From 5 to 11 September 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 Thai medical doctors and oncology experts to Semey, Republic of Kazakhstan, to implement the project entitled “Thailand-Kazakhstan Cooperation on Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment for Enhancing Medical Personnel Capacity.” The Thai delegation comprised Dr. Chanisa Chotipanich, a nuclear medicine specialist from Chulabhorn Hospital, Chulabhorn Royal Academy; Dr. Prathomabhorn Chanthong, a medical specialist from the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, and the Cancer Centre of Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital; Dr. Tharathorn Tungkasamit, a radiology specialist from the National Cancer Institute of Thailand; Dr. Suebpong Tanasanvimon, a medical oncologist from the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University; Dr. Krisana Roisri, Deputy Medical Director of Surin Hospital; and Dr. Chalermpol Punnotok, Chief Executive Officer of CT Asia Robotics Co., Ltd. and creator of Dinsow, a Thai service robot.

               During the project, the Thai delegation exchanged knowledge, professional experience and best practices with medical doctors, healthcare personnel and specialists from the Center for Nuclear Medicine and Oncology in Semey and Semey Medical University. The programme featured workshops and academic lectures covering multidisciplinary cancer diagnosis and treatment, medical oncology, nuclear medicine, radiology, cancer care and pain management, as well as the application of robotics and digital technologies in healthcare services. The delegation also visited medical facilities and the university hospital in Semey and studied the historical, public-health and environmental consequences of nuclear weapons testing at the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site and in Kurchatov. These visits provided a deeper understanding of the links between radiation exposure, cancer and its long-term effects on people and local communities. On this occasion, Minister-Counsellor Orathai also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Dr. Chalermpol Punnotok and Mr. Sayat Zamambekovich Tanatov, Director of the Center for Nuclear Medicine and Oncology in Semey. The Memorandum seeks to promote cooperation on the application of the Dinsow robot, donated by CT Asia Robotics to the Center, in support of healthcare delivery and patient care.

               The “Thailand-Kazakhstan Cooperation on Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment for Enhancing Medical Personnel Capacity” project was supported by the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. The project reflects Thailand’s proactive efforts to advance its development diplomacy in Kazakhstan by mobilising Thai knowledge, expertise, technology and innovation to strengthen the capacity of medical personnel and establish direct networks between institutions and specialists from both countries. Such connections will provide a solid foundation for expanding long-term cooperation in medicine, education, research and innovation. The project also contributes to Thailand’s public-health diplomacy and its diplomacy in science, research, technology and innovation (SRI), which form an integral part of Thailand’s proactive economic diplomacy. Furthermore, it enhances confidence in Thailand’s medical system, healthcare professionals and technological capabilities, while supporting Thailand’s goal of becoming an international medical and public-health hub.