Bangkok:The Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health in Thailand, is urging citizens to recognize the importance of handwashing on Global Handwashing Day, observed on October 15th. The initiative is centered around the theme "20 Seconds to Clean Hands," highlighting the role of hand hygiene in preventing foodborne and respiratory illnesses and fostering a culture of health that begins with clean hands.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Thiti Saengtham, the Director-General of the Department of Health, emphasized that washing hands thoroughly with soap and water is a straightforward and effective method to prevent the spread of germs, including bacteria and viruses. These pathogens are often transmitted through contact with public objects and subsequent contact with the face, food, or eyes. The department encourages people of all ages to incorporate handwashing into their daily routines, particularly during key times before preparing food and eating, and after using the toilet, handling dirty objects, visiting sick individuals, touching animals, and returning home.
For the year 2026, the Department of Health is seeking cooperation from agencies under the Ministry of Public Health and local administrative organizations across the country to organize campaigns on World Handwashing Day. The Director-General urged everyone to follow proper handwashing techniques, consume hot food, use serving spoons, and regularly wash hands with soap and water, as disease prevention starts with individual actions.
Dr. Naresrit Khathasima, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health, noted that instilling proper handwashing habits from childhood can reduce illness rates in schools and families. This initiative is part of broader campaigns in collaboration with various sectors to promote healthy development among Thai children and youth. Beyond personal hygiene, attention to overall cleanliness and safety is crucial to breaking the transmission of diarrhea, food poisoning, and other infectious diseases.
The Department of Health has outlined seven simple steps for effective handwashing rubbing palms together, rubbing palms against the backs of hands and between fingers, rubbing palms together with fingers separated, rubbing the back of fingers against the palm, rubbing the thumb in a circular motion, rubbing fingertips across the palm, and rubbing around the wrists. These steps are recommended to ensure good hygiene, safety, and lasting protection from diseases.