Level of implementation of best practice policies for creating healthy food environments: assessment by state and non-state actors in Thailand.
To determine and compare the level of implementation of policies for healthy food environments in Thailand with reference to international best practice by state and non-state actors.



Data on the current level of implementation of food environment policies were assessed independently using the adapted Healthy Food Environment Policy Index (Food-EPI) by two groups of actors. Concrete actions were proposed for Thai Government. A joint meeting between both groups was subsequently held to reach consensus on priority actions.



Thailand.



Thirty state actors and twenty-seven non-state actors.



Level of policy implementation varied across different domains and actor groups. State actors rated implementation levels higher than non-state actors. Both state and non-state actors rated level of implementation of monitoring of BMI highest. Level of implementation of policies promoting in-store availability of healthy foods and policies increasing tax on unhealthy foods were rated lowest by state and non-state actors, respectively. Both groups reached consensus on eleven priority actions for implementation, focusing on food provision in public-sector settings, food composition, food promotion, leadership, monitoring and intelligence, and food trade.



Although the implementation gaps identified and priority actions proposed varied between state and non-state actors, both groups achieved consensus on a comprehensive food policy package to be implemented by the Thai Government to improve the healthiness of food environments. This consensus is a platform for continued policy dialogue towards cross-sectoral policy coherence and effective actions to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases and obesity in Thailand.
1School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences,Deakin University,221 Burwood Highway,Burwood,VIC 3125,Australia.
Sirinya
S
Phulkerd
3Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics,School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences,University of Auckland,Auckland,New Zealand.
Stefanie
S
Vandevijvere
4Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition,Deakin University,Burwood,Victoria,Australia.
Mark
M
Lawrence
2International Health Policy Program,Ministry of Public Health,Nonthaburi,Thailand.
Viroj
V
Tangcharoensathien
5WHO Collaborating Centre for Obesity Prevention,Deakin University,Burwood,Victoria,Australia.
Gary
G
Sacks
D000072001:Diet, Healthy / Q000592:standards*; D006284:Health Plan Implementation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D013785:Thailand
Healthy food environments; Non-communicable diseases; Obesity; Policy implementation; State and non-state actors