SOMIC Packaging expands presence in Asia with Grand Opening of SOMIC APAC in Bangkok

The German packaging OEM manufacturer now provides Sales, Engineering, R&D, and packaging design services in the Southeast Asian and Pacific region and strives to fulfil the increasing demand in these markets through its services.

Bangkok, December 15, 2023 – SOMIC Packaging, a leading German manufacturer of shelf-ready packaging machines, marks a significant milestone with the grand opening of its subsidiary, SOMIC Packaging Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. (SOMIC APAC), in Bangkok, Thailand. The event took place at the state-of-the-art SOMIC APAC branch office, located in the vibrant Rama 9 district.

Dr. Gerhard Huber, CEO SOMIC Group, gave the opening speech.

Mr.Lothar Barth, Director Sales International at SOMIC.

SOMIC Packaging, with 50 years of expertise in the packaging industry, is renowned for its commitment to precision, innovation and mechanical engineering perfection. The establishment of SOMIC APAC reflects the company's strategic move to strengthen its international footprint and become a premier partner for businesses in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. “A growing variety of products and fast changing demands of the retail trade will require flexible packaging solutions. SOMIC is the perfect partner not only for the food industry, but also for the pet food, health care and cosmetics sectors for the Asian market.”, explains Lothar Barth, Director Sales International at SOMIC.

The heart of SOMIC APAC lies in its showroom, featuring the latest innovation in integrated packaging machinery—the SOMIC 434. The cutting-edge showroom serves as a tangible space for clients in the APAC region to experience firsthand the quality and efficiency of SOMIC's packaging solutions.

Lukasz Myszkowski, Managing Director of Sales at SOMIC APAC, emphasized the company's dedication to providing high-quality service standards and innovative technology. "SOMIC Packaging sees great potential in the Asian market and is ready to support its growth. With the establishment of our new hub in Bangkok, we aim to be the go-to solution for businesses in the region seeking top-notch packaging machinery and services."

The SOMIC APAC office, spanning over 600 square meters, is equipped with the latest SOMIC 434, a wrap-around packaging machine that represents a new generation of advanced packaging technology. SOMIC's 434 offers outstanding modular flexibility with functional units tailored to format needs, ensuring a customized and future-proof design.

SOMIC’s subsidiary in Thailand will also offer personalized service. The on-site Sales and Service team, comprised of industry experts with a deep understanding of the local market, is committed to delivering exceptional customer service. The team will serve as the direct contact for users from the APAC region, ensuring a seamless experience for clients.

The inauguration of the 'SOMIC APAC' office was recently held with partners and guests, who were able to gain a comprehensive impression of both the branch and the packaging specialist's complete solutions. In addition, there was also a demonstration of the use of the latest packaging machinery, SOMIC 434 by using a blank loading system, called COBOT (Collaborative Robot). Follow us for more information on

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/somic-packaging-apac/?viewAsMember=true
website: https://apac.somic-packaging.com/
or Tel.: +66 (0)2 030 2450

Chao Sua launches New sub-brand “Chao Sua Snacks Pork Crunchy” to reinforce its leadership in Protein Snack Market to please health lovers.

“Chao Sua” has unleashed the snack phenomenon by launching the sub-brand “Chao Sua Snacks” by kicking off its first product “Pork Crunchy”, a next-level innovation of Meat Snacks. Crispy pork sticks are combined with either almonds or roasted chilis with a focus on lean, containing 9 grammes of protein. The launch underlines Chao Sua’s leadership in the protein snack market and caters to the new generation's lifestyle looking for tasty snacks with nutritional benefit. “Chao Sua” also aim to conquer the meat snack market by leading this market to grow by more than 50%.

Khun Napatr Morin, CEO of Chao Sua Food Industries PLC, disclosed further business plans. The company remains committed to its goal to provide high-quality food and becoming a part of Thai daily life with good living. The "Chao Sua" brand continues to grow under the vision “Bringing the Chao Sua secret recipe to you” by delivering innovative and quality products to be top of mind brand for customers. Furthermore, the company enhances product lines to better fit in with consumer preference on every occasion by expanding the sub-brand “Chao Sua Snack” to reinforces the leadership of protein snacks and to penetrate the meat snack market which still has plenty of potential for growth.

