Lam luk ka: Anutin Charnvirakul, presiding over National Public Health Volunteer Day, expressed his joy, likening it to meeting an old lover, declaring, 'We are the gray-uniformed warriors who shared hardships and joys fighting COVID-19 together.' He emphasized the crucial importance of public health volunteers and announced plans to upgrade the 'Smart Public Health Volunteers' program to enhance their knowledge and expertise in caring for public health.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, presided over the National Public Health Volunteer Day event for the year 2026 and presented awards to outstanding village public health volunteers at the Diamond Hall, 5th floor, Asia Airport Hotel, Lam Luk Ka District, Pathum Thani Province.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Anutin said he was delighted to meet everyone again, like meeting an old lover. He mentioned that he was wearing a lucky shirt, signifying that he is a volunteer health worker (VHW) from Buriram province. He requested permission to introduce himself to all VHWs, not just because he was wearing the shirt, but because he is a VHW from Buriram province. He celebrated National Volunteer Health Workers Day, stating that he always attends such events unless absolutely necessary, as he considers them fellow "grey-uniformed warriors." He recalled their shared hardships and the challenges of caring for the health of the people, including the arduous fight against COVID-19 alongside doctors, nurses, and all public health personnel during his four years as Minister of Public Health. He emphasized the strong bond they share, and as Prime Minister, he has always held onto his belief in the work of VHWs. He is confident that, in addition to healthcare personnel who utilize their medical, nursing , and pharmaceutical skills to care for the sick, Thailand also relies heavily on VHWs as crucial assistants in improving the quality of life for its citizens. He stressed that the government, the Ministry of Public Health, and Thailand cannot do without the VHWs.
On this occasion, he congratulated all the Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) who were selected to receive the Outstanding Village Health Volunteer Award. He expressed gratitude for their dedication and sacrifice in fully committing their physical and mental energy and time to performing their duties in caring for the health and quality of life of the people. He noted that Thailand has been praised by the World Health Organization and recognized by developed nations for having a strong and capable public health system. Every time this praise is received, two things are always mentioned: the universal health insurance system and the presence of Village Health Volunteers, which few countries have. He highlighted that it is a rare asset in the world and something to be proud of. Due to this valuable role, the government continuously prioritizes the development of the capabilities of VHVs.
The government aims to upgrade modern-day Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) to "Smart VHVs" who possess comprehensive health knowledge, up-to-date skills, and the use of modern technology and tools to connect health knowledge, ensuring that citizens receive prompt, comprehensive, and equitable healthcare. Furthermore, VHVs must be developed to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to manage and solve health problems in communities, linking with the public and community healthcare systems at all levels, as well as developing leadership skills. The best way to fight disease is through good health habits, knowing how to think and act appropriately, how much exercise to do, and how to manage stress, whether personal or family. He urged all VHVs and the network of public health officials in every area to be proud of their roles and work together to promote public participation in self-care and health reliance for the sake of national health security.
Mr. Anutin then presided over the award ceremony for Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) who received honorary awards from across the country.