Bumrungrad International and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital Ranked Among the World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2026

Bumrungrad International and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital Ranked Among the World&rsquo;s Best Smart Hospitals 2026

Thailand has once again demonstrated its global leadership in advanced healthcare and digital innovation. Newsweek, in partnership with Statista, has released the World&rsquo;s Best Smart Hospitals 2026, recognizing the most technologically advanced medical institutions across the globe.

Among more than 5,000 hospitals evaluated worldwide, only 350 achieved a spot on the list&nbsp; and Thailand proudly secured two positions:

<ul>
	<li>
	<a href="https://www.bumrungrad.com/en">Rank #195 &nbsp;Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand</a>
	</li>
	<li>
	<a href="https://kcmh.chulalongkornhospital.go.th/">Rank #349 &nbsp;King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand</a>
	</li>
</ul>

This achievement reinforces Thailand&rsquo;s strong reputation as a Medical and Wellness Hub in Asia, showcasing its capabilities in smart healthcare, digital transformation, and high-quality medical services.

<h3>Advancing Smart Healthcare with Cutting-Edge Innovation</h3>

The two Thai hospitals were recognized for their significant advancements in:

&nbsp; &nbsp;- Artificial intelligence and automated diagnostic systems

&nbsp; &nbsp;- Seamless digital health records and data integration

&nbsp; &nbsp;- Smart patient experience and real-time monitoring

&nbsp; &nbsp;- High-security IT infrastructure and digital safety

&nbsp; &nbsp;- Precision medicine and preventive healthcare technologies

<h3>Thailand&rsquo;s Rise in the Global Smart Hospital Landscape</h3>

The global smart hospital market&nbsp; valued at $72.24 billion today and projected to reach $177.61 billion by 2030&nbsp; is expanding rapidly. Thailand&rsquo;s presence in the 2026 ranking positions the country as one of Asia&rsquo;s fastest-growing leaders in smart healthcare, wellness, and medical innovation.

Thailand continues to strengthen its healthcare ecosystem through world-class medical expertise, international-standard facilities, and innovative technology&nbsp; further solidifying its place on the global stage as a leading destination for health, wellness, and advanced medical care.

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Source:&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://rankings.newsweek.com/worlds-best-smart-hospitals-2026">World&rsquo;s Best Smart Hospitals 2026 </a>

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Thai Hospitals Recognized in World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2026 Ranking by Newsweek–Statista

The Public Health Ministry has directed the Department of Medical Services to urgently mobilize medical personnel to assist residents affected by severe flooding in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, and other southern provinces.

The Public Health Ministry has directed the Department of Medical Services to urgently mobilize medical personnel to assist residents affected by severe flooding in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, and other southern provinces.

According to the Department of Medical Services, widespread flooding has impacted large areas of the South, prompting the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior to order all agencies to intensify relief operations. The Minister of Public Health has also expressed concern for public well-being and instructed the following measures:

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - All provincial PHEOCs must closely monitor the situation and stay prepared to provide immediate assistance.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - Local health units must expedite home visits and screenings for vulnerable groups, including bedridden patients, pregnant women, young children, persons with disabilities, dialysis patients, and the elderly.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - Distribution of essential medical supplies, including flood-relief medicine kits, chronic disease medications, and infectious-disease prevention items, must reach all affected communities.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - Hospitals and health centers impacted by flooding must establish temporary service points in safe areas to ensure continuity of care, and review contingency plans for emergency patient transfers.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - Disease surveillance must be strengthened, particularly for water-borne and flood-related illnesses such as diarrhea, leptospirosis, respiratory infections, and conditions caused by venomous animals. Sanitation in shelters, food safety, and drinking water safety must be strictly monitored.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - Assessment of damage to personnel, facilities, and equipment must be conducted, along with risk analysis for healthcare service delivery over the next 72 hours.

Additionally, each health region has been instructed to prepare mobile units capable of assisting flood-affected residents or transporting patients and vulnerable individuals to safe zones&mdash;ideally within the first 12 hours.