“Chao Sua Snacks” is a sub-brand of “Chao Sua” that aim to build clearer awareness of product in the company’s portfolio. The sub-brand caters to the growing demand of a new kind consumer who is looking for tasty snacks which are good for them. According to global trends people around the world have turned to delicious snacks with high nutritional levels, “Chao Sua Snacks” falls under the meat snacks category in the group of Better-for-you-snack, which aligns with the current trend of consuming healthier snacks. We see a gap in the market and have developed our product with innovation to response this trend. Latest, we have launches “Pork Crunchy” as an alternative for all snack enthusiasts who prioritize their health. We expect our new product will drive growth in the protein snack market.”

“Chao Sua Snacks Pork Crunchy”, a new snack phenomenon

Khun Sasikarn Mahasiri, Marketing Director of Chao Sua Food Industries PLC, mentioned that Pork Cuncrhy under the sub-brand “Chao Sua Snacks” was the debut for a transforming innovation into a new format. The product retains the key feature of being the 'Deliciously Enjoyable Protein Snack'. There are two flavors including “Pork Crunchy with Almonds”
- a whopping 9 grams of protein from both pork and almonds, and “Pork Crunchy with roast chili” - combining dried roasted chili with pork for a spicier experience with full-on lean. Both flavors are chock full of protein in every mouthful, and always made with high grades of pork, which is roasted rather than fried, for a product that is crispy and delicious, and a non-guilty pleasure.

In addition, the company is rolling out a comprehensive marketing communication activity that covers consumer awareness and engagement through both offline and online media. “James-Jirayu Tangsrisuk” has been appointed as the company’s new presenter, representing a new generation who are health conscious, playful, and full of positive energy. It is another strategy to enhance the brand image in the snack market with a distinctive character. The product is also being distributed through various channels that are easily accessible to consumers, including leading e-commerce platforms, convenience stores, supermarkets, and other modern trade nationwide.

“Currently, consumers are looking not only for tasty snack, but also added-value product that is nutritional benefit. This is why we believe Chao Sua Snacks Pork Crunchy will greatly appeal to health-conscious youngsters,” said Sasikarn. 

Chao Sua Snacks Pork Crunchy comes in two pack sizes, 22g for 30 THB and 45g for 60 THB, and is available now on leading ecommerce websites, supermarkets, convenience stores and many other outlets near your home. Online channels comprise https://www.chaosua.com/, Facebook : Chaosua , Line Official Account : @chaosua and Shopee, Lazada

"Elevate Your Parenting Game with The Good Day Lab™!

Attention Moms & Dads: Meet The Good Day Lab™ by GQ Apparel! Our USA-standard children's clothing is not just stain-resistant and easy-to-clean, but also CPSIA certified for safety. Less laundry stress, more quality time. Trust in The Good Day Lab™. We're with you every step of the parenting way!

GQ Apparel, a Thai leading brand in apparel technology, understands the daily struggles of parents managing their kids' clothes. Hence, we've brought in The Good Day Lab™, the #1 selling children's innovative clothing brand in the USA, to address these concerns directly. Our cutting-edge water-repellent technology means stains wash off with just a splash of water! This not only saves moms significant time but also features specially dyed fabrics that resist fading and ensure longevity – perfect to hand down from one generation to the next. The Good Day Lab™ offers a range of tees, shirts, and polos, ensuring versatile style options for every occasion.

Clean Shield Tech™, the same technology as GQ White™, shields clothing from everyday messes, whether it's playtime smudges, water, oil stains, or food remnants.

Super Stretch fabric offers ultimate comfort and supports every movement.

Airflow Fabric ensures breezy wearability, letting kids stay active all day.

No-Itch Print Tag eliminates any discomfort from scratchy tags on the back.

Additionally, our stain-resistant polos and shirts come with extra features:

Anti-Warping Collar maintains its shape without any warping or easy wear-out.

Anti-Shrink Design with specialized fabric prevents post-wash shrinkage.

Anti-Fade Protection uses a unique dyeing technique to keep colors vibrant and long-lasting.

Super Strong Buttons withstand any rough play without popping off easily.

All these are tested and certified by CPSIA for safety, meeting the quality standards of the USA. Feel confident letting your kids engage in imaginative play and learning experiences to the fullest. 

