Bangkok: In a strategic move to elevate Thailand's status in the medical and wellness sector, Professor Dr. Yotsanun Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), led a Thai delegation to the "Thailand-Korea Business Forum: Biohealth, Medtech, Wellness, and Future Food" in Seoul, South Korea. The delegation's goal was to attract investment and foster an international innovation network.
According to Thai News Agency, the forum was attended by high-ranking officials, including Professor Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of MHESI, and Mr. Suksit Srijomkhwan, Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs. Professor Dr. Yotsanun delivered a keynote address focusing on "Driving Thailand Towards Medical and Wellness Innovation Hub," aimed at inviting South Korean private sector investment in Thailand's medical innovation sector.
Professor Dr. Yotsanun highlighted the synergy between Thailand and South Korea, noting Thailand's reputation as a healthcare and wellness destination, its biodiversity, and growing market. He contrasted this with South Korea's strengths in digital health, R and D capabilities, and manufacturing standards. He expressed confidence that these complementary strengths could establish a leading Medical and Wellness Innovation Hub in Asia.
The Deputy Prime Minister proposed a four-dimensional cooperation model: establishing a Korea-Thai Joint Incubator/Accelerator with the National Innovation Agency, opening investment opportunities in Thai startups, conducting co-research benefiting from the Board of Investment, and using Thailand as a base for technology localization to access the ASEAN market.
The forum garnered positive responses, with many South Korean companies showing interest in investing in Thailand. Professor Dr. Yotsanun invited executives to visit Thailand later this year for business matching activities, site visits, and direct meetings with Thai startups and research teams, emphasizing the potential for building a strong innovation ecosystem.