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The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the Royal Danish Embassy in Bangkok and Novo Nordisk Pharma Thailand Ltd. today announced the official launch of “Benchakitti Park for Better Health” -- a new recreational area in central Bangkok equipped with outdoor muscle‑strengthening equipment inspired by the Cities for Better Health site at Spor 10 in Copenhagen.
With over 45 percent of Thai people living with overweight or obesity, the prevalence rate is even higher in Bangkok at around 58 percent. Obesity is a major driver of cardio metabolic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease and the liver disease called ‘metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis’ (MASH), with almost one-third of individuals with obesity experiencing these chronic conditions,.The joint initiative between BMA, the Embassy, and Novo Nordisk aims at promoting healthier lifestyles while preventing and addressing obesity, cardio metabolic diseases, and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in urban area where obesity is hitting the hardest.
The project complements the previously announced Childhood Obesity Curriculum and Central Kitchen pillars and is designed to increase access to inclusive spaces for physical activity across the city.
Studies show that while inactive lifestyles put most adults at risk of obesity and its complications, the built environment, including more access to recreational facilities and parks, is associated with higher levels of physical activity which eventually contribute to healthier weight outcomes. The “Benchakitti Park for Better Health” area is designed to be accessible for all with muscle-strengthening equipment.
Mr Chadchart Sittipunt, the Governor of Bangkok stated, “Benchakitti Park for Better Health is a concrete step towards making healthy living part of everyday life for people in Bangkok. By having safe, modern muscle‑strengthening facilities in public parks, we are widening opportunities for residents in all walks of life to be active, build strength and prevent obesity and other chronic disease.”
His Excellency Mr Danny Anan, Danish Ambassador to Thailand remarked, “The Benchakitti Park installation demonstrates the power of international collaboration, inspired by Spor 10 in Copenhagen. This project is a testament to the modern Danish Thai relations that focuses on the health and well-being of our people
Mr Cihan Serdar Kizilcik, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Pharma Thailand, emphasised, “At Novo Nordisk, we believe prevention plays an important role in reducing the burden of cardio‑metabolic diseases. The Benchakitti muscle‑strengthening zone is a practical example of how the Cities for Better Health public-private partnership supports people to be more active — an essential element in preventing and managing obesity at a population level.”
As part of the launch, the panel discussions welcomed Dr Pairoj Saonuam, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), Dr Parinya Samakkarnthai, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Ms Yuwadee Chiratiticharoen, Director of Market Access and Public Affairs at Novo Nordisk Thailand. The discussion emphasised that while urban environments can contribute to obesity, thoughtfully designed recreational spaces can help curb the disease. Panellists also highlighted the importance of collaboration across administrative, healthcare, and pharmaceutical sectors to improve health in obesity‑affected cities like Bangkok.
