On 17 July 2026, Prof. Piyamitr Sritara, M.D., FRC, President of Mahidol University, together with Prof. Chagriya Kitiyakara, MBBS (Lond), FRCP, Vice President for Research, Prof. Nopraenue Sajjarax Dhirathiti, Ph.D., Vice President for Global Partnerships and University Council, and Assoc. Prof. Weerapong Phumratanaprapin, M.D., Dean, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Assoc. Prof. Surakit Nathisuwan, Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assoc. Prof. Bundhit Jirajariyavej, Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, Prof. Dr. Punchada Sirivunnabood, Dean, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Asst. Prof. Aphiwit Liang-itsara, Ph.D., Dean, Faculty of Liberal Arts welcomed Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal of the United Kingdom during her official visit to the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University. The visit was also attended by H.E. Dr. Pattana Promphat, Minister of Public Health of Thailand, and H.E. Mr. Mark Gooding OBE, British Ambassador to Thailand, on the occasion of the launch of the ASEAN–UK Health Security Partnership (HSP) at the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne Building, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University.
The programme commenced with welcoming remarks delivered by Prof. Piyamitr Sritara, followed by an address from H.E. the Minister of Public Health. The distinguished guests then viewed a presentation introducing the ASEAN–UK Health Security Partnership, a regional initiative aimed at strengthening health security across ASEAN through enhanced disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, digital health systems, and the One Health approach to addressing emerging infectious diseases and cross-border health threats.
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of grant certificates to organisations receiving support under the ASEAN–UK Health Security Partnership. Among the awardees was the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, for its project entitled “Strengthening Cross Border Digital Health Interoperability and Surveillance in ASEAN through the Adoption of the International Patient Summary.” The grants also recognised leading institutions and regional partners working collaboratively to strengthen public health systems throughout Southeast Asia.
Her Royal Highness then viewed a short film featuring the story of a melioidosis survivor, highlighting the importance of strengthening health systems and regional collaboration in combating neglected tropical diseases. Following the keynote address by Her Royal Highness, she toured the ASEAN–UK Health Security Partnership showcase, where she met representatives of funded projects and engaged with the featured patient, Ms. Waraporn Saensri, whose story reflects the significance of research and international cooperation in improving public health outcomes.
The official visit concluded with a tour of the Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), where Prof. Nick Day, Director of Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU) introduced the Unit’s pioneering research on tropical diseases. Her Royal Highness observed the malaria laboratory, learned about MORU’s scientific contributions to global health, and signed the visitors’ book before concluding her visit.
The visit reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between Thailand and the United Kingdom while underscoring Mahidol University’s commitment to advancing global health, tropical medicine, and international research collaboration. It also highlighted the University’s leading role in promoting health security, scientific innovation, and sustainable partnerships that contribute to improving public health across ASEAN and beyond.
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