From 27 September to 2 October 2026, H.E. Mrs. Piyapin Niyomrerks, Ambassador of Thailand to Kazakhstan, designated Dr. Orathai Phubunlap Gunaseelan, Minister-Counsellor, to represent the Royal Thai Embassy in Astana and lead a delegation of five physicians and medical personnel from the Center for Nuclear Medicine and Oncology in Semey and Semey Medical University on a visit to Thailand under the Embassy's Project “Thailand-Kazakhstan Science, Research and Innovation Diplomacy on Oncology and Precision Medicine.” The project aimed to advance cooperation in science, research and innovation diplomacy between Thailand and Kazakhstan, particularly in the fields of oncology, nuclear medicine and precision medicine. It also sought to establish and expand direct linkages among medical institutions, research institutions and specialists from both countries, thereby laying the foundation for long-term cooperation in joint research, medical personnel capacity building, technology transfer, and the exchange of knowledge and best practices.

                On this occasion, Minister-Counsellor Orathai led the delegation in meeting and holding discussions with Dr. Somchai Thanasitthichai, Director of the National Cancer Institute of Thailand, together with the Institute's physicians and specialists, to exchange views on ways to advance cooperation in oncology, medical personnel capacity building and medical tourism between Thailand and Kazakhstan. The delegation attended lectures on comprehensive cervical cancer care in Thailand and palliative care for cancer patients, toured the National Cancer Institute of Thailand, and observed robot-assisted surgery, reflecting the application of advanced technology to enhance surgical precision and treatment outcomes. The delegation also undertook a study visit to the Cancer Center, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, and the Ramathibodi Comprehensive Tumor Biobank. During the visit, the delegation toured the laboratories and learned about the systematic collection, management and utilisation of biospecimens and clinical data, constituting essential infrastructure for cancer research, precision medicine, and the development of future diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

               The delegation also visited Bangkok Cancer Hospital Wattanosoth, Thailand's first private specialist cancer hospital, which provides premium and comprehensive cancer care. The hospital is currently developing the Bangkok Proton Center, which is expected to begin providing services to Thai and international patients in 2029. Proton therapy will enable highly precise delivery of radiation to tumours while reducing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue, thereby expanding treatment options for complex cancers and strengthening Thailand’s potential as an international medical hub. The delegation further visited Chulabhorn Hospital, which originated as a centre dedicated to cancer research, education and treatment before developing into a specialist hospital and an integrated medical and research institution that applies knowledge in science, technology and innovation to patient care. In addition, the delegation visited CT Asia Robotics Co., Ltd. and held discussions with Dr. Chalermpol Punnotok, the company's Chief Executive Officer. Early September 2026, the company donated two Dinsaw AI Breath Analyzer devices to the Center for Nuclear Medicine and Oncology in Semey to support research, education and the development of artificial intelligence technology for breast cancer screening through the analysis of volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath. This represents a concrete example of cooperation between Thailand’s private sector and a public-sector institution in Kazakhstan.

 

                The implementation of the Project “Thailand-Kazakhstan Science, Research and Innovation Diplomacy on Oncology and Precision Medicine” reflects the Royal Thai Embassy's continuing commitment to advancing science, research and innovation diplomacy as an integral component of Thailand’s proactive economic diplomacy in Kazakhstan and the Central Asian region. The project builds upon the “Thailand-Kazakhstan Cooperation Project on Oncology and Innovative Medicine,” implemented in Astana from 5 to 9 April 2026, and the “Thailand-Kazakhstan Cooperation Project on Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment for Enhancing Medical Personnel Capacity,” implemented in Semey from 5 to 11 September 2026. The continued implementation of projects in both Thailand and Kazakhstan has fostered reciprocal cooperation that contributes to strengthening medical personnel capacity, promoting health security and building confidence in Thailand’s medical standards. It also creates opportunities to advance joint research, personnel and technology exchanges, medical tourism and the international market expansion of Thai medical innovations, while supporting Thailand’s goal of becoming an international hub for medical, healthcare and wellness services for Kazakhstan and the Central Asian region.