Order The Good Day Lab™ products at https://gqsize.link/bZT7Sx.

SISTAM 2023: Shaping a Safer and Smarter Tomorrow for Thailand's Industrial Sector

• Opens today till 20 October 2023 at BITEC, Bangna
• Innovating safety and maintenance solutions to boost work process efficiency
• From robots to predictive monitoring solutions at the exhibition showcase, and more than 50 seminar topics across industry sectors

Bangkok, 18 October 2023 – Opening its doors today is SISTAM 2023 - Smart Industrial Safety & Technology for Advanced Maintenance, a multi-faceted industry event showcasing the latest technology, innovation, products, solutions, and services dedicated to smart industrial safety and advanced maintenance. A dedicated networking and knowledge-sharing platform, SISTAM is designed for industrial professionals, manufacturers, technology, and product suppliers, to solution and service providers, and academia.

The 3-day conference and exhibition promotes the use of technology, innovation, and digital solutions to enhance maintenance and safety systems to boost work process efficiency and Thailand’s industrial sector competitiveness. The event opens against a timely backdrop as Thailand firmly positions itself as a regional frontrunner and champion towards a greener future alongside ramped up government efforts on raising environment and safety standards in factories and worksites.

At the opening ceremony, which was held earlier today, in his opening address, Jullaphong Thaveesri, Director-General, Department of Industrial Works, shared the Department’s plans to organize a seminar on sustainable smart industrial safety. “As an official supporting government body for SISTAM 2023, high on our priority is to promote environmental conservation and encourage businesses to transition to a green industry. This aligns with the Department’s plan to achieve the goal of the BCG Model as a national agenda by 2027, wherein every factory business establishment in Thailand should meet green industry standards,” he said.

SISTAM 2023 is organized by Exposis Company Limited (ExpoSis), one of Thailand’s most prominent companies over the last decade in the management of international trade exhibitions and conferences and will take place in conjunction with the Asia Pacific Symposium on Safety 2023 (APSS 2023). Focused on safety and maintenance in the industrial sector, this is the first time Thailand is playing host to this symposium as previous editions were held in Japan and Korea. APSS 2023 is being held under the auspices of King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT).

According to Nucharin Paradeevisut, Managing Director, ExpoSis, SISTAM 2023 offers a platform for knowledge sharing and a showcase of innovative technologies. “It provides a one-stop event for attendees to have the opportunity to learn from case studies as well as attend seminars covering more than 50 topics by industry experts from both Thailand and overseas representing a wide-range of industry sectors.”

She added that SISTAM 2023 will cover everything from industrial updates, technology presentations, to sharing of best practices from prominent industry players and subject experts. “It is very comprehensive for maintenance and safety experts, entrepreneurs from various industry sectors as well as government, engineers and academics to come together.”

SISTAM 2023’s impressive line-up of supporting government agencies and industry associations, include the Department of Industrial Works, co-hosted by the Technology Promotion Association (Thailand-Japan) and the Thai Institute of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry (TIChE). On board as official knowledge partner is the Faculty of Engineering at Chulalongkorn University.

Marking a significant milestone in conjunction with SISTAM 2023, is the Technology Promotion Association’s (Thailand-Japan) 50th anniversary, which will be marked by the launch of the Thailand-Japan Decarbonization Initiative (TJDI). In line with the Japanese government’s Green Growth Strategy policy and Thailand’s BCG policy, this initiative aims to promote sustainable industrial development in the areas of maintenance and safety.

Commenting on this, Dr Supoj Chinveeraphan, Executive Director and Director-General of the Technology Promotion Association (Thailand-Japan), said: “We are committed to being a hub for knowledge promotion and technology transfer amongst organizations in the country. It is critical the industry recognizes the significance of safety in factories, as technology currently plays an instrumental role in maintenance, helping to enhance efficiency and prevent accidents.”

On the chemical engineering front, echoing the sentiment on heightened focus on safety standards in the chemical, petrochemical, and process safety industries, Surachet Chalothorn, President, Thai Institute of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry (TIChE), said his association is focused on furthering the chemical engineering profession in Thailand. “Organising the 12th Chemical Process Safety Sharing (CPSS) will be an ideal session where participants can discuss inspection challenges and risk analysis in the refinery and petrochemical industry,” he said.

