WHO and Department of Mental Health bring support to parents in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, 24 June 2025 — At the heart of northern Thailand, policymakers, health professionals, parenting experts, and families came together for a day of learning, connection, and share experience in fostering positive parenting.

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) Thailand, with support from the LEGO Foundation, hosted a Workshop on Building Capacity for Positive Parenting  at the Rajanagarindra Institute of Child Development to promote knowledge and understanding of positive parenting among stakeholders and advocate for parent’s engagement in raising a child with love and understanding.

The event was part of the ongoing partnership on “Scaling Up Evidence-Based Parenting Programmes,” which aims at expanding the number of families and children with access to evidence-based parenting intervention across the country. 

The event built on national momentum following the Thai Cabinet’s recent designation of May as Mind Month and the launch of the “Gentle Parents” policy of the Department of Mental Health in 2025. There is a strong national commitment to mental well-being, parenting, and child development. The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has allocated USD 3 million (65 million Thai bath) to support local authorities in scaling up parenting programs across the 13 health regions of Thailand.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Noppawan Sriwongpanich, Assistant Director-General of DMH, underscored the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration:

“This workshop provides a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge and strengthen collaboration on positive parenting. I hope parents, educators, and health personnel will apply what they’ve learned today to support children’s development and help advance positive parenting in Thai society in a sustainable way.”

Dr. Hathaichanee Boonjerd, Director of the Rajanagarindra Institute of Child Development, emphasized the role of caregivers:

“Children are key to national development and need holistic support to grow into healthy, capable adults. Parents and caregivers play a vital role and must be equipped with positive parenting skills.” 

Dr. Hathaichanee introduced the Positive Parenting Promotion Center, a public hub at the institute that showcases interactive, research-based parenting practices, allowing parents to learn and engage with their children.

Dr. Olivia Nieveras, Senior Public Health Specialist at WHO Thailand, in her opening remarks, celebrated the diversity of stakeholders in the room:

“It’s inspiring to see so many partners and parents gathered here today. Our collective efforts in promoting access to effective parenting interventions, creating a nurturing environment for young people to thrive and sharing your experiences will be crucial in our  journey towards a gentle society.”

Dr. Olivia also stressed the importance of integrating parenting interventions into public health services and continuing to strengthen the capacity of both service providers and families.

This was followed by two engaging seminar sessions:“Positive Childcare is Not as Difficult as You Think,” featured insights from Professor Dr. Chanvit Pornnoppadol, Advisor in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Siriraj Hospital and founder of the Net PAMA Program; Asst. Prof. Dr. Sombat Tapanya, a clinical psychologist at the Peace Culture Foundation; and Dr. Dutsadee Juengsiragulwit, Director of Bureau of Mental Health Services from the Department of Mental Health, MOPH who discussed about the parenting service availability and the country’s future direction of parenting support.

In the final session, real parents took the stage in “Being a Gen Alpha Parent,” sharing practical tips and personal stories of raising children in today’s fast-paced, digital environment. The parents offered practical tips on balancing screen time, fostering emotional resilience, and maintaining open communication with their children which are everyday challenges modern parents face. 

Throughout the conference, a colorful exhibition showcased Thailand’s service availability in promoting positive parenting for parent and participants to learn from.  For those unable to attend in person, live broadcasts on the Rajanagarindra Institute’s and Positive Parenting Thailand’s Facebook pages brought the event to audiences across the country.