The "Kao Tha Jai 10K" battle is ignited as ThaiHealth joins forces with the Kao Tha Jai Association and network partners to energize Thai people in fighting NCDs. The challenging route runs from Rama VIII Bridge to Pinklao Bridge in central Bangkok, drawing over 8,000 runners. The event aims to promote physical activity, reduce sedentary behavior, and inspire Thai people to move through a national walking-running sports festival held under strict safety standards, striving for a sustainable healthy society.
On 8 May 2026, at the Health Learning Center building of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), the Kao Tha Jai Association, in collaboration with the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, ThaiHealth, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Athletic Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, the National Institute for Emergency Medicine, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, and LG Electronics (Thailand) Co., Ltd. as Presenting Sponsor, held a press conference for the "Kao Tha Jai 10K Thailand Championship 2026 Presented by LG." The event will be held on Sunday, 21 June 2026, at Lan Khon Mueang, Bangkok City Hall (Giant Swing). More than 8,000 runners are expected. The event elevates the 10K race to an official Thailand championship standard under the concept of a “fast course” featuring a challenging and iconic route through central Bangkok landmarks.
Dr. Satit Pitutecha, Honorary Advisor to the Kao Tha Jai Association, said the association and its partners aim to promote continuous physical activity among the public by creating model mass sports venues meeting national standards. The “Kao Tha Jai 10K Thailand Championship 2026 Presented by LG” marks an important step in upgrading Thailand’s running scene in terms of competition standards, safety, and motivating people of all ages to exercise more. This is achieved through cooperation among government, private sector, and health partners nationwide.
"From past efforts, the Kao Tha Jai activity has been vital in encouraging more physical activity among Thais, with over 5.2 million participants on the Kao Tha Jai platform. Walking and running are the most popular activities, accounting for over 67.9% of all exercise types. This shows running is a basic, accessible activity that truly improves health by enhancing cardiovascular and lung function, reducing excess fat, strengthening muscles, and lowering non-communicable disease (NCD) risk, fostering a sustainably active lifestyle in Thai society," he added.
Dr. Phairoj Sanum, Deputy Manager of ThaiHealth, said the foundation focuses on supporting activities that cultivate long-term healthy behaviors, especially promoting reduced sedentary habits and sufficient daily physical activity. These are key factors in lowering the risk of NCDs, which remain the leading cause of death in Thailand. According to the Thai Health Behavior Survey and the 2017-2019 Thai Mortality Study, many Thais are insufficiently active, while NCDs account for over 75% of deaths, about 320,000 annually. Thus, motivating people through walking and running events is a crucial mechanism to encourage greater health awareness.
"The Kao Tha Jai activity is more than a running competition; it creates a health-promoting environment open to all ages to safely access physical activity, meeting national medical and event safety standards. It also campaigns for smoke-free, e-cigarette-free, and alcohol-free surroundings to foster positive health values and embed exercise as a sustainable part of Thai daily life, aligning with Thailand’s long-term physical activity promotion goals," he said.
Dr. Pakorn Tungkasereerak, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health, said the department is ready to support all activities that build sustainable healthy behaviors and encourage sufficient daily physical activity, especially mass sports that allow all age groups easy and continuous access to exercise. The “Kao Tha Jai 10K Thailand Championship 2026 Presented by LG” is another important step in advancing Thailand’s running scene to national standards, certified by the Athletic Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, with the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital overseeing medical safety systems to ensure participants can join confidently and safely throughout the event.
Dr. Suwanjai Watyaningcharoenchai, President of the Kao Tha Jai Association, said a key highlight of this year’s competition is that it is the only 10K race in Thailand officially certified for distance and timing by the Athletic Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage. The challenging course crosses Rama VIII and Pinklao Bridges, known among runners as a “tough test” proving strength and endurance. It ranks among the top 10 fastest 10K courses in Thailand for achieving top 100 times. The event welcomes both professional and recreational runners to gain experience in a nationally standardized competition.
Mr. Sung Han Jeong, Chief Executive Officer of LG Electronics (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said supporting the “Kao Tha Jai 10K Thailand Championship 2026 Presented by LG” reflects LG’s commitment to fostering environments that empower everyone to develop their potential and reach better goals. The event will also feature innovations under the “Zero Labor Home” concept via the LG ThinQ platform, connecting smart devices to create Smart Life Solutions and truly enhance consumer quality of life.
The “Kao Tha Jai 10K Thailand Championship 2026 Presented by LG” will be held on Sunday, 21 June 2026, with an Expo Day on 20 June 2026 at Lan Khon Mueang, Bangkok City Hall (Giant Swing). It offers four race categories: 10K SUB 50 by LG, Championship 10K, 10K, and 5K. All participants will receive a race bib, running shirt, medal, food, and accident insurance. Registration is open from 2 March to 21 May 2026 or until full via the CheckRace Registration website. Additionally, the “Kao Tha Jai 10K Virtual Run 2026 Presented by LG” allows participants nationwide to complete the 10K distance virtually, with registration from 1 April to 15 June 2026 and distance accumulation from 1 May to 21 June 2026. Three packages are available, with special privileges for Kao Tha Jai members, registered via Virtual Run Registration.