Bueng Yitho: First Thai municipality to join the WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC)

Thailand is ageing—and rapidly. In 2023, the country officially became a “complete aged society,” with more than 20% of its population aged 60 and above. Within the next decade, it is expected to transition into a “super-aged society,” where one in three Thais will be seniors.

This demographic shift raises an important and timely question, especially for those closest to the people, the local authorities: How can communities ensure that older adults continue to live healthy, independent, and meaningful lives?

Preparing for this future requires more than expanding healthcare services. It demands communities—places where people of all ages can live well together. Bueng Yitho Municipality is showing how this vision can become reality.

Bueng Yitho Municipality offers affordable daycare services for older adults, providing transportation, meals, and activities that promote physical exercise, social interaction, and emotional well-being. Seniors are cared for by trained professionals at the Elderly Learning and Quality of Life Development Centers.

Located in Rangsit, Pathum Thani, Bueng Yitho Municipality is the first local authority in Thailand to join the WHO Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC). The network includes more than 1,600 members across 52 countries; all committed to creating communities that support healthy and active ageing. In the South-East Asia region, only three local organization are members of the network: Bueng Yitho municipality, and Kochi and Kozhikode in Kerala, India.

The GNAFCC promotes global learning and collaboration, helping cities share good practices and design environments where older adults can maintain wellbeing. Becoming a member requires strong political commitment and a clear action plan to create an environment that support healthy and active aging of older adults in communities. The WHO framework includes eight key areas: outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, and community support and health services.

WHO team met with the Public Health and Environment team of Bueng Yitho and the architect team from Chulalongkorn University’s Center of Excellence in Universal Design to discuss and learn about Bueng Yitho’s path to age friendly community.

On 9 July 2025, a team from WHO Thailand visited Bueng Yitho to learn first-hand how the municipality is putting age-friendly principles into action. The delegation was led by Dr. Jos Vandelaer,WHO Representative to Thailand, with Dr. Olivia Nieveras, Ms. Thanatporn Rawanghet, and Ms. Accharawan Wongsathitkul.

On behalf of the Mayor, the WHO team received a warm welcome from Mrs. Kwanjai Jamtim, Director of the Division of Public Health and Environment, and Dr. Thitinan Nakphu, who are driving the age- friendly initiatives. Also joined were representatives from Chulalongkorn University’s Center of Excellence in Universal Design, including Professor Trirat Jarutach, Ms. Sujitra Jiravanichkul, Ms. Phitsinee Tunpaibool, and Mr. Smith Thamakaison, who have worked closely with the municipality to help design accessible, inclusive public spaces using years of expertise.

Dr. Jos congratulated the municipality emphasizing that Bueng Yitho’s approach goes far beyond just infrastructure and physical health. It reflects a deep understanding that healthy ageing is also about emotional, mental, and social connection. The partnership between the local authorities and the academic institute is a good example of the power of collective action in promoting age-friendly environment, that also benefits people of all ages and abilities.

During the visit, the WHO team learned about the initiatives undertaken by Bueng Yitho Municipality to promote and sustain age-friendly living spaces. At the Medical and Rehabilitation Center, a range of healthcare services are available for all age groups, with a particular focus on helping older adults by ensuring services are affordable and easily accessible close to home. These services including dentist, physiotherapy, Thai functional and traditional medicine.

Moreover, in line with WHO’s growing emphasis on social connection as a key determinant of health, the municipality has created opportunities for older adults to stay engaged and connected. Initiatives such as the Elderly Learning and Quality of Life Development Centers, the Strong Shop, and the Sixty Bar Room serve as vibrant community hubs—providing spaces where seniors can access care, learn new skills like cooking and basic IT, participate in exercise and singing activities, and remain as active members of society.

The Strong Shop features products made by older adults in the municipality, creating opportunities for community engagement and generating small income for local seniors.

These spaces not only support older people’s daily needs but also help reduce loneliness and social isolation, which WHO identifies as serious public health risk—on par with smoking, obesity, and alcohol misuse. Community events, cultural performances, and intergenerational programs further strengthen social bonds and promote a sense of belonging across all age groups.

Bueng Yitho has set a strong example for other municipalities, proving that with vision and commitment, local administrations can play a key role in creating inclusive, age-friendly communities, especially at a time when population ageing is accelerating.

For more information please of WHO Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities, please visit: The Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities. You may also want to learn more about age-friendly practices in Thailand municipalities, visit: Age-Friendly Cities - Best Practices in Thailand.