On 11 December 2024, Mrs. Pimwadee Sovaratanapong, Deputy Director-General and Acting Director-General of Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), witnessed the Handover Ceremony of the medical equipment under the Grant Assistance for the Programme for COVID-19 Crisis Response Emergency Support. H.E. Mr. Somsak Thepsutin, Minister of Public Health, Dr. Opart Karnkawinpong, Permanent Secretary for Public Health, H.E. Mr. OTAKA Masato, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand, and Mr. SUZUKI Kazuya, Chief Representative, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Thailand Office, also attended the ceremony at the Chainart Narenthorn Meeting Room, Ministry of Public Health.

The said programme was a testament of a successful cooperation between Thailand and Japan. Under this 500 million Yen (approximately 113 million Baht) Grant Assistance, Japanese technology and medical equipment will be provided to Thailand. This support aims to strengthen the resilient health system to prepare for post-COVID-19 pandemic recovery in three areas, including (1) upgrading quarantine measures at Suvarnabhumi International Airport and border checkpoints, (2) supporting the COVID-19 vaccine cold chain logistics, and (3) enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic system in medical facilities located in Thailand's border areas. The medical equipment supported by the Japanese Government over 60 items are ranging from COVID-19 antigen detection tools and next-generation sequencing systems, to equipment for isolation, e.g. negative pressure chambers and tents, biological safety cabinets, to COVID-19 treatment devices, including volume-controlled respirators, oxygen generators, and infusion pumps. Hospitals along the border areas in Sakeo, Ranong, Songkhla, and Tak provinces will also receive this bunch of equipment.

The aforementioned support from the Japanese Government reflects the close partnership in development cooperation between Thailand and Japan which marks its 70th anniversary in 2024, through collaboration between TICA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Japan in Thailand, and JICA. Under this Grant Assistance, all parties, including the Ministry of Public Health, have joined hands together not only to contribute to the effective disease control and the well-being of the people along the border areas between Thailand and neighbouring countries, but also to strengthen partnership for development between Thailand and Japan.