Category: The Bangkok Post

Thailand wants to become a regional artificial intelligence (AI) medical hub by developing AI models tailored to Southeast Asian populations and turning decades of clinical research into advances in precision medicine, drug discovery and cancer treatment.

The strategy seeks to combine the country’s clinical expertise, diverse patient data and research archives with private investment to bring innovations to commercial usage, said Deputy Prime Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat at the Global Medical AI Summit 2026 yesterday, co-hosted by the AI Entrepreneur Association of Thailand (AIEAT) and the Technology and Innovation in Life Sciences National Agency.

Thailand’s priorities span from building regional medical foundation models, AI-driven genomics, generative biology, autonomous discovery, longitudinal AI, human digital twins and precision oncology, he noted.

The regional medical foundation models rely on AI systems trained on extensive datasets to support multiple applications that address Southeast Asian populations.

Mr Yodchanan said existing models are insufficiently tailored to the region’s demographics and clinical conditions.

“Thailand’s multicultural patient base could help develop systems better suited to these populations,” he said.

The proposed models will move beyond 2D imaging to 3D structures and 4D data capturing changes over time, enabling analysis of complex spatial and time-series clinical information, noted Mr Yodchanan.

AI-driven genomics can connect clinical and biological data to support personalised care. University hospitals’ tissue-imaging archives, spanning 50 years, could provide a foundation for cancer research.

Linking these records with molecular biology and spatial transcriptomics, which maps gene activity within tissues, could deepen understanding of cancer and guide more targeted treatments, he said.

Generative biology and autonomous discovery would involve laboratories where AI systems connect to equipment, initiate experiments, analyse results and guide subsequent tests. Automating repeated experimental work can accelerate parts of drug discovery.

Longitudinal AI and human digital twins develop disease-specific twins for heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease risk prediction.

Mr Yodchanan said medical AI should support preventive care and drug discovery using local natural ingredients, linking healthcare research with Thailand’s agricultural resources.

Under a “one health” approach, human health information would be combined with environmental, animal and agricultural data to improve understanding of disease and prevention, he noted.

Thailand’s demographic and behavioural diversity could strengthen its appeal to international researchers, alongside its position as a medical destination connecting India, southern China, Vietnam and southern Indonesia.

Mr Yodchanan also proposed adapting space and defence technologies to locally produce medical imaging equipment and vaccine machinery.

FROM RESEARCH TO MARKET

University hospitals account for 80-90% of Thailand’s medical innovations, making them central to these ambitions, he noted.

A nationwide consortium of university holding companies was established to facilitate collaboration in related areas. Technology licensing offices would help startups and overseas partners access intellectual property and turn research into products.

Mr Yodchanan urged researchers to pursue original scientific contributions capable of competing in the international market. Government funding alone might be insufficient to scale pharmaceutical and medical AI ventures, requiring international venture capital and private investment.

“Supporting infrastructure would include high-performance data centres, reliable energy supplies and shared laboratories,” he said.

Supachai Parchariyanon, managing partner of SeaX Ventures, said the company’s non-profit Southeast Asia Health Tech Innovation Hub aims to accelerate clinical validation, hospital adoption and market expansion. The network spans 50 partner health systems and has reached 30 million patients, targeting 100 million by the end of 2028. The hub is working with Skribe Medical USA on AI-discovered cancer drugs, he said.

Chanwit Boonchuay, the AIEAT president, identified three opportunities for medical AI solutions: earlier disease detection, personalised care, and AI-driven drug discovery.

Thailand aims to become a high-income economy by 2037, with a new five-year science and innovation strategy targeting annual GDP growth of 5%.

Deputy Prime Minister and Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat announced the goal after chairing a meeting of the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council on Oct 26.

The council reviewed three draft plans for 2028-2032 covering higher education, workforce development, and science, research and innovation. They aim to align education and research with industrial needs, develop skilled workers and create new sources of growth to help Thailand escape the middle-income trap.

It also approved the “Thailand²: Nation of Master” initiative, which will develop three high-value sectors: semiconductors, medical and wellness products, and future foods and bio-based products.

