Bangkok Post – True, Medical Council Drive Thailand’s Digital Healthcare Future

Bangkok, August 22, 2025 – Thailand’s healthcare system is at a pivotal moment as technology, data, and collaboration converge to reshape the way care is delivered. From artificial intelligence and robotics to cloud platforms and digital IDs, new tools are opening pathways to more accessible, efficient, and patient-centred healthcare.

Against this backdrop, the Medical Council of Thailand joined forces with True Corporation, True Digital, Egg Digital, and True IDC to host the forum “Reimagine Healthcare: Connected Health, Empowered Lives” at True Digital Park (West). The gathering brought together participants from the Medical Council’s Intermediate and Leadership programmes, alongside medical professionals, to exchange insights on how digital innovation can strengthen the country’s healthcare and public health systems while improving quality of life in a sustainable way.

Thai Healthcare: Moving Ahead into the Future Together

Air Chief Marshal Ittaporn Kanacharoen, secretary-general of the Medical Council of Thailand, said the “great wave” of technology is “rewriting the definition of medicine” as he opened a forum on the future of Thai healthcare.

He urged doctors to adapt, shifting from being “healers” to becoming “connectors” who link people, data and technology. “We must use data wisely, embrace innovation with an open mind, and ensure technology reaches everyone through everyday devices,” he said.

Describing the forum as a “laboratory of future ideas”, Dr Ittaporn highlighted three key drivers of change: Connect, by linking knowledge, technology and compassion; Create, by innovating boldly for healthier lives; and Collaborate, by fostering teamwork across professions.

“When people, doctors and technology come together, Thailand will not only have a resilient healthcare system, but one that is modern, robust and leaves no one behind,” he said.

Norway’s Digital Health Model: Lessons for Thailand

Sigve Brekke, Group CEO of True Corporation Plc, said Norway’s universal healthcare system — free treatment, personal doctors for all, and mostly public hospitals — underpins an average life expectancy of 82 years.

He noted that Norway began its digital transformation nearly 30 years ago with a national digital ID linking health records and prescriptions. Today, 5G and AI enable remote surgeries, real-time ambulance-to-hospital data transfers, AI-driven cancer diagnostics, newborn disorder detection, and even “smart pills” that capture internal images.

“Thailand now has a unique opportunity to accelerate,” Mr Brekke said. “With secure digital IDs, unified health records and strong public-private collaboration, it can build a modern health ecosystem even faster than Norway.”

True Showcases Integrated Digital Technologies

At the forum Reimagine Healthcare: Connected Health, Empowered Lives, Ms Sarinra Wongsuppaluk, CHRO of True Corporation Plc, reaffirmed the company’s role as a telecom-technology leader. “We are ready to leverage our digital expertise to advance Thailand’s healthcare system and improve quality of life for all,” she said.

Mr Natwut Amornvivat, Director of True Corporation and Chairman of True Digital Group, highlighted the Intelligent Robot for thyroid cancer treatment. “Innovation is not just about technology, but about integrating it into broader processes. New ideas emerge when diverse groups work together,” he said.

Developed with King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, the robot reduces medical staff’s radiation exposure by up to 25 times while enhancing patient care. “This sets a model for healthcare robotics that delivers lasting value to society,” Mr Natwut added.

AI, Cloud and Digital Tools to Drive Thai Healthcare

On this occasion, Dr Teeradet Dumrongbhalasitr, CEO of Egg Digital Co Ltd, said Thailand’s vast health data remains underutilised. He stressed that AI and robotics must integrate genetics, behaviour, lifestyle and environmental information to deliver personalised, precise care.

He introduced the 5C framework — Connect, Create, Communicate, Convert and Curate — designed to generate insights, enable targeted treatment and improve doctor-patient communication. Tools such as AI image recognition, patient flow analytics and wellness platforms, he said, can ease doctors’ workloads, cut costs and improve patients’ quality of life.

True Highlights Digital Foundations and AI Power

Mr Ekaraj Panjavinin, Chief Digital Officer of True Corporation Plc and President of True Digital Group, delivered a keynote on “Advancing Healthcare Industry: From Technology to Outcomes”. He emphasised the importance of strong digital foundations to elevate healthcare, citing intelligent networks, cloud, AI, hospital management tools and ready-to-use patient services. “Technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing care and creating better lives, especially amid growing challenges for medical professionals,” he said.

Mr Thanasorn Jaidee, President of True Internet Data Center, spoke on “New Era of Cloud and AI Computing Power”. He urged healthcare providers to align infrastructure choices with clear objectives, prioritising reliability, scalability, interoperability, data protection and compliance with the PDPA.

“AI adoption must be supported by secure, flexible and internationally certified platforms, with continuous monitoring to maximise long-term benefits,” he said. Innovations, he added, must be adaptable, interoperable across systems and embedded in real-world medical workflows. “Only then can technology truly support the future of healthcare.”