The “Public Policy Forum on Advancing the Well-being of Vulnerable Populations in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC)” aims to provide a platform for knowledge exchange and collaborative policy proposals focused on improving the health and well-being of homeless and marginalised urban populations. This forum is part of a broader project to strengthen civil society networks supporting urban homelessness, funded by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth). The initiative seeks to foster inclusive, accessible, and equitable public policy systems, particularly within the Eastern Economic Corridor development context.
Project Coordinator: Asst.Prof.Sakrit Isariyanon and Miss Patcharapa Tantrajin, Ph.D
Objectives:
- To create a platform for exchanging knowledge, approaches, and experiences in supporting vulnerable populations, especially the urban homeless
- To develop policy recommendations for inclusive health and social service development in the EEC
- To foster collaboration among academic institutions, civil society networks, and government agencies
- To promote participatory approaches in service design tailored to marginalised groups
Program Activities:
The forum began with planning discussions among key stakeholders to identify critical issues for policy dialogue. Expert speakers with practical experience in homelessness and vulnerable communities were invited to contribute. The event was structured into three main parts: a situational overview, a policy dialogue focused on inclusive “drop-in” service models, and an open, participatory discussion session. Key recommendations were summarised after the forum, and a policy brief was developed and shared with relevant agencies. The outcomes were also disseminated publicly, and steps were taken to foster long-term local collaborations to sustain improvements in the well-being of vulnerable populations in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
Expected Outcomes (Impacts):
The expected outcomes of this public policy forum include the development of shared knowledge among academia, civil society, and government sectors to understand better the challenges and needs of homeless and vulnerable urban populations, particularly in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The insights and discussions from the forum are expected to inform actionable policy recommendations and promote the design of inclusive and accessible services tailored to the target groups. Additionally, the forum will strengthen intersectoral collaboration and build sustainable networks for future cooperation. It will also serve as a participatory policy-making model that can be adapted and applied to other regions facing similar issues.
Date of Implementation: July 15, 2025
