News

Walailak University (WU), by health science-related schools and Center for International Affairs, in collaboration with the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPCE) of Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have collaboratively organized the International Seminar on Primary Healthcare, Wellness and Medical Tourism at Chorpradu Chamber, Walailak University Hospital, today.

The event was presided over by Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of WU, and attended by faculty members from WU various schools namely, School of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, School of Public Health, School of Allied Health Sciences, and School of Nursing. 

Leading the delegation from Hong Kong was Professor Dr. Pok Man Peter Yuen, Dean of CPCE from PolyU.

During the event, interesting topics were presented and discussed, such as how Hong Kong is spending on its healthcare system and a way to ensure a sustainable funding source for enhanced primary services.

The research presentation extended to cover medical education and primary care research in Thailand, as well as social factors contributing to obesity among the elderly in Pakpoon community, in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.

According to the research findings by Lecturer Pornchanuch Chumpunuch, from WU School of Nursing, the factors contributing to obesity in the Pakpoon community, which is located just 20 kilometers away from WU, include the eating and exercising behaviors of the elders, as well as the caregivers’ behavior. This ongoing effort aims to address health issues in the future.

In the afternoon, the Hong Kong delegation toured Bang Pu primary care facilities and was provided a Thai massage at WU Applied Thai Traditional Medicine Hospital.

Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthayawong, President of WU, mentioned that Thailand is currently transitioning towards an aging society, leading to a decreasing number of the younger generation. However, over the past three to four years at WU, there has been an increase not only in the quantity but also in the quality of applicants. This is evidenced by the rising number of applicants and the elevation of GPAX. 

Professor Sombat believes this is a result of teaching and learning reforms at WU, including the adoption of the UK Professional Standards Framework and a commitment to producing top research published in Scopus-indexed journals.

President Sombat and Professor Peter Yuen also expressed mutual interest in exchanging professors and students to further strengthen collaborations between the two institutions.