Other highlights at SISTAM 2023, and an overview of what attendees can expect, include:

Seminar series includes thought-leadership content covering over 50 topics:

• Transforming Organizations for Sustainable Safety
• Case Studies from Safety-Exemplary Factories
• Upgrading Environmental and Safety Operations for a Green Industry
• Reducing Operational Risk through Predictive Maintenance
• Applied Machine Self-Maintenance for Ultimate TPM
• Audit and Risk Analysis Challenges in the Refinery and Petrochemical Industry

Exhibition showcase

Also supported by PTT Public Company Limited and Global Power Synergy Public Company Limited (GPSC), the exhibition component will see businesses and government organizations showcase digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), automation, software, solutions, systems, and equipment for maintenance and safety.

With hundreds of products and solutions on display, visitors can expect to find the latest from Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), wireless sensing technologies, predictive maintenance, and machine monitoring solutions, to wireless sensors for remote monitoring of the environment and equipment. The international exhibitor line-up includes leading brand names such as Murata, Yokogawa, Alpha Com, Service Now, P-Dictor, Freewill Solutions, Astec Paint, Cikachi Electric and the Metropolitan Electricity Authority.

Other notable innovative technologies that will be on display include the sound-speed rocket CURSR-1 (a runner-up of the Dr. Gil Moore Award), the Walkie II robot for household services, walking assistance robots from the Faculty of Engineering at Chulalongkorn University, and PTT's LUCKI BOT cleaning and transport robot.

SISTAM 2023 runs from 18 to 20 October at BITEC, Bangna at Bhiraj Hall 1-2. Opening hours are from 10.00 am – 6.00 pm on 18-20 October (close at 5.00 pm on 20 October).

For more information about SISTAM 2023, log on to: www.sistam-asia.com.

About ExpoSis Company Limited (ExpoSis) 

ExpoSis is one of Thailand’s leading companies in the management of international trade exhibitions and conferences. Having been in the industry since 2013, their comprehensive portfolio includes successfully organizing various key industry trade exhibitions across varied sectors, from energy, medical and healthcare, to packaging and printing. Working with internationally recognised trade fair organizers that include dmg events, Messe Düsseldorf Asia, and others, their portfolio covers - Future Energy Asia (an energy transition trade show), Smart Cyber Security Summit Conference, MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND (the medical and health equipment trade show and conference), PACK PRINT INTERNATIONAL (the printing and packaging technology exhibition), wire and Tube Southeast Asia, GIFA and METEC Southeast Asia (the steel and metal forging industries exhibition), among others.

The 28th Book Expo Thailand kicks off to inspire readers, serving the growth of Soft Power industry

"The 28th Book Expo Thailand" kicked off today with over a million books from 340 publishers available at over 930 booths. The expo offers discounts of up to 80% from today until 23 October, while expecting to generate over 400 million baht in revenue or grow by 20% in the country’s book and publishing industry,

The Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT) together with its partners organizing the 28th Book Expo Thailand 2023 with more than one million books from 340 publishers are available at over 930 booths, while there will also over 3,000 new titles for readers. More than 100 activities and seminars by experts, offering a discount of up to 80% throughout 12 days. It is expected that there will be more than 1.6 million visitors, generating more than 400 million baht.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra

The opening ceremony of the 28th Book Expo Thailand 2023, organized by the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT) together with alliances, was honorary chaired by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Chairman of the National Soft Power Development Committee, along with Mr.Suwich Rungwattanapaiboon, President of the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT) and the association’s board of committee as well as senior executives from leading publishing companies also attended the event.

Mr.Suwich Rungwattanapaiboon, President of the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT), disclosed that this year the 28th Book Expo Thailand 2023 is scheduled to be held from 12 – 23 October 2023, for 12 days, at Hall 5-7, LG Floor, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. This year Expo covers a large exhibition area of over 20,000 square meters under the concept of "Book Dreams", the dream book that everyone is searching for. Great responses have been reflected in the booth reservations as more than 930 booths were booked by 340 leading publishers, filled in three large halls. The expo is ready for readers to choose their favorite books from over a million books, and there will also be a launching of more than 3,000 new titles, the highest number of books we ever had at the event. Various types of books are available including Children's Books and Educational Books; General Books; Rare Books; History and Politics; Literature and Fiction, Comics & Light Novels, How to Books, and Faith-related Books, as well as many English and other foreign languages books.