The Siam Silica programme aims to bring Thailand into the semiconductor supply chain, focusing on chip design, photonics and advanced packaging. It targets eight Thai and international chip-design start-ups and multinational design centres by 2030.

Siam Medica will promote health and wellness industries, including herbal products, biotechnology, medical devices and precision medicine, while Siam Terra aims to upgrade agriculture through smart farming, high-value food production and biomanufacturing.

Microsoft is set to remove eight artificial intelligence context commands from the right-click menu in Windows 11, following a strong backlash from users who criticised the system as being overly cluttered with unnecessary AI tools.

The decision affects shortcut options previously introduced to streamline file management through Copilot. The features allowed users to process documents and media directly without opening separate applications, including generating document summaries, comparing files, analysing images and extracting text from image files.

According to Microsoft, the eight AI commands being removed from the right-click context menu are:

1. Summarize: Summarises document content.

2. Create FAQ: Generates a list of questions and answers from a document.

3. Compare Files: Highlights differences between files.

4. Ask a question: Queries AI regarding information within a file.

5. Explain image: Provides an AI description of an image.

6. Explain images: Analyzes multiple images simultaneously.

7. Compare images: Compares differences across multiple images.

8. Extract text: Extracts embedded text from images into editable format.

The update does not signify the removal of Copilot from Windows 11, as these specific shortcuts primarily function in tandem with OneDrive.

Users will retain access to these capabilities through the standard “Ask Copilot” menu option, though individual dedicated commands will no longer clutter the context interface. Microsoft stated that the adjustment aims to simplify the right-click menu, with the rollout beginning in mid-November 2026 and expected to conclude by early December 2026.

This step follows previous actions by Microsoft to scale back Copilot visual elements across its ecosystem. The tech giant recently removed the “Ask Copilot” button from the Snipping Tool and Photos apps, while renaming the Copilot button in Notepad “Writing Tools”, to offer clearer functionality for end users.

The course correction comes amidst the growing frustration of Windows 11 users over what many perceive as forced AI integration across the operating system. Dissatisfaction has spawned the satirical moniker “Microslop” – combining Microsoft with “AI slop”, a term used to describe low-quality machine-generated content.

While Microsoft has not explicitly linked the removal of these options to user pushback, the move signals a shift toward listening to customer feedback. The strategy reflects a refined approach to Copilot, prioritizing practical utility over embedding AI features into every component of Windows 11.

The Malaysian government has approved an extension of its East Coast rail line to the Thai border in Narathiwat province.

The extension, which will run between Kota Bharu in Kelantan and the border town of Rantau Panjang, opposite Narathiwat’s Sungai Kolok district, was among several state projects endorsed by Kuala Lumpur, Bernama reported on Sunday, citing Kelantan Chief Minister Mohd Nassuruddin Daud.

Malaysia is currently building the East Coast Rail Link, a major new line connecting Port Klang on the west coast to Kota Bharu. The project aims to boost trade, investment and tourism along the east coast.

Kuala Lumpur intends to use the rail network to transport more Malaysian goods to China via the Asean member states Thailand and Laos.

The Be One Foundation is facing scrutiny over allegations that about 1 million baht was transferred from its accounts to personal accounts belonging to its founder, Chalida Phalamat, and her family.

Boonyanuch Saengsri, who runs the Oilsri and Phong Phueak Facebook page, and Phuwakorn Srinian of the Human and Environmental Trust Alliance (HETA) raised the allegations at a press conference on Sunday, calling for an investigation into the foundation’s registration, fundraising and finances.

Ms Boonyanuch said financial records showed about 100 transfers totalling 1 million baht to accounts belonging to Ms Chalida, her husband, son and daughter-in-law. Some transfers allegedly went to former associates. She questioned whether the foundation kept its funds separate from personal accounts and demanded an explanation for the transactions.

She also alleged Ms Chalida forged another person’s signature on registration and banking documents when setting up the foundation in November 2024. Ms Boonyanuch said a complaint was filed with Bang Bua Thong police in October 2025. Ms Chalida subsequently admitted the forgery in court and was convicted of forgery and using forged documents, she said.