The Department of Medical Services, equipped with specialist medical teams across multiple fields, is ready to deploy immediately today (25 November 2025). Medical personnel will be dispatched to support hospitals and clinics in affected areas, including Hat Yai Hospital and others requesting assistance. A total of 38 medical staff have been mobilized&mdash;9 doctors and 29 nurses&mdash;to help alleviate the burden on local healthcare facilities and provide continued care for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, critical patients, and others requiring special attention.

The department will work closely with local agencies to organize medical and public health teams, support both physical and mental health services, and ensure adequate distribution of essential medicines and medical supplies.

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Source:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dms.go.th/Content/Select_Landding_page?contentId=59529">The Public Health Ministry </a>

Public Health Ministry Orders Immediate Deployment of Medical Teams to Assist Flood Victims in Hat Yai

On November 23, health authorities addressed reports from the United States confirming the world’s first human case and fatality from the H5N5 avian influenza strain. H5N5 is typically an animal-to-animal virus and is not known to transmit from animals to humans. This incident marks the first documented case of H5N5 infection in a human.

On November 23, health authorities addressed reports from the United States confirming the world&rsquo;s first human case and fatality from the H5N5 avian influenza strain. H5N5 is typically an animal-to-animal virus and is not known to transmit from animals to humans. This incident marks the first documented case of H5N5 infection in a human.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, an investigation is underway. Initial findings indicate that the deceased was an elderly individual with underlying health conditions&mdash;factors that increase vulnerability to severe illness regardless of the pathogen involved. The person also had direct exposure to backyard poultry, a known risk factor. Close contacts are currently being monitored, and no additional infections have been detected.

Health officials noted that this is the first global report of H5N5 transmission to humans. There remains virtually no evidence of human-to-human transmission, similar to the behavior of the H5N1 strain. However, a virus crossing into humans suggests the possibility of viral adaptation.

Past reports of H5N5 transmission have been limited to animals, including poultry in Canada and seals in the United Kingdom, with no prior human cases. This first human infection suggests that avian influenza viruses can cross into humans when exposed to sick or dead birds without proper protection.

H5N5 and H5N1 differ in their N protein type, which exists in various subtypes. However, in terms of outbreak patterns, prevention measures, and treatment approaches, the two strains are similar. Clinical data on H5N5 in humans remain limited since no previous human infections have been recorded.

Because this case involved an elderly person with underlying conditions, experts caution that it is too early to determine how severe H5N5 infection would be in the general population&mdash;or in children&mdash;should transmission occur. Continuous monitoring is required.

Regarding H5N1, multiple sublineages exist, including those circulating in the United States in the past year, which were largely linked to livestock exposure and generally caused mild symptoms. One fatality was previously reported, also involving an elderly individual with chronic illnesses.

In Cambodia, certain H5N1 sublineages have shown higher severity. Recent reports confirmed another child&rsquo;s death in Phnom Penh, with the case linked to exposure to sick or dead poultry. Authorities emphasize that avian influenza of any strain poses the greatest danger to high-risk groups, such as the elderly or those with chronic conditions.

Health officials also confirmed that Thailand has not reported any human infections to date. As colder weather increases the incidence of avian influenza and other respiratory diseases, extra caution is advised, especially for those working with poultry, wild birds, or open farms.

Any unexplained illness or death in animals should be reported immediately to local livestock authorities. Anyone who has had contact with poultry&mdash;or even mammals&mdash;should use protective gear including masks, gloves, or protective gowns when handling carcasses. Those who develop fever, cough, or respiratory symptoms within two weeks of such exposure should inform their healthcare providers of this history.

Seasonal influenza vaccination is also recommended, as it not only prevents typical flu illness but helps reduce the risk of genetic reassortment should influenza and avian viruses infect the same person, which could potentially create a more transmissible strain.

