Thailand to Host 12th AHLA International Conference, Strengthening Its Role as a Regional Health Literacy Hub

Thailand is set to strengthen its position as a regional leader in health literacy, as the Thai Health Literacy Promotion Association (THLA) and the Asian Health Literacy Association (AHLA) officially join forces to host the 12th AHLA International Health Literacy Conference in Chiang Mai in 2026, under the theme “Health Literacy and the Sustainable Development 
Goals (SDGs).”

Scheduled for 1–3 November 2026 at Chiang Mai University Convention Center, the conference will bring together leading global scholars and experts to position health literacy as a key driver of sustainable development. Internationally renowned academics, including Professor Don Nutbeam and Professor Kristine Sorensen, are expected to share insights and build strong global and regional 
networks.

The partnership agreement, signed in Bangkok, marks a significant milestone in Thailand’s readiness to serve as a hub for health literacy in ASEAN. AHLA will provide full academic and international 
network support, including the establishment of a Program and Scientific Committee and funding assistance for prominent keynote speakers.

Beyond academic exchange, the conference will highlight Thailand’s practical health literacy model, featuring field visits to community-based learning centers in Chiang Mai. Abstract submissions will 
open in April 2026, with selected papers eligible for Conference Awards, further reinforcing Thailand’s role in advancing high-impact health literacy research at the regional and global levels.