Regarding the government’s policy to define "books" as Soft Power to drive the Thai economy, this policy creates confidence that the book industry will come back to life. The policies that will be implemented, whether it is the expansion of libraries throughout the country: Develop libraries throughout the country so that Thai people have universal access to books, Setting up a book development fund: supporting writers, translators, publishers, and bookstores to have easy access to funding sources. and promoting the copyright of Thai books to the world: supporting scholarships for translating Thai books into foreign languages and promoting the export of Thai books to people around the world. Those policies encourage the growth of Thai books and entrepreneurs to grow sustainably, he said.

“Soft Power will be an important tool in pushing the book industry to develop and transform for more internationally accepted. In addition, it can be seen that even though the e-book market is growing from a new generation of readers, at the same time it was found the number of book readers who are also the new generation is also growing. The main factor comes from the content, presented through books which can respond to the needs of the young generation, and reach the new generation of readers,” the president elaborated.

The 28th Book Expo Thailand 2023 will be divided into five zones: 1. General Books, 2. Novels, Literature, and Fiction, 3. Children's and Educational Books, 4. Book Wonderlands which are Comic Books and Books for Teenagers 5. Old Books from leading publishers and leading bookstores such as Phoenix, Jamsai, Matichon, Nanmee Books, Open Durian, Nai-In Shop, Se-ed Book Center, B2S, Asia Books, and Chula Book Center.

Highlights of the Expo included the "50 Years of 14 October" Exhibition, presenting the story of "50 Years Anniversary of 14 October 1973, Memories through Letters", an exhibition of books and magazines that tell the story of the popular uprising of 14 October 1973, while there are also over 100 activities and seminars such as PUBAT x PaiyaBooks organizes Book Blind Date activity: exchange wrapped books, Not telling the title of the books, Books Crossword: Guess the name of the book from the crossword puzzle, Books Cover Challenge: Guess the name of the book from the cover picture without the name of the book and the name of the author, etc.

Moreover, there is also the launching of a new book and meeting with renowned writers such as the Coming of Age 40 Years of GMM GRAMMY, along with a seminar on “Turning Points of Artist’s Lives” by artists/actors and actresses from GMM GRAMMY led by Peck- Palitchoke Ayanaputra, Name- Prakarn Raiva (Getsunova), and MONICA, while on Monday 16 October, meet & greet with young male singers i.e., New Country, Tigger, and PERSES.

Whereas, on Wednesday 18 October, we will continue to serve happiness to fans and readers who come to the event, and meet the talented artists from Grammy Gold including Mike-Phiromphorn, Yinglee Srijumpol, Tree-Chainarong, and Muse Orapasyan. On Thursday, 19 October, come meet the Kwang - AB Normal, and on Friday 20 October, meet with the two hottest stars Toru&Peak. Last but not least, on Monday 23 October meet the talented young artist ‘The White Hair Cut’.

For the activities on-stage, enjoy Harry Potter Book Day, along with a discussion with "Joe - Apichart Triturayanon", Super Fan of Harry Potter fan, Arch Apolar, "Tuppong and 5 joyful events by Tuppong and P'Tonkoon Dr. Natthaphong Labboonsap, Content that Sells: writes content to touch the heart and attract people in seconds by Bank Content Shifu, Sittinan Phonwisutthisak, The Right Leader, the Right Leader by Dr. Worapat Phucharoen, Tee Yod, The Sound of Frantic Moaning x m pictures, meet with Mr. Kit, actor, and The Ghost Radio, etc.

For the first time!!! The project “The Book Teller by Pubat”, will be held under the theme “Dream of Speech, this is it!” My Dream Books” Book Fair Talk Show Contest, meet the fun and exciting contest to find 10 speakers who will talk about dream books. The audition round will be launched on TikTok before the final contest on the stage on 23 October 2023. Three talented juries will join including Chamaiphon Saengkrajang, Wirot Lakkhanaadisorn, and Jakkrit Yomprayom.

