Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 81% of deaths in Thailand, while 3.2 million people are considered at risk due to unhealthy behaviours, according to public health data.
The figures were presented at the recent launch of a new digital health platform aimed at improving lifestyle management and reducing disease risk.
The Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) jointly launched the "SAANSOOK" application, a digital tool designed to support holistic health management and promote workplace wellness to help reduce NCDs among working-age people.
ThaiHealth manager Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon said NCDs remain the leading cause of death in Thailand, accounting for 81% of all fatalities.
Citing the 7th National Health Examination Survey (2024–2025), conducted with Mahidol University, he said 3.2 million people are at risk due to behaviours such as unhealthy diets, smoking, alcohol consumption and physical inactivity.
About one in 11 working-age adults is diabetic, many without knowing it, he added.
Developed under a "DOPA-driven strategy" (Data, Outcome, Partners and AI-driven), the SAANSOOK app tracks four key behaviours -- eating, sleeping, exercising and relaxing -- and encourages users through challenges and rewards aimed at sustaining long-term behavioural change.
The app can be downloaded for free on iOS and Android, with a target of 5,000 users by October.
KMUTT rector Assoc Prof Suvit Sae-Tia said the app functions as a personal health assistant, helping users monitor behaviours, set goals such as weight control or muscle gain, and receive tailored recommendations.
