Dr Nutthapong Wongwiwat, director-general of the Department of Medical Services, said the success was driven by close cooperation between domestic and international surgical teams. He said the effort was led by Dr Piyawat Laowahutanont, director of Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital, with Dr Pattharaporn Phetphosri serving as the remote lead surgeon from West China Hospital, and Dr Noraporn Sunthornchai acting as the bedside assistant surgeon in Thailand.
He said the operation was backed by rigorous preparation, including pre-surgery systems testing, coordinated surgical and anaesthesia teams, close patient monitoring throughout, and emergency contingency plans to ensure safety in line with international standards.
The ministry said telesurgery also has long-term potential to reduce inequality in access to healthcare, particularly for remote areas, and could be expanded into wider forms of international medical collaboration in the future.
