We mourn Professor Dr. Prawase Wasi, also known as 'Doctor Prawase,' who played a vital role in developing Thailand's public health and social systems. He passed away peacefully at the age of 93.
On 11 Jan 2026, it was reported that Doctor Buncha Pongpanich, director and secretary of the Buddhadasa Indapanno Archives Foundation (Suan Mokkh Bangkok), posted a photo and message mourning Professor Dr. Prawase Wasi on his personal Facebook at 23:33 on 10 Jan. He wrote, "Just now, I was informed by a friend in the capital that Professor Prawase has left us. This time, he chose not to go to the hospital anymore... Enough."
I recall hearing the professor discuss with Professor Senoa about his final illness, saying he only feared ending up like a mango falling and getting stuck on the roof without reaching the ground..."
Professor Dr. Prawase Wasi, born on 5 August 1932, was a highly skilled physician who significantly influenced social change in Thailand, especially in public health development. He discovered methods to prevent and treat hereditary red blood cell disorders causing thalassemia anemia. He also initiated the establishment of independent organizations overseeing the Ministry of Public Health, such as the National Health Commission Office (NHSO), Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI), Healthcare Accreditation Institute (HAI), and the National Institute for Emergency Medicine (NIEM), among others.
Information sourced from FacebookBunchar Pongpanich,Royal Institute