Commercial determinants of health: case study of ultra-processed food companies in Thailand
1
Issued Date
2026-12-01
Resource Type
eISSN
17448603
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105027401500
Pubmed ID
41361316
Journal Title
Globalization and Health
Volume
22
Issue
1
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Globalization and Health Vol.22 No.1 (2026)
Suggested Citation
Jindarattanaporn N., Samsiripong W., Chuenchom S. Commercial determinants of health: case study of ultra-processed food companies in Thailand. Globalization and Health Vol.22 No.1 (2026). doi:10.1186/s12992-025-01174-9 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/114502
Title
Commercial determinants of health: case study of ultra-processed food companies in Thailand
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Abstract
Background: Ultra-processed food companies in Thailand have rapidly expanded, and they play an important role in the domestic economy and public policy. These companies influence policy-making by building networks with political authorities and using various strategies to pursue their interests. Increased consumption of ultra-processed foods has been shown to be strongly associated with obesity and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are a growing public health concern in Thailand. This study investigated the commercial determinants of health (CDOH) strategies of the major ultra-processed food companies in Thailand. Methods: This study employed document review to classify CDOH’s strategies of ultra-processed food companies in Thailand. The authors searched publicly available information by 15 ultra-processed food companies, including both national and transnational companies, between January 2019 and December 2024. In addition, 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted with field experts to provide additional insights to support the findings from the document review. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. Results: National ultra-processed food companies in Thailand employ all seven strategies of CDOH, namely: (1) Political, (2) Scientific, (3) Marketing, (4) Supply chain and waste management, (5) Labour and employment, (6) Financial, and (7) Reputation management strategies. Transnational companies employed all but one of the seven strategies (labour and employment). Conclusions: The wide array of CDOH strategies used to shape public policy and opinion may hinder efforts to protect the health of Thais from obesity and diet-related NCDs. To counter this, the authors recommend systematic monitoring of CDOH strategies, stronger accountability for the ultra-processed food companies, mandatory lobbyist registration, stricter management of conflict of interest between government officials and food companies, and strict enforcement of relevant legislation.