ThaiHealth confirms it buys media space directly from property owners under Comptroller General’s Department regulations, ensuring budget efficiency, transparency, and verifiability. The public widely sees its campaigns, thanks to partners such as MRT, BTS, and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration working together to build a healthy society. Tags: [ThaiHealth, media buying, transparency, public health campaign, Bangkok, MRT, BTS]
Dr. Prakasit Kayasit, Deputy Manager of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), posted on Facebook to clarify a circulating message accompanied by photos of ThaiHealth’s outdoor advertisements about e-cigarettes. The message claimed ThaiHealth does not pay advertising fees directly to the screen owners, but instead pays foundations or agencies that receive funding, thus bypassing government procurement procedures. Dr. Prakasit stated this information is false. ThaiHealth procures directly from Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) through a proper process, securing campaign space on electric trains, Bangkok Pier signage, pillars, and related areas. The pillar spaces, numbering 18 signs over 12 months, were provided free of charge as additional space to promote mutual benefits in fostering better health behaviors.
Dr. Prakasit added that all ThaiHealth campaign media are procured 100% according to the Government Procurement and Supplies Management Act B.E. 2560 (2017) of the Comptroller General’s Department. Committees are appointed to draft work scopes, evaluate bidders’ qualifications, select based on scoring criteria for price and technical proposals, and verify receipt following all proper procedures. Each year, ThaiHealth spends less than 5% of its total budget on campaigns. The wide public reach is thanks to partners offering special rates below private sector prices. Media outlets assist in publicity, while government and private sectors provide campaign spaces, including the Department of Airports offering space inside airports in 22 provinces, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration providing bus shelter spaces, MRT, BTS, and other partners committed to improving public health behaviors.
“According to Nielsen Media Monitor’s 2025 valuation, ThaiHealth’s promotional value reached as high as 1,703 million baht, while ThaiHealth’s actual budget for media campaigns across all types is about220million baht per year.”Regardingcampaign effectiveness evaluations, the 2025–2026 campaigns have influenced changes in public attitudes and behaviors by 84.59%. ThaiHealth affirms its commitment to transparent, verifiable work and to using budgets efficiently to improve the health of all Thai people. As a social organization, ThaiHealth welcomes criticism and suggestions for improvement. However, if information is inaccurate or lacks factual basis—whether due to misunderstanding or other intent—ThaiHealth’s communications officer must clarify,” Dr. Prakasit said.