【2026. 7. 2】JICA Thailand Office Visits Thap Ma Municipality to Advance Community-Based Elderly Care / JICAタイ事務所がタップマー市を訪問―地域包括ケアの推進と今後の連携強化に向けて
On 2 July 2026, a six-member delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Thailand Office, led by Ms. Akari Ichigi, visited Thap Ma Subdistrict Municipality, Rayong Province, to exchange views on strengthening community-based elderly care and exploring future opportunities for collaboration. The delegation visited the Thap Ma Community Day Care and Rehabilitation Center for Older Persons, where they observed the municipality's integrated elderly care system and participated in the 35th Dementia Café, held under the project "Building Networks and Relationships for Families and Older Persons Living with Dementia." The program provides a welcoming space where older persons living with dementia, their families, caregivers, and community members can connect, learn, […]
【2026. 7. 1】JICA Senior Vice President Mr. Hiroyuki Kobayashi Visits Bueng Yitho to Strengthen Collaboration for Sustainable and Age-Friendly Communities/ JICA小林広幸理事らがブンイトー市を訪問 ― 持続可能で高齢者にやさしいまちづくりに向けた連携を強化
On July 1, 2026, Bueng Yitho Municipality welcomed a high-level delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), led by Mr. Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Senior Vice President of JICA, together with Mr. Shunsuke Sakudo, Chief Representative of the JICA Thailand Office, to review the progress of the SMART & STRONG Project and discuss future collaboration for sustainable community development and healthy ageing. The delegation was welcomed by Mayor Rungsan Nantakawong at the Bueng Yitho Medical and Rehabilitation Center. The visit was also attended by distinguished academic and medical experts, including Dr. Sirinthorn Chansirikarnjana from the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, and Assistant Professor Natthapat Sarobol from the Faculty of […]
WCAFCC Participants Explore Innovative Housing with Support in San Sebastián / WCAFCC参加者がサン・セバスティアンの居住支援モデルを視察
― Learning that Ageing in Place is Built Through Continuous Co-creation 「完成形」ではなく、試行錯誤を重ねながら共に創るAgeing in Placeを学ぶ ― On 19 June 2026, following the World Conference on Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (WCAFCC), participants of the conference joined an excursion to San Sebastián, Spain, to visit Lugares, an innovative housing initiative developed by Matía Fundación. The excursion provided participants with an opportunity to explore how housing design, community building, and professional support can work together to enable older adults to age in place. Participants also exchanged views directly with residents and project staff, gaining valuable insights into everyday life within the community. Matía Fundación has transformed its approach from traditional residential care towards a […]
【2026. 6. 17】SMART & STRONG Project Presented at the 3rd World Congress of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities / 当プロジェクトが第3回「高齢者にやさしいまちづくり」世界会議（WCAFCC）で発表されました！
On 17 June 2026, the SMART & STRONG Project was presented at the 3rd World Congress of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (WCAFCC), held in San Sebastián, Spain (June 16-18). The project was featured in the parallel session entitled “Building More Sustainable Age-Friendly Communities: Focusing on the Sustainability of Age-Friendly Initiatives.” The presentation was delivered under the title: “From Local Innovation to Cross-Border Mutual Learning: The SMART & STRONG Project.” Overview of the Congress The Congress is a global forum associated with the WHO Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC), bringing together policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and community stakeholders to share policies, practices, and research aimed at addressing population ageing […]
【2026. 6. 17】Thai House of Representatives Welfare Committee Reviews Elderly and Long-Term Care Systems in Collaboration with JICA and Local Governments / タイ下院社会福祉委員会において高齢者・要介護者ケアに関する検討会を開催 ― JICAと自治体による地域包括ケアの取組を共有
On June 17, 2026, the Subcommittee on Elderly and Long-Term Care under the Social Welfare Committee of the Thai House of Representatives convened a policy discussion on local government-based care systems for older persons and long-term care recipients, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). During the meeting, Ms. Rie Komahashi, Deputy Chief Representative of the JICA Thailand Office, delivered a presentation on JICA's technical cooperation initiatives in the field of elderly care in Thailand and shared the knowledge, experiences, and lessons learned from these programs. The session also featured presentations by Mayor Rungsan Nantakawong of Bueng Yitho Municipality, Dr. Thitinan Nakphu, Director of Bueng Yitho Daycare Center, […]
【2026. 6. 11】