Mr Phuwakorn questioned whether the foundation had obtained permission to solicit donations, noting several donors had filed fraud complaints against Ms Chalida.

In a separate case, the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) has accepted a complaint over alleged financial irregularities at the Goodness Foundation, chaired by former beauty queen Panadda “Boom” Wongphudee. Investigators said they had questioned complainants and were examining possible public fraud and money laundering.

The investigation is ongoing, with further details expected next week.

Rajavithi Hospital has become the first hospital under the Ministry of Public Health to perform minimally invasive, multi-vessel coronary artery bypass surgery using robotic assistance.

The hospital, overseen by the Department of Medical Services (DMS), achieved the breakthrough through a procedure known as robotic internal mammary artery harvest with total coronary revascularisation via anterior thoracotomy.

The technique reduces patients’ pain and complications while speeding up recovery and shortening hospital stays.

DMS director-general Dr Weerawut Imsamran said Rajavithi Hospital was the department’s leading institution in robotic surgery and the first government hospital to pioneer the technology.

Robotic-assisted procedures are now used to treat various cancers and complex conditions involving multiple medical specialities, including prostate cancer, tonsil disorders, base of tongue cancer, liver and colorectal cancers, uterine fibroids, and heart diseases, he said.

The hospital has performed more than 1,600 robotic-assisted operations to date. Its latest achievement builds on its Robotic Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery Project.

Hospital director Arkom Chaiwerawattana said robotic-assisted surgery offered significant advantages over conventional open-heart surgery, which typically requires a 20-25cm incision through the breastbone.

He said up to four coronary arteries can be bypassed in a single operation.

Thailand wants to become a regional artificial intelligence (AI) medical hub by developing AI models tailored to Southeast Asian populations and turning decades of clinical research into advances in precision medicine, drug discovery and cancer treatment.

The strategy seeks to combine the country’s clinical expertise, diverse patient data and research archives with private investment to bring innovations to commercial usage, said Deputy Prime Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat at the Global Medical AI Summit 2026 yesterday, co-hosted by the AI Entrepreneur Association of Thailand (AIEAT) and the Technology and Innovation in Life Sciences National Agency.

Thailand’s priorities span from building regional medical foundation models, AI-driven genomics, generative biology, autonomous discovery, longitudinal AI, human digital twins and precision oncology, he noted.

The regional medical foundation models rely on AI systems trained on extensive datasets to support multiple applications that address Southeast Asian populations.

Mr Yodchanan said existing models are insufficiently tailored to the region’s demographics and clinical conditions.

“Thailand’s multicultural patient base could help develop systems better suited to these populations,” he said.

The proposed models will move beyond 2D imaging to 3D structures and 4D data capturing changes over time, enabling analysis of complex spatial and time-series clinical information, noted Mr Yodchanan.

AI-driven genomics can connect clinical and biological data to support personalised care. University hospitals’ tissue-imaging archives, spanning 50 years, could provide a foundation for cancer research.

Linking these records with molecular biology and spatial transcriptomics, which maps gene activity within tissues, could deepen understanding of cancer and guide more targeted treatments, he said.

Generative biology and autonomous discovery would involve laboratories where AI systems connect to equipment, initiate experiments, analyse results and guide subsequent tests. Automating repeated experimental work can accelerate parts of drug discovery.

Longitudinal AI and human digital twins develop disease-specific twins for heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease risk prediction.

Mr Yodchanan said medical AI should support preventive care and drug discovery using local natural ingredients, linking healthcare research with Thailand’s agricultural resources.

Under a “one health” approach, human health information would be combined with environmental, animal and agricultural data to improve understanding of disease and prevention, he noted.

Thailand’s demographic and behavioural diversity could strengthen its appeal to international researchers, alongside its position as a medical destination connecting India, southern China, Vietnam and southern Indonesia.

Mr Yodchanan also proposed adapting space and defence technologies to locally produce medical imaging equipment and vaccine machinery.

FROM RESEARCH TO MARKET

University hospitals account for 80-90% of Thailand’s medical innovations, making them central to these ambitions, he noted.