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Source:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thaihealth.or.th/%e0%b8%94%e0%b9%88%e0%b8%a7%e0%b8%99-%e0%b8%aa%e0%b8%ab%e0%b8%a3%e0%b8%b1%e0%b8%90%e0%b8%af-%e0%b9%80%e0%b8%88%e0%b8%ad%e0%b8%9c%e0%b8%b9%e0%b9%89%e0%b9%80%e0%b8%aa%e0%b8%b5%e0%b8%a2%e0%b8%8a/">www.thaihealth.or.th</a>

Urgent: United States Reports First Human Death from H5N5; Thailand on High Alert Despite No Human-to-Human Transmission

Tourism and Sports Minister Attakorn Sirilatthayakorn conducted an on-site inspection in Hat Yai late on November 22 to assess the flood situation in Songkhla’s Hat Yai Municipality, where severe inundation in key commercial zones, residential areas, and surrounding communities has left large numbers of tourists unable to leave the area.

Tourism and Sports Minister Attakorn Sirilatthayakorn conducted an on-site inspection in Hat Yai late on November 22 to assess the flood situation in Songkhla&rsquo;s Hat Yai Municipality, where severe inundation in key commercial zones, residential areas, and surrounding communities has left large numbers of tourists unable to leave the area.

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<img alt="" src="backend.arokago.com/media/uploads/2025/11/25/587229430_1298746895631181_7219114864774898195_n.jpg" style="width:100%" />

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The Minister met with Hatyai International Airport Director Krisada Pukkasap, Songkhla Provincial Tourism &amp; Sports Office Director Jirawadee Onwong, Songkhla Sports Authority Director Uraiwan Janlap, and other relevant agencies to coordinate immediate response efforts.

He instructed all related sectors to deliver food and drinking water to tourists stranded in their hotels. For operations inside Hat Yai International Airport, he requested the airport to set up a tourist assistance point, with Tourist Police and TAC officers stationed to receive reports and provide direct support.

Minister Attakorn stated that several hundred tourists are currently stranded at various hotels, as floodwaters are too high for regular vehicles to access the area. Deputy Prime Minister Capt. Thamanat Prompow, who oversees the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, has ordered urgent and close assistance for all tourists&mdash;both Thai and foreign&mdash;and instructed the Royal Irrigation Department to deploy ten-wheel trucks to deliver food, drinking water, and transport stranded tourists from hotels to evacuation centers or the airport, in coordination with Tourist Police operating 24 hours a day.

Regarding stranded passengers at Hat Yai International Airport, the Minister noted that an estimated 800&ndash;1,000 people may remain stuck over the next 2&ndash;3 days due to restricted access to the city. The Ministry has coordinated with the airport to establish assistance points and prepare drinking water, meals, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other essential items for those who must stay overnight. He also emphasized the need to ensure adequate first-aid services and restroom facilities. Tourist Police and TAC staff have been assigned to rotate shifts and maintain round-the-clock support.

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<img alt="" src="backend.arokago.com/media/uploads/2025/11/25/587113356_1298746858964518_842933185493653289_n.jpg" style="width:100%" />

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&ldquo;All agencies are working at full capacity&mdash;Songkhla Province, Hat Yai Municipality, Tourist Police, local authorities, and private organizations providing food and water&mdash;to assist affected residents and visitors. I expect the situation to begin improving over the next 2&ndash;3 days, provided there is no additional heavy rainfall, which will allow drainage systems to operate at full efficiency,&rdquo; said Minister Attakorn.

He reaffirmed that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, places the highest priority on ensuring the safety of all tourists, both domestic and international, and will continue providing close support until the situation returns to normal.

During his inspection, Minister Attakorn also visited stranded travelers inside the airport&mdash;many of whom are Malaysian tourists traveling by private car, along with local residents unable to return to their homes. He requested the airport to enhance assistance points, offer guidance to tourists, and provide water and meals.

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Source:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17mt5trrKv/">https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17mt5trrKv/</a>

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://radioprachuapkhirikhan.prd.go.th/th/content/category/detail/id/9/iid/446236">https://radioprachuapkhirikhan.prd.go.th/th/content/category/detail/id/9/iid/446236</a>

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Thai Hospitals Recognized in World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2026 Ranking by Newsweek–Statista

The ArokaGO Reporter

Advancing Smart Healthcare with Cutting-Edge Innovation

Thailand’s Rise in the Global Smart Hospital Landscape

Public Health Ministry Orders Immediate Deployment of Medical Teams to Assist Flood Victims in Hat Yai