DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan 22 – Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with AstraZeneca’s Board Chairman Michel Demaré on Tuesday, reaffirming long-standing partnerships and exploring further research and development opportunities in Thailand.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum 2025, according to government spokesman Jirayu Huangsap.
During the talks, Paetongtarn highlighted Thailand’s position as a regional medical hub, noting the high volume of international patients, particularly from the Middle East, seeking treatment in Thai hospitals. She emphasized Thailand’s capacity to produce quality medical professionals through its medical schools.
Thailand is open to increased foreign investment and prioritizes collaboration with the private sector, she said, expressing interest in joint research initiatives with AstraZeneca, particularly in addressing the rising challenges of non-communicable diseases.
Demaré praised Thailand’s medical capabilities and confirmed AstraZeneca’s commitment to maintaining its significant manufacturing base in the country. The company expressed willingness to share its advanced pharmaceutical and healthcare expertise with Thai partners, focusing on driving biomedical innovation and improving healthcare access, particularly for non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The partnership builds on AstraZeneca’s existing role in supporting Thailand’s vision as a regional healthcare hub, including the company’s contributions to global medical treatments for conditions such as diabetes and cancer. -819 (TNA)