Thais aim for new aerobics record

By Ania Lichtarowicz
BBC health correspondent

The government is calling upon people to exercise

Tens of thousands of people in Thailand are due to take part in what could be the biggest aerobics workout ever.

The event is part of the National Health Promotion Day which is encouraging people to exercise.

The government is attempting to reduce non-communicable diseases like cancer.

Thailand currently holds the world record for the largest aerobics session - last year almost 47,000 people took part and the authorities hope that even more will join in this year.

Stretching politicians

Thailand's prime minister will be jumping and stretching, as will many national celebrities - who along with the rest of the participants will be donning special yellow T-shirts.

It is all aimed at persuading Thais to take regular exercise and improve their health.

There is now clear medical evidence to show that physical activity reduces the chances of developing many non-communicable conditions like heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

It is estimated that these were responsible for almost 60% of deaths worldwide in 2001 - so curbing their spread will make a big difference to health care.

Following last year's event, more than 40,000 community health clubs have opened across Thailand.