SEATCA, ThaiHealth and Health Justice-Philippines organized a two-day study visit for delegates from the. Philippines last 7-8 May 2014 in Bangkok, Thailand.  The main objective of the visit was to learn health promotion policy and programs from Thailand as well as exchange experiences from Philippines.

The meetings took place at ThaiHealth Promotion Foundation office. Dr. Krissada Raungarreerat, CEO of Thai Health Promotion Foundation warmly welcomed the participants with a brief introduction to Thaihealth, followed by a series of presentations. Prof.  Prakit Vatheesatogkit, Advisor to ThaiHealth, shared his extensive experiences on why ThaiHealth was established followed by other prominent speakers; Dr. Supreda Adulyanon, Dr. Bundit Sornpaisarn, Dr.Somsak Chunharas, Ms. Bungon Ritthiphakdee and Ms. Weeranuch Wongwattanakul presenting on how ThaiHealth operates, what are the priority areas, sustainable financing mechanisms for health promotion in Thailand and tobacco and alcohol control in Thailand. The participants also had a short tour around theThaiHealth Learning center.

High profile delegates from Philippines were: Hon. Jose Garcia III Mayor, City of Balanga, Councilor Jernie Jett Nisay, Chairman, Committee on Health and Social Welfare, City of Balanga, Mr. Ramon Theodore De Guzman, Office of Usec. Jeremias Paul, Department of Finance and from SEATCA, Ms. Bungon Ritthiphakdee (Director) and Dr. Ulysses Dorotheo (SITT/SEATCA Project director), Ralph Emerson Degollacion, Project Coordinator from HealthJustice Philippines also participated the meeting. ThaiHealth senior officers and partners attended the experience sharing sessions on and exchanged experiences between the two countries.

Hon. Jose Garcia III, on behalf of the Philippine team, expressed his gratitude to all the organizers and speakers for hosting and sharing as well as participants for participating and exchanging the knowledge. The meetings were successfully held with fruitful discussions (Ms May Myat Cho)