Tokyo, 30 January 2025: ERIA, in collaboration with Medical Excellence Japan (MEJ) and Medical Excellence Thailand (ME Thailand), hosted an in-person seminar in Tokyo on 30 January 2025 focused on advancing public–private medical cooperation between Japan and Thailand. The event aimed to introduce ME Thailand’s initiatives and foster dialogue on emerging opportunities for Japanese healthcare stakeholders looking to expand their presence in Thailand.

Distiguished speakers from Thailand’s government and private sector shared insights on expanding healthcare businesses and promoting multisectoral collaborations in wellness and medical services. The seminar attracted approximately 50 attendees, including industry leaders, government officials, and representatives from various organisations.

Key discussions centred on strategies for developing sustainable healthcare partnerships, innovative approaches to medical tourism, and best practices for bridging the gap between public and private sectors. Participants highlighted the potential benefits of enhanced cooperation in improving service delivery, boosting innovation, and ultimately contributing to the development of more robust healthcare systems in both countries.

By hosting this seminar, ERIA reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating cross-border dialogue and supporting the advancement of innovative healthcare solutions in ASEAN and beyond.

Unlocking Healthcare Synergies Between Japan and Thailand

Dr Kenji Shibuya, CEO of MEJ, opened the seminar by presenting an overview of the Medical Excellence in Asia (MEXX) initiative, which focuses on expanding the healthcare industry through multisectoral collaboration. He highlighted key areas for collaboration between Thailand and Japan, expressing hope for tangible progress.

Chayaporn Phornprapha, CEO of ME Thailand, outlined ME Thailand’s mission and highlighted valuable lessons from Japan’s transition into a super-aged society. He emphasised the potential for combining Japan's advanced healthcare technology with Thailand's strengths in medical tourism and holistic wellness. As a pioneering initiative under ERIA’s Medical Excellence Asia, ME Thailand – supported by Medical Excellence JAPAN (MEJ) – aims to foster collaboration between the two countries in healthcare, medical devices, and wellness. Moving forward, ME Thailand will focus on leveraging Japanese healthcare innovations, facilitating partnerships, and promoting Thailand’s healthcare practices internationally.

Thailand’s Healthcare Landscape and Post-Pandemic Innovations

Dr Ngamnetr Eiamnakha from Thailand's Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) provided insights into the state of healthcare in Thailand following the COVID-19 pandemic. She introduced the ‘5+5 Making Healthcare Better for All People’ policy and highlighted the increased use of digital tools like artificial intelligence (AI) and telemedicine. She expressed hope that the seminar would strengthen past engagements and pave the way for deeper Japan–Thailand collaboration.

Industry leaders also shared their perspectives on business partnerships between Thailand and Japan. Dr Viroj Vasusuttikulkant, CEO of SAINTmed Public Co., Ltd, and Sranyoo from Kluaynamthai Hospital Group recounted their experiences collaborating with Japanese companies. Satoshi Miura, Director of National Healthcare Policy Secretariat of Japan’s Cabinet Office, highlighted the shift in Japanese global health policy from support to co-creation, underscoring opportunities for cooperation with ME Thailand.

AI in Healthcare

During the Q&A session, a key discussion focused on the state of AI utilisation in the Thai healthcare sector. In the public sector, the Thai government is integrating AI kiosks for pre-physician screenings and deploying an AI-powered chatbot through a ministry’s cloud system to assist village health volunteers. AI in public healthcare is categorised as a medical device and regulated by the Thai FDA, which has approved certain software and is expected to introduce policies to facilitate AI use in healthcare.

In the private sector, AI is used in various forms, primarily to enhance clinical evidence and diagnostics, particularly in tumour and cancer care. Some hospitals are developing software to capture service data and provide physicians with guidance and note-taking support.

Potential Areas for Japan’s Support

Another topic raised was Japan's support for the Thailand Academic Hub. Stem cell therapy has gained momentum in Thailand following new regulations, and Japan has a unique opportunity to support Thailand in this area. Additionally, Thailand’s second proton beam therapy treatment site is set to open soon, with plans to provide training for all medical schools in the country.

Strengthening Future Collaboration

In her closing remarks, Dr Manami Uechi, Director of Healthcare Services at ERIA, expressed her gratitude to the guests, speakers, and organisers. She reaffirmed ERIA's commitment to fostering regional healthcare partnerships, noting that the seminar provided valuable insights into enhancing collaboration between Japan and Thailand. The event concluded with a networking session amongst Japanese industry representatives, government officials, and members of various organisations.

Next Steps 

The 2nd MEJ–ME Thailand Forum is scheduled for 27 March 2025 in Khon Kaen, Thailand, as part of the ISAN WELLNESS SUMMIT. Expected to gather over 50 stakeholders from Thailand and the rest of the region, the Forum will serve as a platform for Japanese healthcare companies to exhibit their innovations. MEJ and ME Thailand will leverage strengthened connections from this seminar, including Thailand’s MOPH, the Thailand Board of Investment, Japanese industry representatives, and government officials of both countries. Event details will be shared with MEJ member companies and other interested Japanese healthcare companies.

Given the significant opportunities in wellness, health management, and advanced healthcare and health technologies, ERIA and MEJ will continue collaborating with ME Thailand to engage relevant stakeholders in both countries.