Relish with special promotions from leading publishers and bookstores that offer discounts of up to 80%. ThaiBookFair.com provides promotions, coupon codes, free shipping with no minimum value of 30 baht, 50 baht discount coupon code when purchasing 500 baht, 100 baht discount coupon code when purchasing 800 baht, special campaign from the store - free delivery when purchasing 600 baht or more, Flash Sale discounted products for over 30% or more, and One Price products at the same price of 199, 299, 399 baht and discount codes from leading Market Places including Shopee with discounts up to 80% and additional discount codes of 15%, Lazada, LINEMAN with discounts when using the LINEMAN TAXI service to travel to the event, immediate discount of 50 baht per trip, no minimum, just enter the code LMTBOOK (1 right per 1 user). TikTok users meet a special discount code just by purchasing books through a special campaign in the TikTok Shop! Receive a viewing boost coupon just by making content at the event and participating in the Creator Task (according to the specified rules) and when spending with a KTC credit card, receive cashback up to 18%, and with a Kasikorn credit card, receive cashback up to 12%, and a special rate of book delivery service using EMS within the country with "Thailand Post".

Mr. Suwich added that at this year's event, books that are expected to be popular are novels and literature, comics, and How to Book to upgrade skills and develop each skill, management and new strategies, as well as faith-related books that many people are interested in and become one of the books with the highest growth in publishing and become a best seller. The 28th Book Expo Thailand 2023 is scheduled to take place on 12 - 23 October 2023, for 12 days. More than 1.6 million people are expected to attend, and generate up by 20% from the previous event or worth over 400 million baht in revenue for the country’s book and publishing industry,

Don’t miss, come and open a new window into the realm of Book Dreams with millions of books waiting to be discovered at “Book Expo Thailand 2023” to be held from 12 – 23 October 2023 at Hall 5-7, LG Floor, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. On Monday-Thursday (12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23 Oct 2023) open from 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. and on Friday-Sunday. (13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 Oct 23) open from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Follow the details of the event via the Facebook page: Thai Book Fair.

#BookExpo2023
#TheBookTeller
#BookExpoThailand2023 

#BOOKDREAMS

Bumrungrad has enhanced its Digestive Disease Center, enabling its medical team to utilize the latest technology to provide accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatments for all gastrointestinal and liver problems.

Modern lifestyles and environmental factors have contributed to a rise in various risk factors for diseases, including dietary habits and genetic predispositions. This has led to a notable increase in the occurrence of gastrointestinal (GI) tract and liver conditions, significantly impacting the quality of life for many patients. Managing these conditions can be intricate.

At Bumrungrad's Digestive Disease Center, we recognize the growing prevalence of GI conditions and are dedicated to delivering top-notch treatment. Our specialized team of experienced GI specialists is committed to providing high-quality care to address these complex issues and enhance the well-being of our patients.

In 2022, Bumrungrad’s Digestive Disease Center joined forces with the Center of Excellence in Neurogastroenterology and Motility at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University. This collaborative effort aimed to elevate the standards of medical care and enhance the quality of healthcare provided.

In the year 2023, Bumrungrad’s Digestive Disease Center took a significant step by expanding its services to align with rigorous international standards. This expansion enabled us to offer an even more comprehensive and elevated level of care to our patients.

Ms. Artirat Charukitpipat, CEO of Bumrungrad International Hospital, reveals that, “Throughout Bumrungrad International Hospital's 43-year journey, we've remained steadfast in our quest to elevate care and treatment standards while establishing centers of excellence for specialized healthcare. Recognizing the pivotal role the digestive system plays in our overall well-being, we understand its undeniable impact on one's quality of life. Recent years have witnessed a concerning uptick in cases of gastrointestinal (GI) and liver diseases. In response to this pressing concern, Bumrungrad is dedicated to providing holistic care for individuals grappling with both common and intricate GI tract and liver issues. Our approach involves delivering specialized care by a highly skilled team of doctors who harness the latest medical advancements to ensure precise diagnoses and effective treatments for those entrusted to our care.”

