On 16 September 2026, the Royal Thai Embassy in Copenhagen, through the Thailand and Nordic Countries Innovation Unit (TNIU), in collaboration with the Department of Medical Sciences (DMSc), Ministry of Public Health of Thailand, hosted an event titled “Triple Helix: Synergies between Diplomacy, Innovation, and Industry – Bridging Innovation for Healthy Longevity” at UN City, Copenhagen, to promote cross-sectoral collaboration in leveraging diplomacy, innovation, and industry to drive healthy longevity.

 

During the opening of the event, H.E. Mrs. Suphanvasa Chotikajan Tang, Ambassador of Thailand to Denmark, highlighted the importance of healthy longevity in an aging society. She emphasised leveraging diplomacy as a bridge connecting policymakers, academia, and industry to foster international collaboration and develop health innovations that are equitable and accessible to all. Furthermore, the Ambassador underscored Thailand’s potential as a regional Medical Hub in Southeast Asia and its strength in integrating medical technology and innovation with "local wisdom" that addresses both physical and mental well-being such as Thai herbal foods, meditation, and Nuad Thai (traditional Thai massage), which was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2019. Additionally, Dr. Corinne Capuano, Director of Programme Management at the WHO Regional Office for Europe, delivered welcoming remarks emphasising the vital role of international cooperation and health equity in ensuring that scientific advancements meet public health needs and benefit the public inclusively.

 

On this occasion, Dr. Sarawut Boonsuk, Director-General of the Department of Medical Sciences, delivered a keynote address titled “From Lab to Life: Sciences for Healthy Longevity.” He highlighted Thailand’s medical science capabilities, Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs), and Thai herbal innovations, while outlining opportunities to expand research collaboration and joint investment with international partners to advance public health and Thailand’s health economy.

 

During the panel discussion aimed at exchanging perspectives and exploring collaborative opportunities in medical innovation, the three distinguished panelists, namely the Ambassador, Mr. Rasmus Gjesing, Regional Advisor for Access to Medicines and Health Products at the WHO Regional Office for Europe, and Associate Professor Morten Scheibye-Knudsen from the University of Copenhagen and President of the Nordic Aging Society, exchanged insights on how diplomacy, innovation, and industry can work in synergy to translate laboratory research into concrete, sustainable public benefits. The panelists underscored the importance of clear regulatory frameworks that facilitate innovation, serving as a fundamental factor in linking research, clinical trials, and investments to real-world healthcare applications, while also building trust and supporting long-term international collaboration

 

Furthermore, the event also featured an exhibition showcasing Thailand’s medical advancements, a networking reception presenting Thai food and herbal drinks connecting representatives from government agencies, academia, and medical research and innovation institutions from Denmark and the Nordic countries, as well as complimentary neck and shoulder massage courtesy of the Danish Association for Traditional Thai Massage and Culture to promote the health benefits of traditional Thai massage.