The Health System Research Institute (HSRI) has signed a memorandum of understanding with three other parties to establish a genome sequencing centre for medical purposes.
The centre is aimed at sequencing the genomes of 50,000 Thais under the Genomics Thailand Initiative.
The genomic information is hoped to advance research into treatments for five groups of illnesses including cancers and infectious diseases.
Under the MoU signed with the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), the Ministry of Higher Education Science Research and Innovation, and a joint venture of biotech firms, the centre will be located within the faculty of pharmaceutical sciences at Burapha University.
The genomic research centre is part of the EEC approved by the EEC Policy Committee last year.
Genomic medicine has been set as one of the country's newly targeted industries to be promoted for the EEC.
Deputy Public Health Minister Sathit Pitutecha said the centre marks a big change to the public health system with advanced technologies being used to support precision medicine.
"The research findings will bolster medical treatment, promote new services in the private and public sectors and expand businesses linked to genomic medicine.
"This will also help to lay a strong foundation for the country to become a leader in making use of genomic data," he said.
HSRI director Dr Nopphon Chuenklin said there are two key challenges facing the genomic sequencing project, which under present plans must be completed in five years.
One is drawing private investment and the other is finding biotech firms to import and transfer technology.
He said the development of genomic medicine under the Genomics Thailand Initiative would help elevate people's quality of life and promote research to better address public health issues.
Kanit Sangsubhan, secretary-general of the EEC Office, said the project will contribute to medical and public health, science and technology, and investment.
It also stands to create jobs in various fields.
The initiative comprises 22 agencies including the Ministry of Public Health and the National Science and Technology Development Agency.