Asst. Prof. Dr. Yudhtana Sattawatthamrong, Director of the Digestive Disease (GI) Center at Bumrungrad International Hospital, states that “The Bumrungrad’s Digestive Disease Center aspires to be the foremost choice for GI care, attracting patients not only from Thailand but across the globe. Annually, we extend our expert care to over 43,000 patients. Presently, our center houses a range of specialized clinics, each dedicated to addressing specific gastrointestinal concerns:

1. General GI Clinic
2. Gastrointestinal Motility Center
3. Endoscopy Center
4. Pancreatic Care Clinic
5. GI Genetics Clinic
6. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Clinic
7. Liver Disease Clinic
8. Integrative Microbiome Clinic

Our accomplished team of specialist doctors is unwavering in their commitment to providing the best possible care for our patients, aligning with the hospital's policy. The inclusion of these specialized clinics significantly augments our capacity to:
1. Provide Accurate and Precise Diagnosis: Enabling us to carry out meticulous diagnoses for a wide array of GI conditions.

2. Offer Early Detection through Advanced Technology: Utilizing cutting-edge medical technology to identify conditions at their earliest stages.
3. Leverage Collective Expertise for Effective Treatment: Drawing on the extensive experience and expertise of our doctors to devise effective treatment plans, ultimately enhancing our patients' quality of life.”

Prof. Dr. Sutep Gonlachanvit, Director of the Gastrointestinal Motility Center at Bumrungrad International Hospital, states “Gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorder issues are prevalent among patients and if left undiagnosed and untreated, patients can experience chronic intermittent gastrointestinal problems. These conditions can profoundly affect the entire GI tract, from the esophagus to the rectum and anus. For instance, acid reflux can afflict the esophagus, while stomach problems might stem from stomach function abnormalities that standard endoscopy cannot detect abnormalities which can explain the symptoms/. Patients grappling with intestinal issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may endure distressing symptoms such as bloating and constipation. While general physicians can address GI problems to a certain extent, some patients endure a generic course of treatment with limited symptom relief. At the Gastrointestinal Motility Center, Bumrungrad International Hospital, our team of doctors capitalizes on their expertise and the latest medical technology to effectively manage patients dealing with complex or challenging cases with gastrointestinal motility disorders. Biofeedback therapy is one such approach that proves beneficial for GI motility issues, offering relief for constipation resulting from inappropriate pushing during defecation. This technique boasts a success rate of 60% in providing complete symptom relief and offers partial relief for the remaining cases, even reducing patient reliance on medication.

Additionally, we harness technology to measure the presence of stomach acid in the esophagus and meticulously record the frequency and severity of acid reflux episodes. This vital data empowers our doctors to make precise diagnoses and craft effective treatment plans for patients suffering from gastroesophageal acid reflux. Our doctors judiciously select the most suitable diagnostic technology, ensuring our patients receive the best care through accurate diagnosis and effective treatment strategies.”

Clinical Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tossapol Kerdsirichairat, Gastroenterologist & Advanced Endoscopy Specialist at Bumrungrad International Hospital, states “The Digestive Disease Center employs cutting-edge endoscopic technology to comprehensively assess GI health, offering a thorough examination from the esophagus to the stomach and intestines. These advanced endoscopes can be introduced into the body either through the mouth or rectum. Endoscopy serves as a powerful diagnostic tool, capable of detecting and identifying abnormal intestinal tissues and diseases. It not only facilitates real-time identification but also allows for the simultaneous removal of problematic tissues or the collection of tissue samples for further testing and precise diagnosis.”

One of the significant advantages of endoscopy is its non-invasive and non-surgical nature, which significantly reduces patient recovery time and minimizes the potential for complications. The Digestive Disease Center provides a range of specialized endoscopic procedures tailored to address specific gastrointestinal conditions and patient needs. These advanced procedures contribute to early detection, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment planning, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.

Some notable endoscopic procedures offered at the Digestive Disease Center include:
1. ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography):

• Used to diagnose the presence of stones, tumors, or narrowing/blockages in the biliary and pancreatic ducts.

2. EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasound):

• Combines endoscopy with ultrasound imaging to visualize organs near the GI tract and collect tissue samples for precise diagnosis, particularly in cases where standard endoscopy may not suffice.

3. FTRD (Full-Thickness Resection Device):

• Primarily utilized to resect pre-cancerous or early-stage malignant tissue in the large intestine and stomach. It can non-surgically remove up to 3 cm of tissue without leaving a scar on the patient’s stomach.

4. TIF (Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication):

• Sutures the esophageal sphincter via an oral entry endoscope to treat acid reflux or GERD through a non-surgical intervention.

