Addressing the determinants of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is challenged by aggressive market promotion by tobacco, alcohol and unhealthy food industries in emerging countries with fast economic development; and interference by these industries in government policies aimed at containing consumption of unhealthy products. This editorial reviews market promotion and industry interference and classifies them into four groups of tactics: (a) interfering with the legislative process; (b) using front groups to act on their behalf; (c) questioning the evidence of tobacco harm and the effectiveness of harm-reduction interventions; and (d) appearing responsible in the eyes of the public, journalists and policy-makers. Despite active implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the tobacco, alcohol and unhealthy food industries use similar tactics to aggressively interfere in policies, with the tobacco industry being the most aggressive. Policy interference by industries are effective in the context of poor governance, rampant corruption, conflict of interest among political and government actors, and regulatory capture in all levels of countries from low- to high-income. In addressing these interferences, government requires the practice of good governance, effective mechanisms to counteract conflict of interests among political and policy actors, and prevention of regulatory capture. The World Health Organization (WHO) Framework of Engagement with non-State Actors can be applied to the country context when engaging private entities in the prevention and control of NCDs.

Parks hold an essential role in promoting physical activity in urban areas. Studies have found that park characteristics such as park size, facilities, accessibility, and aesthetics are reported to have a positive association with increasing physical activity of the urban populations. However, the evidence in the context of Southeast Asian cities is still lacking, as most studies are from North America and Europe. The study explores the associations between park characteristics and park-based physical activity in Bangkok, Thailand. Ten major public parks were examined using the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC). Descriptive analysis was used to understand the characteristics of park users and park-based physical activity. A bivariate logistic regression model was employed to determine the variables of park characteristics and of having moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). We found that parks with bigger sizes and better access to public transport were associated with a higher likelihood of users having MVPA in the park. We also found that adding more facilities in the park, even if they are specifically aimed for physical activity, would not increase the likelihood of having MVPA. The findings from the study suggested that investing in better accessibility and physical quality of existing parks as well as improving equal opportunities for park use will be a more sensible option for promoting park-based physical activity in Bangkok, Thailand.

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This study is part of a regional research project aimed at understanding the effects of Urban Heat Island (UHI) on urban residents. Using two case studies in Bangkok, Thailand and Bandung, Indonesia, the study focuses on the effects of UHI on household energy consumption and health and well-being.A survey questionnaire of 400 respondents from each city was employed.Household energy consumption is measured using a proxy variable of average monthly electricity consumption. UHI intensity is measured using a cooling degree days (CDD) variable constructed from the temperature difference between urban and suburban weather stations. The perceived health effect is measured by heat stress, physical health impacts, mental health impacts and health and well-being outcomes. The data are then analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The result indicates that the presence of UHI in Bangkok plays a significant role in household energy consumption. UHI is found to have a positive association with the ownership of air conditioning equipment in Bangkok and Bandung and is found to increase the monthly electricity bill. In terms of health effects, it is found that UHI affects health directly through heat stress and indirectly through lowering the health and well-being outcomes. Results from the two case studies indicate that UHI has affected the daily lives of urban residents in terms of increasing household energy consumption for cooling and disruption of activities such as working, sleeping, and general health and well-being.Bandung, Bangkok, Health and well-being, Household energy consumption, Sustainable urban development, Urban heat island