The ‘SHE CARES – International Women’s Day 2026’ event was held at Kora Beach Resort Phuket and organised by the Ayana Circle in collaboration with the resort.
Suwit Phan Saengiam presided over the event, which began at 5:30pm and focused on promoting women’s health, empowerment and community engagement.
Organisers said the event aimed to celebrate the strength and spirit of women while creating opportunities for networking and encouraging participants to share positive energy within their communities.
One of the central activities was the Women Empowerment Forum, which brought together influential women from various fields to share experiences and insights.
The panel was led by Veena Praveenar Singh under the theme ‘The Power of Women Supporting Women’.
Health experts also took part in the discussion, sharing perspectives on physical and mental wellbeing and encouraging women to prioritise self-care while supporting others.
The event also featured a five-kilometre Charity Beach Fun Run along Bang Tao Beach, aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and reminding participants of the importance of caring for their own wellbeing in order to support others.
Speaking at the event, Suwit said International Women’s Day provides an important opportunity for society to recognise the value, role and contributions of women.
He also praised the organisers and participating organisations for creating a platform that encourages health awareness and social engagement among women.
Officials expressed hope that the event would inspire participants and help strengthen networks that support women in Phuket and beyond.
NATIONAL MESSAGE
In a message marking International Women’s Day, Anutin Charnvirakul said the rights, equality and dignity of women are fundamental pillars of democratic societies and sustainable development.
He noted that women throughout history have fought for equal recognition in families, workplaces and public life, and said those efforts must continue to ensure tangible progress.
The government has adopted the theme ‘Women’s Rights, Justice and Voices: Towards a Society That Leaves No One Behind’ for this year’s observance.
Anutin said Thai women play vital roles across society – as leaders, entrepreneurs, academics, farmers, workers and caregivers – and emphasised that supporting women’s opportunities and participation in policy development is key to national progress.
To mark the occasion, Thailand Post also released a commemorative stamp set featuring ‘Phra Mae Thorani wringing her hair’. The Earth Goddess Phra Mae Thorani is a symbolic figure in Thai art representing strength, resilience and righteousness.
According to Thailand Post president and chief executive Danan Suphattraphan, the artwork reflects the enduring power and values of women across Thai society.
The image is based on a mural from Wat Chom Phuvek and was chosen to highlight women’s roles in cultural, religious and social life.
The commemorative stamp is priced at B5 per stamp, with sheets of 10 available through post offices nationwide and online through the Thailand Post platform.
Officials said the stamp serves not only as a celebration of International Women’s Day but also as a cultural medium reflecting Thailand’s identity and values to audiences both domestically and internationally.