Environmental problems in Thailand have had an ever-increasing negative impact on the physical as well as mental health of the Thai people. In order to solve the health problems caused by the environment, there should be a strong intersectoral mechanism to promote a better environment. It should involve all concerned sector both within and outside the Ministry of Public Health including the private sector, individuals and communities.
The health-oriented strategies the following :
1. Develop an effective surveillance system to monitor the environmental impact on health
Even though efforts have been made in environmental quality monitoring, they have not been strongly motivated, and sustained support of all concerned sectors has been lacking. Development of an effective surveillance system would keep the society informed of the impact of the environment upon health, and lead to more collective efforts for preventing and reducing the magnitude of the problem.
2. Promote environments that are conductive to good health
This means promoting healthy environments for the people, whether in urban areas or in the workplace. Efforts must be supported by public policy or financial incentives such as tax reductions, together with provision for training and teaching/learning experiences as well as technologies and other essential inputs for ensuring better environments.
3. Promote the role of community organizations /
people in environmental conservation
Community organizations and the people themselves have critical roles in looking after and promoting healthy environment such as forest and river conservation, provided they preceed in the right direction.
