South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, participated in the GPH-SEACO-SMRU-MORU Thailand Study Tour: Public and Community Engagement in Bangkok and Mae Sot, Thailand.

From 3 to 8 May 2026, a delegation from the South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO) and Global Population Health (GPH) undertook a six-day study tour to Thailand. The academic and field mission was led by Dr. Mohd Azrizan Bakir, Senior Manager of SEACO.

The journey began in Mae Sot Province, a unique border region that presents significant public health challenges. During the three-day visit, the delegation was welcomed by Ladda Kajeechiwa, Head of the Community Public Engagement (CPE) Department. She shared valuable insights into how her team has successfully built strong relationships with border communities through effective community engagement strategies to support malaria prevention and control efforts.

The Mae Sot programme continued with a field visit to the SMRU/BHF Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Outreach Programme at KM 44. The delegation observed first-hand the outreach team's efficient delivery of maternal and child health services before proceeding to the MKT Clinic to learn about its patient referral case management system.

The study tour then moved to Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok, where the delegation engaged in discussions with Napat Khirikoekkong, Social Science Researcher and Coordinator from the Department of Bioethics and Engagement. The session provided valuable insights into the integration of social science perspectives and bioethical principles in health research, particularly when working with vulnerable communities.

Overall, the study tour offered SEACO and GPH a well-rounded perspective by combining practical community-based public health approaches in Mae Sot with ethical and social science frameworks in Bangkok. The knowledge and experiences gained will contribute to strengthening future community engagement and public health initiatives across the region.