13-15 September | BITEC, Bangna
In a momentous return to the trade fair circuit, next week will see the opening of the much-awaited MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND 2023. This marks the first edition since 2019, a hiatus attributed to the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the exhibition prepares to open its door in a matter of days, the significance of the exhibition is magnified as it welcomes 800 exhibitors hailing from 40 countries, as well as 22 national pavilions and country groups, notably featuring Latvia, Poland, and Portugal for the first time.
Largest edition to date
Standing as the largest edition since its inception in 2003, MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND internationality strengthens its position as Southeast Asia’s largest healthcare exhibition. The vibrancy of this year's edition is further enhanced by the strong participation of homegrown Thai companies, a testament to the global networking opportunities at the exhibition. This year will see three Thai pavilions under the auspices of the National Innovation Agency, National Science and Technology Development Agency and the Thai Medical and Health Device Manufacturers Industry Club (MeDIC).
National and country pavilions hold significant importance as they represent international collaboration, offering a platform for countries to showcase their unique healthcare advancements and innovations. These pavilions foster cross-cultural exchange and facilitate global networking, as they contribute to the growth and progress of the healthcare community.
The strong participation and robust international profile represented at MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND effectively underscore’s the relevance of Thailand and the broader Southeast Asian market and the significance of the exhibition as a platform for sourcing, networking, and knowledge exchange. An anticipated 12,000 visitors are expected over the three-day exhibition, including many visiting groups from various hospitals and healthcare establishments from Bangkok and the nearby provinces.
Sharing in the global expertise and network of the world’s leading trade fairs MEDICA and COMPAMED held in Germany by the Messe Düsseldorf group, MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND continues to evolve with every edition in response to emerging trends, and the needs of the Thai and regional healthcare industry.
In the Spotlight:
A pivotal addition to this year's edition is the Medical Manufacturing Pavilion, highlighting medical manufacturing technology and high-quality MedTech components. This dynamic showcase complements the event's dedication to innovation and technological advancement.
Amid the many offerings at the exhibition, the Start-Up Park will feature fourteen healthcare start-ups with market-ready solutions and breakthrough technologies, poised to capture the attention of investors, industry leaders, and discerning buyers.
- The Start-Up Podium® which runs alongside will host talks and presentations by a range of key stakeholders including hospitals, the pharmaceutical sector, research and development (R&D), government agencies, industry associations, academia, and more.
With Southeast Asia’s start-up ecosystem thriving against a backdrop of digitisation and demand, the region added eight unicorns in 2022, with 52 now active. The Start-Up Park plays a significant role as an enabler of the entrepreneurial ecosystem that encourages life sciences and medical and health innovation in Thailand. With the country’s vibrant start-up landscape propelled further by the government’s numerous grants and new
regulations as part of Thailand’s ambitious plans to be a start-up-based country, the start-up scene has grown systematically over the years and is considered one of Asia’s hidden gems.
A standout feature is the second iteration of the Community Care Pavilion showcasing products and solutions focused on the ageing population, including that for preventive care and management of chronic diseases. It will also highlight solutions for non-hospital settings such as elderly care facilities, nursing homes and rehabilitation centres. Due to a decrease in the population in the last three years, Thailand is expected to become a super-aged society by 2029. This demographic shift calls for more medical solutions that cater to the needs of an ageing population spanning remote monitoring, telemedicine, digital technologies, smart systems, and innovations in geriatric medicine, among others.
Co-located conference
45th WT | Wearable Technologies Conference 2023 ASIA | 13 September –
Jointly organised by Wearable Technologies AG and Messe Dusseldorf Asia, the conference explores the vast potential of wearable technologies in transforming healthcare. Bringing together the WT ecosystem, the conference is dedicated to exploring the world of emerging technologies, the latest advancements in the wearable tech industry, and in-depth discussions of key topics in healthcare, sports, and industry.
Other concurrently held events include:
- an invitation-only event – the Hospital CIO Forum for C-suite decision makers and leading information officers
- IVAM Forum: High-Tech for Medical Devices, which is free-to-attend for all attendees
With modest beginnings featuring 177 exhibitors, MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND first came to the scene in Bangkok in 2003, and today stands as the largest healthcare exhibition in Southeast Asia – serving as a testament to Thailand's standing as a compelling destination for growth and innovation. Bolstered by the country’s strategic geographical location, robust infrastructure, and progressive regulatory environment, Thailand continues to be an ideal locale for investment. Supported by a skilled workforce and a thriving medical tourism sector, Thailand remains fertile ground for collaboration, investment, and innovation. For more information and to register your visit online, go to: www.medicalfair-thailand.com
Hear from some exhibitors:
“The fair attracts a wide range of visitors, including healthcare professionals, distributors, suppliers, and industry experts from Southeast Asia and beyond. Participating in MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND allows Turkish healthcare companies to establish direct contact with potential partners and buyers in the Southeast Asian market. It provides a platform for networking, building relationships, and exploring collaboration opportunities.”
- Caner Gülsoy, Deputy General Manager, His Furacilik Hizmetleri Ltd Sti, organiser of the Turkiye Pavilion
“The Southeast Asian market is an increasingly relevant market for Imaging Solutions. The region is experiencing rapid economic growth and development, which is creating new opportunities for businesses across different sectors. This growth has led to an increase in demand for healthcare services, which presents a great opportunity for us. In terms of specific products, we believe that our range of personal radiation protection solutions are well-suited to the needs of the SEA market. These products are designed to provide high-quality radiation protection according to the latest international standards.”
- Ellen Goddard, Export Communications and Marketing Coordinator, Imaging Solutions - Australia
Quick facts:
Drive in demand for medical and healthcare products and services:
- In line with Thailand’s 4.0 policy, the Thai government considers the healthcare industry to be a priority sector for investment.
- Thailand’s proportion of citizens aged over 60 years, is forecast to be one of the highest in ASEAN by 2045 and will also exceed countries such as Europe and the United States.
- More than three million Thais suffering from poor mental health – demand for healthcare solutions will rise.
- A return to normal uptake of services in hospitals and clinics.
- A rebound in the market for medical tourism.
- Growing interest in personal health and wellness, which will then drive greater demand for Personal Protective Equipment, telemedicine, healthcare.
- The ageing of society and rising rates of non-communicable diseases (especially for hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and strokes).