From 11–16 April 2026, Mr. Chulvat Narinthrangura, Director-General of Thailand International Cooperation Agency, led a delegation on an official visit to the Independent State of Samoa and the Kingdom of Tonga, comprising Professor Dr. Piyamitr Sritara, President of Mahidol University; Professor Dr. Apichat Asavamongkolkul, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital; a team of medical specialists from Siriraj, Ramathibodi, Banphaeo, and Vajira Hospitals; and delegations from the Department of American and South Pacific Affairs as well as the Royal Thai Embassy at Wellington.

The Director-General delivered medical equipment on behalf of Thailand to Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital, Samoa, and held discussions with H.E. Mr. Motuopua‘a Henney Papalii, Deputy Minister of Health, alongside the medical delegation, to follow up on the progress of health cooperation. The delegation also paid a courtesy call on Ms. Peseta Noumea Simi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, strengthening the nearly 50-year-old Thailand–Samoa diplomatic relations, while also exploring bilateral and regional cooperation opportunities, including extending an invitation to Samoa to participate in the 6th Thailand–Pacific Islands Forum (TPIF), to be hosted by Thailand in April 2026.

During the Samoa visit, the Thai medical specialists conducted cardiac consultations and treatment planning for over 60 Samoan patients at Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital, and performed more than 30 surgical procedures, including general surgery, cleft lip and palate repair, and prostate surgery. The medical team remains in Samoa for an additional period to perform further prostate surgeries, with an estimated 30–35 additional cases to be treated.

Regarding the Tonga visit, the Director-General was granted a royal audience with H.R.H. Princess Sinaitakala Tuku‘aho, Crown Princess of Tonga, to present views on avenues for supporting cooperation on cocoa cultivation in Tonga. The delegation also paid a courtesy call on Dr. Reynold ‘Ofanoa, CEO of the Ministry of Health, before visiting Vaiola Hospital and holding discussions with the hospital’s executives to advance cooperation in medical personnel development.