Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), in collaboration with the Royal Danish Embassy in Thailand and Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand) Ltd., officially launched the “Benchakitti Park for Better Health” on 31 March 2026 at Benchakitti Sports Center in Khlong Toei District. The initiative aims to enhance access to exercise spaces in public parks and advance Bangkok toward becoming a “Healthy City” in a tangible way under the collaboration project “Bangkok, City for Better Health”.

The project involves the development of a sports and recreation area through the installation of nine strength-training machines provided by Omnigym from Finland. The initiative was inspired by the BMA executives’ visit to the Cities for Better Health project at Spor 10 in Copenhagen, Denmark. In addition, the pickleball court has been upgraded with sunshade installations to ensure that people of all ages can exercise conveniently, safely, and inclusively.

Currently, more than 45% of Thailand’s population is overweight or obese, while the rate in Bangkok is approximately 58%. This condition is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, and metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease. The project therefore focuses on promoting preventive health behaviors through urban design that encourages physical activity.

The Governor of Bangkok stated that the project represents an important step toward integrating health into the daily lives of Bangkok residents. By expanding access to standardized and safe exercise facilities, it enables people to improve their health, reduce the risk of obesity, and prevent chronic diseases in a sustainable manner.

The Danish Ambassador to Thailand noted that the project reflects the strength of international collaboration and serves as a strong example of Thailand–Denmark relations aimed at enhancing people’s quality of life through healthy urban development.

Meanwhile, the executive of Novo Nordisk emphasized the importance of prevention, particularly promoting physical activity as a key factor in reducing the burden of obesity at the population level. The project also demonstrates a successful public–private partnership in creating health-supportive environments.

The launch event also featured a panel discussion on “How recreational spaces help reduce obesity,” with experts from various sectors highlighting the importance of urban design and access to public spaces in promoting physical activity, reducing sedentary behavior, and improving overall public health.

BMA reaffirmed that developing a “Healthy City” requires collaboration from all sectors—government, private sector, and citizens—to jointly create an environment that supports healthy living and to drive the city toward long-term sustainability.

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), in collaboration with the Royal Danish Embassy in Thailand and Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand) Ltd., officially launched the “Benchakitti Park for Better Health” on 31 March 2026 at Benchakitti Sports Center in Khlong Toei District. The initiative aims to enhance access to exercise spaces in public parks and advance Bangkok toward becoming a “Healthy City” in a tangible way under the collaboration project “Bangkok, City for Better Health”.

Benchakitti Park for Better Health