Mr. Patthana Prompatan, Minister of Public Health, said the ministry is pushing forward the Medical Investment Hub policy to drive the medical and health sector as a new economic engine of the country through three main pillars: upgrading medical and health services (Service Hub).
Promoting research and development (Research and Development Hub), and enhancing the health product manufacturing industry (Product and Health Manufacturing Hub), targeting to attract more than 68 billion baht in new investment and create an economic impact of at least 0.5% of GDP. The policy aims not only to increase economic value but also emphasizes using technology and innovation to enhance public health service quality and improve people’s quality of life.
The collaboration with Bayer marks an important step linking innovation investment with health service development. The company offers an initial clinical research investment of approximately 153 million baht and supports AI-based retinal disease screening expansion from 2 million to 4 million people to improve early detection, reduce the risk of vision loss, and increase access to advanced medicines and medical technologies.
Dr. Somrak Jungsaman, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, said the ministry prioritizes applying technology and innovation to improve health service efficiency, especially early disease screening and diagnosis, patient referral systems, and increasing access to quality medical services. It also promotes clinical research and the use of evidence-based data to support health policy development.
The ministry focuses on promoting AI technology for retinal disease screening, especially among diabetic patients at risk. It also aims to enhance the capacity of medical facilities and referral systems to effectively link screening, diagnosis, and treatment to increase service access, reduce vision loss risk, and improve people's quality of life.
The collaboration also covers proposals to improve access to innovative medicines for retinal disease and prostate cancer patients, studies on innovations to prevent recurrent stroke, clinical research investments, and real-world evidence development to support health system improvement and strengthen Thailand’s position as a medical research and innovation hub under the Medical Investment Hub policy.
Mr. Sebastian Guth, Global Chief Operating Officer of Bayer Pharmaceuticals and President of Bayer USA, said Thailand has clear goals to strengthen its role as a medical innovation hub, and Bayer is pleased to support these goals. This partnership with the Ministry of Public Health aims to promote clinical research.
It increases opportunities for patients to access innovative treatments faster and strengthens Thailand’s research capabilities by combining Bayer’s global expertise with Thailand’s robust health system. We believe this will help improve health outcomes for patients and sustainably support the country’s health system development in the long term.
Mr. Simon Rozov, Asia-Pacific Executive of Bayer Pharmaceuticals, said early disease detection is crucial. Bayer supports using AI technology for retinal disease screening to identify high-risk groups, especially diabetic patients, improving referral efficiency and timely access to appropriate treatment.
Our goal is to support patients throughout their healthcare journey—from early screening, clinical trial participation opportunities, to access to innovative treatments. At the same time, we aim to support Thailand’s goals to strengthen health innovation and medical research, aligning with Bayer’s mission “Health for All, Hunger for None” and our commitment to Thailand’s public health agenda for over 60 years.
This collaboration is another significant step to support health service development, increase patient access to innovative medicines, and enhance Thailand’s potential as a medical research and innovation center under the Medical Investment Hub policy.
Money Expo Chiang Mai Mr. Sara Lamsam, Chief Executive Officer of Muang Thai Life Assurance Public Company Limited, said the company participated in the 21st Money Expo 2026 Chiang Mai from 6–8 November 2026 at Chiang Mai Hall, Central Chiang Mai Airport Shopping Mall. The company offered a diverse range of products including life insurance, health, critical illness, tax planning, and retirement planning.
They provided options across whole life, investment-linked, savings, and pension insurance groups to meet all needs. The company also brought a team of experts to provide comprehensive life insurance planning consultation to help everyone secure stable coverage and sustainable quality of life, aiming to make life insurance accessible to all in society.
The opening ceremony was honored by Mr. Archawat Charoensilp, Assistant Minister of Finance, as the opening chair, along with Mr. Boonlue Thammathanaruk, Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai Province; Mr. Santi Viriyarangsarit, Chairman of Money Expo; Ms. Pakanee Viriyarangsarit, Co-Chair of Money Expo; Mr. Sara Lamsam, CEO; Mr. Sarayuth Thinkorn Na Ayudhya, Deputy Managing Director of Muang Thai Life Assurance; and executives, insurance planners, and financial advisors, who joined the opening of Muang Thai Life Assurance’s booth.
30th Anniversary HomePro celebrates its 30th anniversary by thanking homeowners nationwide with a grand year-end event, HomePro EXPO, under the concept “Smashing All Prices, Breaking All Records.” This comprehensive home product and service fair features daily flash sale promotions, exciting street food stalls, live broadcasts from celebrities, and free delivery service so customers don’t have to carry purchases themselves. Families are invited to fully enjoy shopping, tasting, and relaxing over 10 days from 6–15 November 2026 at Impact Muang Thong Thani, Halls 9–10.