, p = 0.010), Receiving encouragement from those around them regarding health care (r = 0.408, p=0.000), and a family history of hypertension (r = –0.292, p=0.003). –0.292, p = 0.003). The study results underscore the importance of developing a comprehensive health literacy promotion strategy that integrates personal knowledge, family and community support, and care provided by healthcare professionals to prevent complications in elderly patients with sustained hypertension.