On 14 June 2023, Mr. Kraichok Arunpairojkul, Minister-Counseller, Human Resources Development Cooperation Division, represented Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) in BIMSTEC Business Conclave 2023 in Kolkata, India. He joined in BIMSTEC Health Forum: Healthcare Tourism-eHealth-Universal Health Coverage-Ayush, a thematic event which was attended by approximately 90 representatives from healthcare-related businesses and the media.

 

In addition to the successful implementation of Thailand's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) policy, Mr. Kraichok also highlighted TICA’s role in contributing to the achievement of Thailand's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 3: Ensuring good health and well-being for all, and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals. TICA works closely with the Ministry of Public Health to share Thailand’s experiences and good practices in public health with other developing countries under bilateral cooperation frameworks such as Universal Health Coverage Project in Kenya; Development of Ear Nose Throat (ENT) Center Project in Bhutan; and Development of Emergency Department at Dawei Hospital Project in Myanmar. Moreover, TICA also manages two scholarship programmes - Annual International Training Course and Thailand International Postgraduate Program - to assist other developing countries with their human capacity building in areas where Thailand has expertise, including public health. Although no TICA scholarships are provided exclusively under BIMSTEC, all BIMSTEC member countries are eligible to nominate candidates for AITC and TIPP scholarships.

 

Mr. Kraichok also mentioned Thailand's active role in promoting health security on the international arena. For example, it worked together with like-minded countries to push for the UN’s recognition of UHC as a global priority and the adoption of a UNGA resolution to declare 12 December as International UHC Day. Now, the country plays an important part in the UNGA High-Level Meeting on UHC. At its forthcoming meeting in September 2023, Thailand and Guyana were appointed as Co-facilitators of the preparatory process to ensure that the conference will contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.