On June 1, 2025, Professor Piyamitr Sritara, MD, FRCP, President of Mahidol University, along with His Excellency Mr. Worawoot Phuapinya, Ambassador of Thailand to Wellington, Assoc. Prof. Nopraenue Sajjarax Dhirathiti, Ph.D., Vice President for Global Partnerships and University Council at Mahidol University, and a delegation from the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Simeon Brown, Minister of Health of New Zealand, in Wellington. Also present was Dr. Carlos Cheung, Member of Parliament for Mt. Roskill, Auckland.
The visit aimed to foster bilateral cooperation in medicine and public health between Thailand and New Zealand. Discussions addressed key areas such as health policy, community health initiatives, and the development of joint capacity-building programmes. Representatives from the University of Auckland, University of Otago, and New Zealand University of Science and Technology also joined the exchange.
During the visit, the Mahidol University delegation met with Professor Dr. Harvey D. White, Emeritus Professor at the University of Auckland and Director of The Green Lane Cardiovascular Research Unit, Te Toka Tumai Auckland, Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand. A recipient of the 1998 Prince Mahidol Award, Professor White shared valuable perspectives on public health strategies and healthcare system development in New Zealand.
In addition, the Ramathibodi medical team provided health consultations to Thai Buddhist monks and members of the Thai community at Wat Yannapatib in Auckland, in collaboration with Thai medical professionals in New Zealand. This outreach aimed to promote health and well-being among Thai nationals living abroad.
