Abstract
Thailand National Physical Activity Plan 2018 - 2030, the first national strategy addressing insufficient
physical activity of Thai people, was developed through a cross-sectoral cooperation processes in 2015,
led by the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health. The development process took three years
before being approved by the Cabinet in August 2018. This article reviewed policy process since agenda
setting and policy formulation to policy adoption as well as policy content and context.
Key policy lessons were drawn from the development of the national plan. First was the identification
of principles, strategic objectives and implementing mechanisms of existing international policies
ensuring a comprehensive and effective national policy framework. Secondly, the engagement of all
relevant stakeholders in the policy process increased the ownership and the feasibility of policy adoption
despite a longer process. Lastly, capacity of central government agency and policy and strategic skills of
staffs were crucial throughout all policy processes. There should be more investment in human resource
management and development.
