On a vibrant June 25th morning, the SF World Cinema in CentralWorld, Bangkok, was bustling with excitement as AIA Thailand hosted the much-anticipated “AIA Healthiest Schools Award Ceremony” for the second consecutive year. Dignitaries, esteemed educators, and key representatives from the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) gathered to celebrate this unique initiative. Among the notable attendees was Police General Permpoon Chidchob, the Minister of Education, who presided over the event alongside Dr. Jakknit Kananurak, Vice President of the Digital Manpower Development Promotion Department.
In its second year, the competition saw an impressive engagement, with over 600 schools participating. From this pool, 26 schools emerged victorious, celebrated for their commitment to promoting a healthier and more sustainable environment for students. This year’s program continues to focus on providing valuable learning materials centered on healthy eating, active lifestyles, mental wellbeing, and sustainability.
Police General Permpoon Chidchob expressed his enthusiasm stating, “I am very pleased to see an organization like AIA Thailand support and prioritize Thai youth through the ‘AIA Healthiest Schools’ program. It aligns seamlessly with the ministry’s educational goals by advocating systematic ways to foster health and wellbeing among students.”
Mr. Nikhil Advani, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Thailand, also shared his commendations, “I would like to congratulate and applaud the schools that received awards in this year’s ‘AIA Healthiest Schools’ program. Through this initiative, AIA is committed to promoting key health areas and providing educational resources to establish best practices for this generation and beyond.”
Building on the momentum of the first year, the program continued to strengthen. Mr. Nikhil added, “Successful programs are built on collaboration, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to our partners for their terrific support. With the help of a committee of experts, we selected the 26 winners this year. Looking ahead, we aim to involve even more schools and students.”
The standout winners of the AIA Healthiest Schools Competition Year 2 are:
Primary School Winner (Prize valued at 350,000 baht)
Tessaban 2 Waddonmoonchai School, Tak: Won first prize in the primary level for its “Change for Good” project. This initiative incorporated AIA Healthiest Schools’ learning resources to educate students and the local community on good health practices. Their projects focused on agriculture, meditation following the Lan Dhamma and Lan Panya principles, and a recycling center sorting waste into 30 categories.
Secondary School Winner (Prize valued at 350,000 baht)
Tessaban 1 Kittikachorn School, Tak: Clinched the top spot in the secondary level for its innovative use of learning materials. Their initiatives included providing nutritious meals through the Thai School Lunch menu, promoting exercise with the “Gao Ta Jai” challenge app, offering a variety of study courses to enhance mental wellbeing, initiating a recycling waste project, and involving the community in their various programs.
Best Category Awards (Prizes valued at 75,000 baht each)
- Watjantawanook School, Phitsanulok: Best Healthy Eating Award
- Ratrach Uppathum School, Chiang Mai: Best Active Lifestyle Award
- Thai Sikh International School, Samut Prakan: Best Mental Health Award
- Amnuay Silpa School, Bangkok: Best Health and Sustainability Award
Honourable Mention Awards, Primary Level (Prizes valued at 50,000 baht each)
- Ban Nong Ya Plong School, Buriram
- Ban Kota Bharu School, Yala
- Ban Tha Kham School, Pattani
- Wat U-Tapao School, Suphan Buri
- Chiang Saen Academy School, Chiang Rai
- Wat Chang Lek School, Bangkok
- Ban Rong Yung Khao School, Phitsanulok
- Ban Fa School, Nan
- Baan Pa Mai Sahakorn School, Buriram
- Ban Phue Pok School, Sisaket
- Rat Prachanukhro 8 School, Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Ban Chanthai School, Ubon Ratchathani
- Ban Don Pha-ung School, Ubon Ratchathani
- St. Andrews School, Sathorn, Bangkok
- Ban Na Huai Daeng Dong Samrong School, Ubon Ratchathani
Honourable Mention Awards, Secondary Level (Prizes valued at 50,000 baht each)
- Phan Pittayakhom School, Chiang Rai
- Tessaban 2 Klongjilad School, Krabi
- Waeng Phitthayakhom School, Sakon Nakhon
- Chomthong School, Chiang Mai
- Wat Songtham School, Samut Prakan
Representing Thailand in the AIA Healthiest Schools Asia-Pacific regional competition in Bali on July 4, Tessaban 2 Waddonmoonchai School and Tessaban 1 Kittikachorn School will vie for prizes valued at over 1.5 million baht.
Stay updated with AIA Healthiest Schools by visiting the AIA Healthiest Schools website. Schools can download resources and applications for the third-year competition starting from August 2025.
It’s inspiring to see schools promoting health and sustainability. These initiatives can surely have a lasting impact on students and their communities.
Yeah, but let’s not forget that education should primarily be about academics. Sometimes these extra programs distract from real learning.
Mark, health and education go hand in hand. If students are not healthy, how can they perform well academically?
Exactly, Harry. Also, these projects teach students practical skills which are equally important.
I get that, but there needs to be a balance. Schools are places of learning, not health centers.
Health education is important too, if students learn early, it benefits society in the long run.
These awards are just another way for organizations to get publicity. Do they really care about these schools?
That’s a cynical view. Even if they get publicity, the schools benefit, and that’s what matters.
Publicity is fine, but I hope the schools genuinely get consistent support, not just a one-off prize.
From what I read, they provided learning resources, which is more than just a prize.
Why does it always have to be a competition? Every school should get the support they need regardless of awards.
Competitions can motivate schools to strive for higher standards. It’s not just about winning, but about improving.
I love the mental health aspect. Too many schools ignore it, and it’s crucial for student success.
Agreed, Joe! Mental health is often overlooked, and it’s great to see it being addressed here.
Absolutely. Students are under so much pressure. Mental health support is essential.
The focus on healthy eating is fantastic. Junk food is a huge problem in schools.
I’m impressed that they are including the community in their projects. That creates a broader impact.
It’s still doubtful that these initiatives will last without ongoing support.
Sustainability is probably part of the criteria for these awards. Let’s hope for the best.
Thai schools showing such commitment to holistic education is commendable. Other countries could learn from this.
Totally. A lot of countries focus too narrowly on test scores and neglect overall student wellbeing.
I really hope these programs prioritize local foods and traditions in their healthy eating curriculums.
Does anyone know if the students themselves have a say in these projects? It’s important they feel part of it.
Good point, Lara. Student involvement can make these initiatives more effective and meaningful.
Recycling into 30 categories sounds intense! I hope they have good management systems in place.
Seems a bit much for kids. How are they supposed to keep up with that and studies?
It’s about teaching responsibility and sustainability. Important lessons for life.
I love that they celebrate a variety of aspects like active lifestyle and sustainability, not just academics.
Exactly! Education should be well-rounded. Life skills are just as important as academics.
But shouldn’t the primary focus still be on traditional education?
Traditional education is important, but these projects add value and teach real-world skills.
Absolutely. Education should evolve to meet the needs of modern society.