Bangkok, 26 November 2025: ERIA signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Medical Excellence Japan (MEJ) and the Wattanosoth Cancer Hospital (WSH), part of the Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) network, on 26 November 2025 in Thailand. The MoU not only celebrated Thailand’s advancement in proton beam therapy for cancer care, but also sought to enhance healthcare system and services in ASEAN and East Asia, particularly through public-private partnerships.

Launch of the Bangkok Proton Center

The signing ceremony commenced with a video presentation introducing WSH’s Bangkok Proton Center, launched on the same day. The centre will offer cutting-edge proton therapy, reinforcing BDMS’ vision of comprehensive, personalised cancer treatment across the region.

Dr Poramaporn Prasarttong-Osoth, President and Senior CEO of Group1 at BDMS, delivered opening remarks. She highlighted the continuing rise in cancer incidence and mortality, stressing the urgent need for advanced solutions. Innovation and compassion will shape the future of cancer care, ensuring patients receive the highest standards of treatment. She also expressed appreciation to ERIA and MEJ for their unwavering support in establishing the Bangkok Proton Center, describing its launch as a beacon of hope, confidence, and resilience for patients and families worldwide.

His Excellency Masato Ohtaka, Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Thailand, followed with a congratulatory address. He congratulated the launch of the first proton therapy centre in a private hospital in Thailand and addressed the increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related. Recalling the limited treatment options available in the past, he acknowledged the enduring hope of patients and families hold for progress toward cures. Conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy, can bring severe side effects that significantly impact the quality of life, sometimes leading patients to hesitate or discontinue treatment. Advanced therapies like proton treatment can help patients regain a sense of normalcy and hope for the future.

The Ambassador also highlighted the need for skilled personnel and knowledge exchange to operate sophisticated medical devices. He noted the long-standing legacy of Thai–Japanese collaboration, including Japan’s support for Thailand’s Universal Health Coverage development. Today’s MoU elevates this partnership to a new level, strengthening both co-operation and friendship.

Statements from MoU Signatories

According to Dr Thiravud Khuhaprema, Hospital Director of WSH, the hospital treats over 3,000 new cancer cases annually, with 60% of patients coming from overseas. Dr Khuhaprema underscored the precision and accuracy of proton beam therapy, which minimises exposure – especially critical when traditional radiation poses high risks. As the most advanced and effective option, proton therapy represents a new era in treatment. Japan, a global leader with 20 proton centres nationwide, is a key partner through Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd., which brings next-generation technology to Thailand. This achievement has been made possible through co-operation with ERIA and MEJ. Until 2029, WSH’s Bangkok Proton Center will focus on construction, system readiness, and staff training to deliver world-class of excellence and care. A dedicated committee is committed to introducing the latest techniques under the hospital’s guiding principle of ‘care beyond cure.’

Dr Kenji Shibuya, Chief Executive Officer of MEJ, described this milestone as a testament to deepening co-operation and a shared mission to deliver the highest standard of cancer care. He emphasised that innovation must be paired with a strong healthcare foundation and sustained investment for society’s benefit, noting that artificial intelligence will play an essential role. Japan’s comprehensive cancer control system – built on rigorous training, early detection protocols, and advanced surgical techniques – ensures patients truly benefit from technological advances. Yet, technology alone is not enough; Japan’s two decades of clinical training demonstrate that people ultimately bring innovation to life. This commitment, he noted, extends beyond the MoU to lifelong support for survivorship and building a compassionate, sustainable model of care.

Speaking on behalf of ERIA’s President Watanabe, Dr Manami Uechi, Director of Health Services at ERIA, introduced the institute’s cross-sectoral initiative developed in partnership with the Government of Japan under the Medical Excellence in Asia framework, focused on people’s health and well-being. The MoU and the Bangkok Proton Center launch represent a groundbreaking step in this vision. This initiative goes beyond science and technology – it provides a blueprint for ASEAN and its partners, integrating research, policy, and implementation to enhace and strengthen health systems and services in the region through public-private-partnerhips.

Advancing Cancer Care in Thailand & Broader Region

Proton therapy represents a transformative leap in cancer care, offering non-invasive, highly targeted radiation that spares healthy tissue and results in far fewer side effects – particularly beneficial for paediatric and older patients and in protecting critical organs. ERIA is proud to champion this innovation in Southeast Asia through a unique partnership with MEJ and BDMS, combining Japan’s advanced technology, BDMS’ clinical excellence, and ERIA’s policy leadership.

In Thailand, where cancer burden is rising along with a rapid demographic shift, this therapy promises better health outcomes and quality of life, though affordability and accessibility remain a challenge. ERIA is working closely with stakeholders to design sustainable health financing models in several member states. Dr Uechi reaffirmed ERIA’s commitment to bridging research, policy, and implementation, ensuring that innovations like proton therapy support the broader vision of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable healthcare systems for an ageing Asia.

The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), and Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. were also present for this momentus milestone for Thailand, Japanese–Thai partnership, and regional collaborations.

Related links:

BDMS Introduces Advanced Proton Therapy The First Provider in Thailand’s Private Sector, Advancing Toward Becoming a “Global Destination for the Next Generation of Advanced Cancer Care” | Bangkok Cancer Hospital

- BDMS “Global destination for the next generation of advanced cancer care” (in Thai)

BDMS MEJ ERIA '' | (in Thai)

BDMS “Global destination for the next generation of advanced cancer care” : PPTVHD36 (in Thai)

BDMS “Global destination for the next generation of advanced cancer care” - ASEAN All News (in Thai)