1999 TPAA Medical Mission
Bangkok Post Newspaper, June 13, 1999

Thai doctors fly home to do rural work

Agroup of 85 Thai doctors and nurses have flown back from the United States to provide charity medical services to rural people in recognition of His Majesty the King's 72nd birthday.

Cherdkiat Saengkham, chairman of the Thai Physicians Association of America, said at a press conference yesterday that medical services, including surgery, will be given to people in Buri Ram and neighbouring provinces between June 14-17.

The charity drive set up to mark the King's birthday are based on a survey which found thyroid and eye diseases common illnesses among farmers, he said.

The doctor said his team expects to treat up to 250 out-patients a day during the brief session.

About 400 other cases will involve surgery-250 of them are eye diseases cases in which treatment including operations would cost about about 25,000-50,000 baht per head at a private hospital, he said.

"The doctors and the nurses are proud to provide the medical services to Thai people," said Mr Cherdkiat.

A medical seminar will also be held between June 22-27 for doctors and medical personnel to exchange experiences and knowledge with Thai medics and nurses based here.

Mr Cherdkiat said all the doctors and nurses are responsible for their own expenses.

He added that the charity project has nothing to do with politics and financial support from other sources is pure cooperation.

Pipit Jiammongkolthip, a former chairman of the association, said yesterday he believed the arrival of the medical team would also provide a boost to the local economy
Return to TPAA homepage Please send any comment to Webmaster