5. ESG (Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty):

• Uses an endoscopic suturing device to aid patients in achieving weight-loss by non-surgically reducing the size of the stomach. ESG can result in a significant reduction in body weight, particularly when combined with pharmaceutical intervention.

In addition, the 'Pancreatic Care Clinic' at Bumrungrad's Digestive Disease Center specializes in diagnosing and treating pancreatic issues, including cancer. Bumrungrad features a multidisciplinary tumor board, uniting specialists for optimal treatment plans. Moreover, the hospital leads in genetic testing for pancreatic cancer risk, an initiative first established in Asia in alignment with Johns Hopkins Hospital standards. Early testing and diagnosis significantly improve cancer treatment success and survival rates.

Furthermore, the GI Genetics Clinic is vital for cancer patients, those with a family cancer history, or health concerns. Screening for gastric cancers should begin at 40, and for colorectal cancers at 45, following general medical guidelines. These screenings are crucial for early detection, enhancing treatment efficacy and overall patient well-being.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Pises Pisespongsa, Gastroenterologist & Hepatologistat at Bumrungrad International Hospital, states, “The Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Clinic specializes in diagnosing and treating patients with IBD which is a complex condition. IBD is challenging, usually causing chronic diarrhea, bloody stool, and persistent abdominal pain. It can also affect other organs, leading to joint inflammation, inflammatory eye diseases, and cholangitis. Accurate diagnosis and treatment of IBD are crucial. Our clinic utilizes precise examinations such as GI endoscopy and biopsy for histology & special staining, various stool tests, and radiological assessments to diagnose and to evaluate the disease severity and complications. Our multidisciplinary care teams, including IBD specialists, radiologists, surgeons, pathologists, and more, to provide comprehensive care and support. At Bumrungrad’s Digestive Disease Center, we're dedicated to delivering international standards of care. Our focus is not only on treating the disease but also on enhancing our patients' quality of life and well-being."

Dr. Vibhakorn Permpoon, Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist at Bumrungrad International Hospital, adds, "Liver disease is a significant health concern both in Thailand and globally. The Bumrungrad Liver Disease Clinic houses skilled doctors and specialists with expertise in accurately diagnosing complex liver conditions. These encompass acute viral hepatitis, common chronic hepatitis, hepatic tumors, steatohepatitis, and liver cancer. At Bumrungrad, our treatment options cover a spectrum, ranging from medications to chemoembolization, radiation therapy, and liver transplantation. Patients seek our services for comprehensive care addressing a wide array of liver conditions."

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krit Pongpirul, MD, MPH, PhD, a Preventive and Integrative Medicine Specialist at Bumrungrad International Hospital, shares, “A multitude of individuals grapple with abdominal discomforts, from stomachaches and bloating/flatulence to digestive irregularities like constipation and diarrhea. Furthermore, despite conscientious efforts with diet and exercise, issues such as overweight conditions, fatty liver, and high cholesterol persist. Traditional diagnostic procedures, including gastroscopy and colonoscopy, often fall short in identifying the root cause. It is alarming when patients, out of desperation, turn to questionable clinics, potentially jeopardizing their health and resources. At Bumrungrad, we recognize that a significant number of these challenges arise from imbalances in the gut microbiome. That is why our “Integrative Microbiome Clinic” has adopted a holistic approach to gastrointestinal health. We delve deep with tests focusing on gut microbiome analysis and digestion functionality. Our aim is to develop tailored probiotic therapies and other interventions, aligned with each patient’s unique microbial profile. Our commitment is to provide comprehensive and holistic care, addressing and preventing digestive issues, and ensuring our patients enjoy long-term abdominal and overall well-being.”

Prof. Rungsun Rerknimitr, M.D. Director of the Center for Medical Innovation and Operations Faculty of Medicine Chulalongkorn University

Bumrungrad International Hospital stands at the forefront of microbiome analysis advancements. Our cross-functional team of experts collaborates with specialists from not only Bumrungrad itself but also Chulalongkorn University Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University Faculty of Medicine, and VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center.

For more information or inquiries, please contact the Bumrungrad’s Digestive Disease Center on the 2nd floor of Building B (Hospital building), Bumrungrad International Hospital or call +662 011 2167-8 or our 1378 hotline.