A nationwide consortium of university holding companies was established to facilitate collaboration in related areas. Technology licensing offices would help startups and overseas partners access intellectual property and turn research into products.

Mr Yodchanan urged researchers to pursue original scientific contributions capable of competing in the international market. Government funding alone might be insufficient to scale pharmaceutical and medical AI ventures, requiring international venture capital and private investment.

“Supporting infrastructure would include high-performance data centres, reliable energy supplies and shared laboratories,” he said.

Supachai Parchariyanon, managing partner of SeaX Ventures, said the company’s non-profit Southeast Asia Health Tech Innovation Hub aims to accelerate clinical validation, hospital adoption and market expansion. The network spans 50 partner health systems and has reached 30 million patients, targeting 100 million by the end of 2028. The hub is working with Skribe Medical USA on AI-discovered cancer drugs, he said.

Chanwit Boonchuay, the AIEAT president, identified three opportunities for medical AI solutions: earlier disease detection, personalised care, and AI-driven drug discovery.

The Department of Rural Roads (DRR) is building a 1.76-kilometre bridge across Lam Pao Reservoir in Kalasin to connect Sahatsakhan and Sam Chai districts, improve transport links and support agricultural trade and tourism.

DRR director-general Phichit Hunsiri said the 836-million-baht project was more than 31% complete, ahead of schedule, and expected to be finished in 2028. Work includes pile foundations and piers in the reservoir, casting bridge-deck sections and building the approach road.

Before the reservoir was built, residents of Ban Dong Noi in tambon Phu Sing, Sahatsakhan district, and Ban Non Than in tambon Samran Tai, Sam Chai district, could travel easily between the two communities. However, its construction forced residents to relocate to opposite sides, making travel across the water necessary.

Residents now rely on a small ferry that carries about four cars per trip and operates only during daylight hours. The crossing takes 15-20 minutes and costs 100 baht per vehicle.

Without the ferry, motorists must travel about 42 kilometres around the reservoir via highways 227 and 2289 to journey between the two districts.

The bridge is expected to reduce the journey between Sahatsakhan and Sam Chai by 21 kilometres, and the distance between Ban Dong Noi and Ban Non Than by about 63 kilometres.

The project aims to improve access to schools and hospitals, particularly for students and patients, while reducing the time and cost of transporting agricultural produce, including sugarcane, cassava, rice and rubber, to markets and factories.

The bridge will have two traffic lanes and a 12-metre-wide carriageway. The project also includes 1.595km of connecting roads, U-turn points beneath both ends of the bridge, drainage systems, street lighting and road safety equipment. The roads will connect the bridge to the existing local network.

An independent review has unanimously ruled Jonathan Haggerty’s disputed knee against Hiroki Akimoto legal, the Bangkok Post understands, leaving his ONE Championship bantamweight kickboxing title victory intact.

A 12-member commission voted 12-0 in favour of the strike’s legality, and Akimoto’s team has been informed of the outcome, a source close to the situation said.

The commission is understood to have based its unanimous verdict primarily on a finding that Haggerty did not have both hands on Akimoto during the disputed sequence.

Central to that assessment was the interpretation of a clinch as involving both hands around an opponent’s head and neck.

The finding follows a protest from the Japanese challenger’s camp over the finishing sequence at ONE Samurai 4 on Oct 17, when Haggerty retained his title with a third-round stoppage at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena.

Had the finish been ruled illegal and Haggerty’s victory changed to a disqualification loss, he could have lost the belt to Akimoto. ONE titles have changed hands by disqualification, including Joshua Pacio’s strawweight MMA win over Jarred Brooks after an illegal slam in Qatar in March 2024, although that ruling was made on the night.

An adverse finding would also have raised questions over whether Haggerty would have to return his US$100,000 performance bonus. ONE had not publicly clarified what an illegal-strike ruling would mean for the result, title or bonus.

Akimoto’s camp alleged that Haggerty held and pulled Akimoto into knee strikes, breaching restrictions it said were explained during the pre-fight rules briefing.

‘Under ONE Championship’s kickboxing rules, holding an opponent, pulling them in and delivering knee strikes is prohibited,’ Akimoto’s manager wrote in the English version of the team’s initial Instagram statement.

