Currently, many Buddhist monks suffer from chronic non-communicable diseases, which have been found to be caused by three factors: 1) Personal factors such as genetics, age, and chronic diseases. 2) Physical management factors, where inadequate physical activity is common. 3) Nutritional factors, as Buddhist monks often cannot choose their own food and rely on alms, which may not always be nutritious. Therefore, Buddhist monks' health care needs to consider Buddhist principles and discipline, leading to the initiation of research projects to develop application technology, along with organizing activities for screening and caring for monk health.         

The objectives are as follows:

Objectives related to health promotion:

• To study the health status of Buddhist monks in the area.
• To develop health knowledge and appropriate exercise media for Buddhist monks according to Buddhist principles.
• To enhance knowledge, understanding, and methods of health promotion suitable for Buddhist monks according to Buddhist principles.

Objectives related to technology and communication:

• To develop innovative health service systems for the Buddhist monk community.
• To develop health data monitoring systems for Buddhist monks through cellular networks.

Operational areas include temples in Bang Kok-Noi, Bang Kok-Yai, Phra Nakhon, Bang Phlat, and Taling Chan districts.

• Buddhist monks have received health check-ups through activities and health surveys in Bangkok (February – June 2022 and February – June 2023).
• Buddhist monks have received self-care knowledge through training programs to promote Buddhist monk health in urban areas (February 7-9, 2023)

• Buddhist monks and temple cooks have received nutritional knowledge through a program to promote nutrition knowledge for monks and temple cooks (January-April 2023).

• Buddhist monks have received health care through "Health Station @ Temple", a basic health check kiosk installed at Watchaiyathit Temple, Wat Molilokayaram Rajaworawihan Temple, Wat Mahadhatu Temple, Wat Sai Temple, and Wat Chamni Hatthakan Temple (August2023 - present).

• Buddhist monks and the public have received guidance on physical management through the production of Thai traditional medicine knowledge media to promote monk health (January 2024).
• Buddhist monks have received exercise enhancement media with elastic bands, provided by professors from the Department of Sport Science, Faculty of Physical Education, Srinakharinwirot University.

Current Progress:

• Exercise and Traditional Medicine Media (January 2024): Monks and community members received exercise guidance through health education media based on Thai traditional medicine, designed specifically for monk health promotion.

• Digital Health Monitoring (April 2024–present): Monks are being monitored through a web application and Health Station @ Temple installations at temples in Bangkok Noi District and other parts of Bangkok. Stations have been established at Wat Chaiyathit, Wat Molilokkayaram Rajaworawihan (later relocated to Wat Nai Rong), Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit Rajaworamahavihara, Wat Chamni Hatthakan, and Wat Sai (Rama 3).

• Exercise and Wearable Devices (November 2024–January 2025): Implementation of an exercise program consistent with monastic discipline, with monitoring of physical activity through wearable devices.

          This project aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being): Promotes holistic physical and mental health among monks through regular health screening, nutrition education, monk-appropriate physical activity, and mental health care.

• SDG 4 (Quality Education): Provides structured training programs on health care for monks and surrounding communities, fostering lifelong learning through workshops and knowledge dissemination.

• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Positions temples as community health hubs (Health Hub) that connect local people and strengthen social cohesion.

• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Mobilizes a multidisciplinary team (physicians, nurses, nutritionists, psychologists, social workers, etc.) in collaboration with communities, local administrative organizations, and religious networks to reinforce sustainable collective action.