"Ministry of Public Health" Collaborates with six agencies to sign an MOU promoting clinical research on drugs and vaccines, aiming to elevate the country's clinical research system to international standards.
On 19 Mar 2026 GMT+7 at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) office, Mr. Patthana Prompatan, Minister of Public Health, presided over the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding on promoting clinical research for drug and vaccine products. Executives from the Ministry of Public Health attended as witnesses. Six partner agencies from the research and pharmaceutical industry participated in the signing: the FDA, the Foundation for Clinical Research Promotion in Thailand, the Health Systems Research Institute, the National Vaccine Institute, the Association of Researchers and Pharmaceutical Producers, and the Thai Modern Drug Manufacturing Industry Association.
Mr. Patthana Prompatan, Minister of Public Health, stated that clinical research is a key mechanism in developing modern drugs and vaccines and forms the foundation of the country's health security. Enhancing this capacity will enable the public to access innovative medicines more quickly, reduce dependence on imported drugs, and support long-term growth of Thailand's pharmaceutical and medical technology industries. This collaboration will integrate efforts across sectors, develop an efficient clinical research network, reduce redundant approval processes, and raise research unit standards to meet international benchmarks.
Pharmacist Suphattra Boonserm, Secretary-General of the FDA, emphasized that access to treatment is a fundamental right for all Thai people and must be equitable. Clinical research will increase opportunities for Thai patients, especially those with rare diseases, to access innovative treatments more rapidly.
Meanwhile, developing the country's clinical research system requires cooperation from all sectors. This MOU serves as an important mechanism to systematically connect government agencies, research units, hospitals, and industry, covering capacity building for researchers, research facilities, and ethical standards in research.
Additionally, supporting domestic clinical research and facilitating drug and vaccine registration processes will enhance the capabilities of Thai research units to gain international recognition, attract foreign research and development investment, and promote Thailand as a future regional clinical research hub.