The camp subsequently questioned referee Olivier Coste’s handling of two incidents, saying no warning was given after the knee that caused the first knockdown, or after a similar action shortly afterwards.

In an Oct 21 update, Akimoto’s management said ONE had agreed to a formal video review involving a third party, with an answer expected within a week.

The commission’s membership and detailed reasoning were not available to the Bangkok Post.

ONE chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong had publicly defended the finish during a Facebook Live broadcast last week on the promotion’s Thailand page, without announcing the review’s findings.

‘There was no foul,’ he said in Thai.

Chatri argued that Haggerty had used one hand and had not pulled Akimoto into the strike.

‘If you watch the slow motion, when the knee hits Akimoto’s face, Haggerty’s hand has already slipped free,’ he said.

‘It is near his head, but it isn’t in contact.’

Those remarks offered a more detailed defence than his initial assessment at the post-event press conference, when he acknowledged he had not yet reviewed the footage.

The finishing sequence began with a right hand from Haggerty before a knee dropped Akimoto. The challenger beat the count, but further punches and another knee prompted his corner to throw in the towel after 42 seconds of the third round.

The 29-year-old British champion received a US$100,000 performance bonus for the victory, his third successful kickboxing title defence after wins over Wei Rui and Yuki Yoza.

Akimoto’s manager reported that the 34-year-old had suffered a nasal fracture and a cut to the bridge of his nose. The Oct 21 update said he was undergoing detailed examinations and preparing for surgery.

The defeat ended his three-fight winning streak against John Lineker, Wei and Taimu Hisai, which had earned him another opportunity to reclaim the title he lost to Petchtanong Petchfergus in November 2022.

Haggerty has described the use of his knees as a tactical adjustment, explaining in an interview published by ONE how he discussed bringing them into the fight with coach Christian Knowles.

‘My knees are my new elbows,’ he said.

A return to Muay Thai remains among his ambitions. Haggerty has not competed under that ruleset since losing his bantamweight title to Superlek Kiatmoo9 in September 2024.

During last week’s Facebook Live, Chatri indicated Haggerty was expected to return in 2027 and expressed interest in a fight with current Muay Thai champion Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri.

Yod-IQ’s foot injury has been affecting his training, however, and the match-up has not been confirmed.

The trial run of new express bus services with limited stops was plagued by poor communication on Monday, with many Bangkok commuters left wondering why buses were passing them by without stopping.

They took to social media on Monday morning, sharing their experiences, with many expressing dissatisfaction with the project, launched by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) to ‘improve convenience and speed up journeys during rush hours’.

The express buses operated on 24 routes across Bangkok and in surrounding provinces, using both air-conditioned and hot-air buses.

It is aimed at shortening journey times, with buses dropping and collecting passengers only at designated major stops, instead of at every stop along the route. Normal fares apply.

Buses taking part in the trial carry signs reading ‘Express Bus’ on their front windscreen and sides, to help passengers identify them.

Passenger feedback was mixed.

Some commuters said the BMTA should have advertised it more widely in advance. Many commuters were unaware a new service was being trialled and had not checked the routes or designated stops before setting out.

Others questioned the decision to introduce selective stops using an already limited number of regular buses, saying it was unsuited to Bangkok’s public transport system.

‘City buses should serve as feeder services, providing widespread connections and distributing passengers across communities, particularly residential areas,’ Facebook user Korakot Phupaiboon commented on the BMTA’s Facebook page.

‘Many bus stops serve schools and residential neighbourhoods, where commuters already face long waiting times. Having buses pass without stopping only adds to their difficulties,’ the user said.

Under the trial schedule, morning express services depart from their starting terminals at 6am, 7am and 8am, while buses departing from the other end of the route leave at 7am, 8am and 9am.

During the evening rush, buses leave their starting terminals at 4pm, 5pm and 6pm, with return trips departing at 5pm, 6pm and 7pm.

The BMTA has also opened a website channel for passengers to submit formal feedback on the trial. However, it has not specified how long the trial will run.