Institutionalized participatory policy highlighted as key to shape Thailand’s policy at PIX5
Writer: Khanitta Saeiew, February 2025, Photo credit: TP Lab
February 19, 2025 – Thailand Policy Lab and key partners organized the Policy Innovation Exchange 5 (PIX 5) in Bangkok, Thailand with aim to facilitate knowledge exchange on policy innovation, showcase of case studies related to policy innovations at all levels including sub-national, national and international levels.
The Thailand Policy Lab was established by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Royal Thai Government, through the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). This initiative seeks to identify new governance models, enhance crisis preparedness, and accelerate the transition from short-term to long-term policy planning, all while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Thailand.
Dr Tipicha Posayanonda, PhD, Deputy Secretary General of National Health Commission, (NHC) Thailand National Health Commission Office (NHCO) emphasized institutionalized participatory public policy process is essential for shaping Thailand public’s policy process. She highlighted the role of NHCO under the National Health Act 2007 in promoting participatory public policy processes through various policy tools such as Health Charter, Health Assembly with aim to reach Healthy Public Policies and Equitable Health System.
Three strategies were outlined to ensure all stakeholders’ voices and need are heard at policy making steps which are Health in All Policies (HiAP), Partnership and network and Data and digital technology. Finally, critical challenges are identified which are meaningful social participation in policy processes, impactful data integration and analysis and effective equitable health system monitoring.
Aafreen Siddiqui Sherwani, Regional Engagement Lead- Future of Governance, UNDP stated that innovations are essential to response to changing and complex situations. She also emphasized one of innovations that transforming a participatory principle into policy action, which can be seen from the case of NHCO. Additionally, she highlighted the role of data and digital tools in anticipating future challenges and stressed the need to develop a robust feedback loop system to enhance policymaking processes..
Miss Tiffany Chen, Policy Experimentation Analyst, Thailand Policy Lab United Nations Development Programme, presented the Policy Innovation Journey of Thailand Policy Lab, focusing on three pillars:
- Policy Innovation Exploration and Experimentation:Projects like Universal Health Care Coverage, Youth Mental Health, and Population Development Policy.
- Capacity Building:Training programs for policymakers on strategic foresight, systems thinking, and design thinking.
- Learning Community of Innovators:Building a network of policymakers, academics, and private sector actors to drive innovation.
Next Steps for Thailand Policy Lab (2025-2027):
- Strengthening Public Policy Processes: Enhancing innovation capacity in Thailand’s policymaking ecosystem, particularly in crisis and emergency contexts.
- Addressing Critical Issues: Accelerating solutions for challenges like depopulation, youth engagement, and climate resilience through innovative approaches.
- Building a Learning Community: Expanding the network of policymakers and innovators to foster evidence-based, adaptive policymaking.
Watching the record here https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=2502252133444914&rdid=3stBE0fJVH8uCV93