Background: Climate change poses serious public health risks, necessitating the integration of environmental, climate, and health data into policymaking. In Thailand, multiple governmental agencies are responsible for implementing policies related to climate change and health. However, the extent to which data are used in these policies remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to map existing policies to relevant agencies, assess the types and extent of data use in these policies, and identify enablers and barriers to using data in policymaking.
Methods: We conducted a targeted search across various ministries to identify and review relevant policy documents and map stakeholders and their roles. Subsequently, a cross-sectional online survey was administered among stakeholders from relevant ministries to identify (I) scopes and their roles; (II) types and uses of data in policymaking; and (III) enablers and barriers. Lastly, two rounds of stakeholder consultations were held. Data were analyzed using a mixed-methods approach, with thematic analysis for qualitative data and descriptive statistics for quantitative data.
Results: A total of 288 documents were identified, including 184 regulations, 94 policies, and 10 reports and guidelines. Most policies involved multiple ministries, local governments, citizens, academic institutions, national committees, and international organizations. Policy development processes incorporated data-driven analysis, stakeholder engagement, relevant authorities’ involvement, and alignment with parent laws. However, data remain fragmented, and data utilization remains limited. The public health sector makes minimal use of socioeconomic data, while health data is rarely integrated into the energy and transport sectors. Technology and political factors were the most frequently cited enablers and barriers, respectively.
Conclusions: Thailand has established a broad framework linking climate, health, and environmental policies. Stakeholders operate at both national and international levels, primarily serving as information providers. Policy decisions are evidence-based. However, challenges persist in implementation, resourcing, enforcement, and evaluation.
