At the national NCDH2026 forum, the "Law and Policy Network for Health and Well-being" is highlighted as a means of supporting civil society and local communities in driving "Phayao: A City of Well-being"
On 5–6 October 2026, the School of Law, University of Phayao, affirmed its role as an academic institution serving society through the university's Law and Policy Network for Health and Well-being. Assistant Professor Udom Ngamméuangsakul, Dean of the School of Law, attended the National Conference on Commercial Determinants of Health 2026 (NCDH2026) as a representative of the academic partner network of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth). He announced the mission to advance the "Law and Policy Network for Health and Well-being" and the "Legal Clinic," which aim to support civil society, communities, and local administrative organizations in Phayao Province in building a health safeguard for local people.
NCDH2026 was organized by ThaiHealth together with national health organizations and the World Health Organization (WHO). It focused on regulating commercial factors harmful to health (tobacco, alcohol, and unhealthy foods), which cause more than 400,000 deaths per year in Thailand from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
The conference was divided into academic sessions, key ceremonies, and social activities. It included keynote speeches and main panel discussions to build understanding of the landscape of the commercial determinants of health (CDoH), covering the evidence, the impacts, and systemic perspectives. The sessions also examined commercial power, corporate strategies, and risky marketing practices. Other activities included breakout panels and a forum for Thai partners to exchange lessons on tackling commercial risk factors, and the day closed with an evening welcome reception and networking event.
The main panel focused on designing markets for health and promoting responsible business. Breakout panels followed, covering fiscal mechanisms, behavioral economics, and the new health economy. Key discussions addressed Thailand's CDoH governance architecture, aiming to link existing mechanisms into a transparent and accountable system of public–private cooperation.
In light of these developments and the overall direction of the movement, the School of Law, University of Phayao, recognizes that sustainable solutions must begin with a strong foundation at the local level. It has therefore adjusted the strategic plan and missions of the "Law and Policy Network for Health and Well-being" and the "University of Phayao Legal Clinic" to focus on proactive work in Phayao Province, with three key missions:
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Empowering people through legal knowledge: Working in the field with civil society and community leaders in Phayao to build understanding of health rights, awareness of industry marketing strategies, and local consumer protection mechanisms.
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Developing local public policy: Serving as an academic adviser to local administrative organizations (LAOs) in drafting or applying local ordinances, legal measures, and community rules, so as to manage health-related environments and risk factors in line with the context of each area.
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Acting as a mediation and rights-protection mechanism: Using the Legal Clinic to provide advice and assistance and to protect the rights of Phayao residents affected by business operations or marketing that violate health rights.
"ThaiHealth's direction of regulating commercial factors for equitable well-being can only achieve real results if supported by legal and policy mechanisms at the local level. The School of Law, University of Phayao, through the Law and Policy Network for Health and Well-being and the Legal Clinic, is ready to use its academic expertise to equip civil society and local leaders in Phayao with strong legal tools to negotiate and manage risk factors, so that Phayao can become a regional model for integrating law for well-being," the Dean said.
This move by the School of Law, University of Phayao, reinforces its vision of "Wisdom for Community Strength," translating national-level knowledge into a key link for improving the quality of life of Phayao residents, reducing medical expenses, and achieving genuine health equity.