History of Modern Medical Services
Modern medicine in Thailand dates back over 100 years, during the reigns of King Rama III and King Rama IV when American and British missionaries introduced modern medicine in Thailand. However, the advancement of modern medicine really took a huge step during reign of King Rama V and began to rise steadily from then on. King Rama V initiated the idea to found Siriraj Hospital to accommodate people’s needs for healthcare. He founded the Royal Medical School that would later lay the foundation of modern medical schools. These initiatives led to establishments of other hospitals in Bangkok and large cities. His Royal Highness Prince Mahidol of Songkhla was one of the driving forces that have given Thai modern medicine its place among that of developed countries. HRH Princess Mahidol of Songkhla received certificate in Public Health and later graduated M.D. cum laude from Harvard University, USA. He became the pioneer in the Thai modern medicine and has been regarded as the “Father of Thailand’s Modern Medicine.” Even though he passed away at the early age of 38 due to deteriorating health, he has greatly contributed in modern medicine of Thailand. His Majesty King Bhumibol has granted permission to establish the Prince Mahidol Award as a global award in honor of His Royal Highness Prince Mahidol of Songkhla. The Award is granted to individuals or organizations around the world with outstanding work for humanity in the fields of medicine and public health.
During 1950s, many Thai medical doctors graduated or completed their training abroad, in the United States in particular. In 1970s and 1980s, a large number of Thai doctors continued their studies and trainings in the United StatesThailand. A number of medical doctors moved from public hospitals to work in private hospitals. At the same time, many Thai doctors practicing or having medical licenses abroad moved back to Thailand to
and other countries. During this time, private hospitals with international accreditation emerged in work in private hospitals.
One of the major driving forces behind the advancement of Thai modern medicine is the establishment of the “Thai Red Cross Society.”
The Founder: In the 112th year of Rattanakosin Era (BE 2436 or AD 1893), the conflict between the Kingdom of Siam and France over the disputed area on the left bank of Mae Khong had intensified into combats, causing a large number of casualties. There was no charitable organization to actively provide humanitarian aids and reliefs at that time. Thanpuying Plien Pasakornravongs gathered a group of female volunteers and proposed to the then Queen Sawang Wadhana (Somdej Pra Sri Savarindhara Boromratchadhevi Phra Panwasa Aiyika Chao) that His Majesty the King’s permission be sought to establish the “Red Unalom Society of Siam,” the purpose of which was to provide reliefs to injured soldiers. His Majesty the King Chulalongkorn graciously responded that the idea was in accordance with those of civilized nations, and therefore granted that a fundraising be carried out. A fund of 443,716 Baht, a large fortune at the time, has been eventually contributed. His Majesty the King Chulalongkorn also appointed Queen Sawang Wadhana the “Mother of the Society,” and Queen Saovabha Bhongsri the “President of the Society,” and Thanpuying Plien Pasakornravongs the “Society Secretary.”
Thanpuying Plien was one of the most modern, progressive, and intelligent women of her time. She is considered the first person to initiate the Thai Red Cross Society.
His Majesty King Chulalongkorn appreciated that the foundation of the Red Unalom Society of Siam reflects the country’s advancement towards a civilized society, so he graciously granted permission to establish the society on April 26th of the 112th year of Rattanakosin Era, the Foundation Day of the Thai Red Cross Society.
When His Majesty King Vajiravudth as the Crown Prince at the time passed through Japan on the way home from England, he was impressed by the work of the Japanese Red Cross Hospital. He believed such a hospital would be tremendously beneficial to the country. Upon the death of King Chulalongkorn, King Vajiravudh and his brothers and sisters decided to raise funds for the construction of a hospital on the King’s private land. The hospital then named after King Chulalongkorn as the “King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital,” belonging to the Thai Red Cross Society. The names “Red Unalom Society” and “Red Cross Society” was used interchangeably until 1910, when the first was dropped and the latter became widely recognized. The Siam Red Cross Society later changed its name to the Thai Red Cross Society when Siam became Thailand.
The Thai Red Cross Society has been officially recognized by the International Committee of the Red Cross on May 27th, 1920. It has been accepted as a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Society (formerly the League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Society) on April 8th, 1921.
Medical and Healthcare Services Currently Provided:
Medical Services
Medical Examination (Chulalongkorn Hospital)
Outpatient Department