On 28 January 2025, Mrs. Pimwadee Sovaratanapong Deputy Director-General, Acting Director-General of Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) attended the Welcoming Ceremony of Japanese long-term experts dispatched to prepare the establishment of ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED). The event, which took place at the Permanent Secretary Office, Ministry of Public Health, was presided over by Dr. Pongsathorn Pokpermdee, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health. Participants included Mr. NISHIOKA Tatsushi, Deputy Chief of Mission, Minister and Permanent Representative of Japan to UNESCAP, Mr. KAWABE Ryoichi, Senior Representative of JICA, and representatives from Department of ASEAN Affairs as well as TICA.  

High-level representatives from Thai and Japanese sides expressed confidence that 3 Japanese experts, dispatched by JICA as a part of the programme, will build solid foundation for public health emergencies and emerging diseases management in ASEAN. The cooperation also demonstrated close and long-time partnership between Thailand and Japan.

The establishment of ACPHEED enhances capacity of ASEAN member states in managing emerging diseases in the post COVID-19 era. Contributing to such initiative, Japan dispatched 3 experts in the fields of pharmacology, veterinary, and project coordinator to be based in ACPHEED. Two more Japanese experts are anticipated in April 2025.