Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, in collaboration with the Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University, organized the 2026 Annual International Training Course (AITC) entitled “Holistic Wellness and Health Promotion in Early Childhood: Nurturing Growth and Empowering Healthy Development in Digital Age”, between 20 April and 11 May 2026.

The training programme aimed to strengthen the knowledge and capacity of public health personnel and related practitioners from developing countries in promoting holistic health and well-being among young children. The course focused on physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development in early childhood, while also addressing emerging challenges in the digital era, including the impact of digital media on child development, the promotion of physical activity, parenting skills enhancement, and the creation of supportive environments for healthy child growth and development.

The programme is aimed to highlight Thailand’s experiences and good practices in early childhood development and community-based health promotion. Particular emphasis was placed on the roles of families, communities, and older persons in supporting child care and development, as well as the application of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy in promoting well-being and quality of life, reflecting Thailand’s inclusive and sustainable development approach.

23 participants from 13 countries, namely Bhutan, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kiribati, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Zambia, and Thailand, participated in this programme. Throughout the programme, participants engaged in lectures, workshops, project proposal development activities, and study visits to child development centres, hospitals, and public health and early childhood development institutions in Songkhla, Phatthalung, and Bangkok. These activities provided opportunities for participants to exchange knowledge and learn from Thailand’s integrated approaches to promoting holistic wellness and healthy development in early childhood.