The SMART & STRONG Project would like to express its deepest condolences on the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati. Our thoughts are with His Majesty the King, the Royal Family, and the people of Thailand during this time of sorrow. パチャラキティヤパー王女殿下が6月11日にご逝去されたとの報に接し、衷心よりお悔やみ申し上げます。
【2026. 5. 29】Yugawara Town Receives Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications' Award for Local Government International Exchange / 湯河原町が「第20回自治体国際交流表彰（総務大臣賞）」を受賞 ― 高齢社会に向けた日タイ連携が高く評価
Yugawara Town received the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications' Award, the highest distinction in Japan’s Local Government International Exchange Awards. On May 29, 2026, an official ceremony held at the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in Tokyo. The award recognizes outstanding international exchange initiatives between Japanese local governments and overseas partners that demonstrate innovation, sustainability, and tangible benefits for local communities. Alongside Yugawara, the cities of Rikuzentakata and Chigasaki were also honored this year. Yugawara was particularly recognized for building an extensive network of partnerships with municipalities, government agencies, universities, and civil society organizations across Thailand. Rather than relying solely on conventional sister-city relationships, the town has developed […]
【2026. 4. 23】Project Phase 2 Officially Launched — Grand Opening Ceremony Successfully Held ! / 第2フェーズ始動 ― オープニングセレモニーを開催しました！
Phase 2 Opening & MOU Signing Ceremony On April 23, the opening ceremony and MOU signing ceremony for Phase 2 of the SMART & STRONG Project were held at Bueng Yitho Municipality, Pathum Thani Province. Approximately 1,000 participants attended the event, including representatives from 39 municipalities across Thailand, central government agencies such as the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, and the Ministry of Interior, as well as International Organizations like World Health Organizations, universities, representatives of older persons, community members, and volunteers. From Japan, Mr. Shunsuke Sakudo, Chief Representative of the JICA Thailand Office, Mr. Yosuke Kobayashi, First Secretary of the Embassy of […]
【2026. 4. 8】ブンイトー市にて日本人対象の医療・リハビリテーションセンター見学会が開催されました！/ Study Tour of the Medical and Rehabilitation Center for Japanese Participants was Held in Bueng Yitho Municipality!
4月8日、パトムタニ県ブンイトー市の医療・リハビリテーションセンターにおいて、日本人参加者向けの現地見学会が開催されました。 タイ国内でも先進的な取組を行うブンイトー市による、コミュニティレベルの包括的な高齢者ケアを学ぶことを目的として実施され、メディア、国際協力関係者、コンサルタント 、学生など約20名が参加しました。 On April 8, a site visit for Japanese participants was held at the Medical and Rehabilitation Center in Bueng Yitho Municipality, Pathum Thani Province. The visit aimed to provide an opportunity to learn about community-level integrated elderly care implemented by Bueng Yitho Municipality, which is recognized for its advanced initiatives within Thailand. Approximately 20 participants attended, including members of the media, international cooperation professionals, consultants, and students.
【2026. 3. 26】ガチャップ市における認知症カフェ（全8回）最終回式典が開催されました！/ Final Session Ceremony of the Eight-Dementia Cafe Series at Gachab Municipality
3月26日、ラチャブリ県ガチャップ市において、当初計画された８回にわたる認知症カフェの最終回式典が、市長や市会議員などの出席で実施されました。 自治体において認知症カフェの成果が評価され、今後の活動計画が立案される予定です。 On March 26, the final session ceremony of the eight-session Dementia Cafe series was held in Gachab Municipality, Ratchaburi Province, with the attendance of the mayor, municipal council members, and other officials.The outcomes of the Dementia Cafe activities will be evaluated by the municipality, and future activity plans are expected to be developed.
【2026. 3. 25】テパラック市において高齢者デイケアセンター開所式が行われました！/ The Opening Ceremony of the Elderly Day Care Center was Held at Thepharak Municipality
3月25日、当事業のネットワークに参加予定の自治体であるサムットプラカン県テパラック市において、高齢者デイケアセンターの開所式が行われました。このデイケアセンターは、タイにおいて先行してデイケアセンターを運営してきた他自治体の経験を活かして設立されるものであり、SMART & STRONGプロジェクトによる成果のひとつです。 サムットプラカーン県行政機構長のサンソーン・パンサエントン氏をはじめ、ブンイトー市、ホアヒン市など他自治体、タマサート大学、社会開発人間安全保障省、保健省などから来賓の方々の出席のもと、実施されました。 On March 25, an opening ceremony for an elderly day care center was held in Thepharak Subdistrict Municipality ,Samut Prakan Province, one of the municipalities planned to participate in the project network.This day care center was established by drawing on the experiences of other municipalities in Thailand that have already been operating similar centers, and represents one of the key achievements of the SMART & STRONG Project. The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Mr. Sunthorn Pansaengthong, President of the Samut Prakan Provincial Administrative Organization, as well as representatives from other municipalities such as Bueng Yitho Municipality and Hua Hin Municipality.Participants also included representatives from […]
【2026. 1. 26】保健・医療・福祉分野の国際会議PMACにブンイトー市長が登壇し、SMART & STRONGプロジェクトについて紹介しました / At the International Conference "PMAC," Mayor of Bueng Yitho Municipality Shared Key Initiatives through SMART & STRONG Project!
