More than 800 experts and policymakers on physical activity worldwide attended the forum at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center that ended yesterday. Countries were given evaluations from A to F based on nine indicators: overall physical activity; organised sport participation; active play; active transportation; sedentary behaviour; family and peers; school; community and the built environment; and government strategies and investments. Thai children failed the active play category, scoring an F as only 9.1% in the 14-17 age range engaged in more than two hours of play a day. At the closing ceremony of the congress yesterday, the Bangkok Declaration for Physical Activity for Sustainable Development was adopted to support the global commitment to increase physical activity. The declaration will later be forwarded to the cabinet for approval so that further steps can be taken to increase physical activity at schools and workplaces.

Source: Bangkok Post November 20, 2016 00:00 UTC