Bangkok, 4 September 2024: ERIA, in collaboration with Medical Excellence Japan (MEJ), hosted the inaugural ‘ME Japan - ME Thailand Forum Meeting’ in Bangkok, Thailand, in a hybrid format on 4 September 2024. This event marked the commencement of activities under the MExx initiative, with ERIA and MEJ working together to establish Medical Excellence Thailand (ME Thailand). This interactive framework aims to foster collaboration between the healthcare industry, governments, academia, medical sectors, and civil societies of Thailand and Japan.

The forum attracted significant interest from various stakeholders, with over 100 on-site participants. Attendees included representatives from the Thai Ministry of Health, Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Thai Medical Device Technology Industry Association (ThaiMed), and the Senior Health Service and Trade Association (SHSTA).

The meeting commenced with opening remarks by Kalin Sarasin, representing the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, as well as the Thai-Japanese Association, and Yumi Numajiri from the Embassy of Japan in Thailand. Following the opening remarks, a panel discussion was held, focusing on the background and future of the Japan–Thailand Intergovernmental Partnership and the establishment of Medical Excellence Thailand (ME Thailand).

Opening panel speakers included Dr Kanyarat Kuysuwan (Medical Hub Industrial Promotion, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health), Taisuke Hashimoto (Healthcare Industries Division and International Business Promotion Office, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI)), Dr Nart Fongsmut (Healthcare Industries Division and International Business Promotion Office, METI), and Kanoko Oishi (MEJ), with Dr Kenji Shibuya (MEJ) as the moderator.

A focus session was conducted afterwards on the theme of ‘Independence-Centred Care for Aging Society in Thailand and Japan.’ Experts from both countries discussed the needs and challenges of nursing care and independence support for older persons in Thailand, as well as Japan's initiatives in this area.

Speakers for this session comprised Dr Gengpong Tangaroonsanti (Senior Health Service and Trade Association (SHSTA)), Preecha Bhandtivej (ThaiMed), Dr Nanako Tamiya (Faculty of Medicine, Health Service Research Department, Tsukuba University), Masashi Suzuki (ABeam Consulting), and Yoshiki Sasaki (Social Impact Solutions Co., Ltd. (SIPS)), with Kanoko Oishi (MEJ) as the moderator.

During the Q&A session, participants inquired about nursing care practices in Japan and Thailand, as well as the future structure and next steps for ME Thailand, indicating a high level of interest in the topic.

Dr Manami Uechi, Director of ERIA’s Healthcare Unit, and Preecha Bhandtivej from the ThaiMed delivered closing remarks, highlighting the potential of ME Thailand and its anticipated impact on Thailand, Japan, and the wider region.

In addition to the forum, 10 Japanese companies showcased their products at exhibition booths, and individual meetings were conducted with eight Thai companies and medical institutions. On 5 September, participants visited Mr Ngamnetr Eiamnakha from the Department of Health Services Promotion, Thailand’s Ministry of Health, to present their products and medical institutions and to exchange views. The event also included visits to Chersery Home, a residential facility for older adults, and Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital, a private medical institution.

ERIA will continue its collaboration with ME Thailand to plan future events.