1月26日、タイ王室のもと開催される保健・医療・福祉分野の国際会議PMAC（Prince Mahidol Award Conference）において、WHOタイ事務所およびタイ保健省主催のサイドイベントにブンイトー市ランサン市長が登壇し、当SMART & STRONGプロジェクトについて紹介しました。 On 26 January, at the Prince Mahidol Award Conference (PMAC)—an international conference on health, medical, and welfare issues held—Mr. Rangsarn Nuntakawong, Mayor of Bueng Yitho Municipality, spoke at a side meeting organized by the WHO Thailand Office and the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health of Thailand. During the session, Mr. Rangsarn introduced the SMART & STRONG Project and shared its key initiatives and achievements. 地域の住民やボランティアの活用による統合的な高齢者ケアがテーマとなった本セッションでは、WHOタイ事務所長（Dr. Ailan Li）出席のもと、地域包括ケアの重要性が示され、タイ保健省からタイ政府の方針、マヒドン大学高齢者研究所長からタイ国内での様々な取組が説明されました。そして、ブンイトー市のランサン市長から、SMART & STRONG プロジェクトを通じた地方自治体レベルでの高齢者ケア推進の経験事例を紹介しました。 This session, which focused on integrated elderly care through the engagement of local residents and volunteers, was attended by Dr. Ailan Li, WHO Representative to Thailand. During the session, WHO emphasized the […]
【2026. 1. 19】当事業フェーズ2に向け、湯河原町とタイ側自治体による準備会議を開催しました！/ Preparatory Meeting Held with Yugawara Town and Thai Local Authorities for SMART & STRONG Project Phase Ⅱ
SMART & STRONG プロジェクトのフェーズ２（自治体ネットワークによる地域資源活用型高齢者ケアモデル普及と国境を越えた学び合いプロジェクト）が2026年3月から開始することに先駆け、タイ側ネットワークに参加する自治体向けの準備会議（オンライン）を実施しました。 当事業の運営団体である神奈川県湯河原町の内藤喜文町長、およびタイ側自治体を代表してパトムタニ県ブンイトー市のランサン市長が、挨拶を行いました。 2026年4月23日～24日には、事業のオープニング式典＆署名式を予定しております。 フェーズ２では、政府機関、大学、自治体、民間事業者など、さらに多くの関係者とのネットワークを広げながら、国境を跨いだ学び合いを深めていきます。引き続き何卒よろしくお願い申し上げます。 Ahead of the launch of Phase 2 of the SMART & STRONG Project (a project to promote community-based elderly care models utilizing local resources through municipal networks and cross-border learning), scheduled to begin in March 2026, an online preparatory meeting was held for Thai local governments participating in the network. Mr. Yoshifumi Naito, Mayor of Yugawara Town, which serves as the implementing organization of the project, delivered remarks. Representing the Thai participating municipalities, Mr. Rangsarn Nuntakawong, Mayor of Bueng Yitho Municipality also gave remarks. An opening ceremony and signing event for the project are scheduled to take place on April 23–24, 2026. Moving […]
【2026. 1. 14】ラチャブリ県ガチャップ市にて初の認知症カフェを開催！/ The First Dementia Cafe at Krachab Municipality, Ratchaburi Province
1月14日、ラチャブリ県ガチャップ市にて初となる認知症カフェ（Memory Nest Cafe）の開催式典が行われました。市長をはじめとする市幹部や職員、市民ボランティア、高齢者が参加しました。 日本の認知症カフェを参考にタイで始まった認知症カフェが、各地へと広がりをみせています。 On January 14, the opening ceremony of the first Dementia Cafe (Memory Nest Cafe) in Krachab Municipality, Ratchaburi Province, was held, with the participation of the mayor, senior municipal officials and staff, community volunteers, and older residents. Inspired by Dementia Cafe models in Japan, the initiative introduced in Thailand is now spreading to multiple local authorities across the country.
【2026. 1. 12】ASEAN活動的高齢化イノベーションセンター（ACAI）事務局長と今後の連携について協議しました！/ Discussed Future Collaboration with the Executive Director of the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI)”
1月12日、ASEAN（東南アジア諸国連合）の高齢化に関する政策づくり、実践事例の共有、人材育成、イノベーションを行う国際機関である、「ASEAN活動的高齢化イノベーションセンター（ACAI）」を訪問しました。ソムサック事務局長（Dr. Somsak Akksilp, Executive Director）らと今後の連携について協議する機会をいただきました。 On January 12, SMART & STRONG Project members visited the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI), an international organization engaged in policymaking on ageing in ASEAN, the sharing of best practices, capacity building, and the promotion of innovation. We had the opportunity to hold discussions with Dr. Somsak Akksilp, Executive Director of ACAI, and his team on our potential future collaboration.