Thailand is stepping up efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into healthcare and precision medicine, seeking to transform its medical services sector into a technology-driven industry.
The initiative is part of the government's broader Wellness Economy strategy, which aims to position Thailand as a leading health and longevity hub in Asia by applying science, technology and innovation, targeting 3.5 trillion baht ($107 billion) in economic value by 2032.
At a recent news conference, Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn, deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, said the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation is accelerating the strategy, with medical AI and precision medicine among its key priorities.
The government has identified several flagship projects as urgent national priorities. They include establishing manufacturing facilities for advanced therapy medicinal products to support biomedical innovation, as well as integrating health databases from medical schools nationwide to strengthen clinical research.
Other initiatives include expanding the application of medical AI and precision medicine across hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Research by Thailand's Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program Foundation, an institute specializing in health technology assessment, has highlighted the need for a clearer understanding of the country's AI landscape, including existing applications, industry stakeholders and gaps in implementation.
"Actions and plans should be guided by analysis, including the industry's current ecosystem and key stakeholders. Without these insights, fragmented implementation and policy gaps could limit the country's ability to fully leverage AI's benefits," said Saudamini Dabak, head of the foundation's International Unit.
The challenge is not unique to Thailand. Across the region, healthcare systems are seeking to harness AI for more accurate diagnosis, faster drug development and more personalized treatment, while addressing issues such as data integration, regulatory readiness and access to skilled professionals.
At a recent seminar, Yodchanan Wongsawat, Thailand's deputy prime minister and minister of higher education, science, research and innovation, said AI is creating new opportunities for scientific discovery, drug development, precision medicine and traditional medicine.
Realizing that potential, however, will require cooperation across disciplines, institutions and national borders.
"China is a global leader in science, technology and innovation, while Thailand attaches great importance to cooperation with China," Yodchanan said. He added that closer ties could strengthen research capabilities and help translate scientific breakthroughs into practical applications.
The private sector is also looking to international partnerships to accelerate the development of Thailand's healthcare technology industry.
Phongchai Petsanghan, president of the Thai Health Tech Association, said the country now had more than 140 healthcare startups, reflecting growing interest in applying technology to medical services.
He said advances in gene technology and AI-assisted medical services in China are attracting strong interest from Thai companies seeking to upgrade their healthcare capabilities.
As Asian countries with cultural affinities, China and Thailand have considerable potential to cooperate in developing the wellness and longevity industries, particularly by combining traditional herbal medicine with AI, Phongchai said.
He also stressed the importance of closer links between leading technology companies and educational institutions, noting that adapting technologies to local conditions would be essential if Thailand hopes to become not just a user but also a creator and owner of technology.
Such cooperation is already taking shape. For example, the Thailand-Guangdong Medical & Health Cooperation program was launched last year to strengthen bilateral collaboration in healthcare and medical technology, while supporting Thailand's ambition to become a leading medical and wellness hub.
yangwanli@chinadaily.com.cn
