Abstract
Physical inactivity is ranked number four leading risk factor of premature deaths from non-communicable diseases. The Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030 (GAPPA), adopted in the 71st World Health Assembly in 2018 emphasizes the need for a whole-of-society approach to creating social, cultural, economic, and environments conducive to physical activity. This study assessed the promotion of physical activity in the urban setting of twelve selected municipalities in Thailand against the four GAPPA strategic actions. The findings revealed that all twelve municipalities implemented at least one intervention of the four strategic actions, and achieved 12 out of 20 (60%) GAPPA recommended actions. The city municipalities achieved the highest score, followed by the town and the subdistrict municipalities. The highest achievements were the implementations of strategic action 3: create active people, and strategic action 1: create active societies. This study showed that GAPPA recommendations were relevant and feasible in the Thai context. However, gaps remained in the promotion of strategic action 2: create active environments, and strategic action 4: create active systems. In conclusion, the municipality could be one of the lead agencies for physical activity promotion in an urban setting in collaboration with other public and private stakeholders. GAPPA strategic actions should be translated to be specific tools and indicators for monitoring the progress of policy implementation.
