Payap University – Yonsei University Launch a Historic Initiative in Global Humanistic Medicine April 9–11, 2026 | Seoul, Republic of Korea Payap University, led by its President, Apicha Insuwan, together with Asst.Prof.Dr. Wanlapa Songprakhun, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research, Asst. Khattiyaporn Khontiang, Dean of McCormick Faculty of Nursing and Dr. Nattharin Paethayanon, United Board Fellow (2025–2026), Faculty of Pharmacy, currently on duty at Severance Hospital, Yonsei University visited Yonsei University to participate in the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Yonsei Medical Mission Center, Yonsei Institute for Global Health, and Yonsei University Health System, under the gracious reception of Professor Chin Yong Pak, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the Medical Mission Center. A New Paradigm: Global Humanistic Medicine This landmark collaboration marks the launch of a new paradigm—Global Humanistic Medicine—aimed at addressing inequities in access to healthcare among vulnerable and underserved populations worldwide. The initiative is driven by: • Payap University’s vision to advance international programs in medicine, public health, and health promotion • Strategic academic leadership and international coordination by Dr. Nattharin Paethayanon • Support from the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia and the Church of Christ in Thailand Foundation Grounded in the shared philosophies of both institutions: • Payap University: Truth and Service • Yonsei University: The Truth Shall Set You Free Establishment of the Payap–Yonsei Mission Center for Humanistic Medicine To translate vision into action, both institutions have jointly established the: Payap–Yonsei Mission Center for Humanistic Medicine A flagship unit under the Office of the President, Payap University, serving as an international hub for innovation in healthcare education and global health development. Core Functions • Development of the Humanistic Health Leadership program • Advancement of research through Routine to Research (R2R) • Expansion of regional collaboration (Mongolia, Vietnam, Indonesia) • Implementation of international fellowship programs • Promotion of Interprofessional Education From Classroom to Real-World Impact The Center emphasizes not only academic excellence but also transformative action through: Community Engagement • Joint Medical Missions in collaboration with Yonsei medical teams and Global Mission Service • The Homegrown Scholars Program, empowering underserved youth to become healthcare professionals serving their own communities Global Network • Faculty and student exchange programs with Yonsei University • Formation of service-oriented global health leaders grounded in humanistic values • Strengthening international competitiveness and collaboration Toward Borderless Healthcare This partnership represents not only an academic milestone but also a strategic commitment by Thailand and the Republic of Korea to advancing global health leadership. Its long-term goals include: • Reducing structural healthcare inequities • Building a borderless healthcare ecosystem • Upholding human dignity through sustainable global health systems A Partnership for Humanity Payap University expresses its sincere appreciation to H.E. Thani Saengrat, Ambassador of Thailand to the Republic of Korea, for graciously witnessing this historic signing. This achievement reflects the transformative power of education for humanity—not only generating knowledge, but also inspiring hope for the global community.

On 9 April 2026, H.E. Mr. Tanee Sangrat, Ambassador of Thailand to the ROk, extended his encouragement and assistance to a Thai worker who sustained serious injuries after being physically assaulted by a Korean employer. On this occasion, the Ambassador presented a fruit basket and facilitated consular services, including a passport and a national identification card, to ensure that the injured individual could proceed with necessary documentation.

On 7 April 2026, H.E. Mr. Tanee Sangrat, Ambassador of Thailand to the ROK, together with officials of the Royal Thai Embassy, held a meeting with representatives of Thai associations in the ROK, including the Thai Cultural Council of the ROK, the Nuad Thai Volunteer Association of the ROK, the Thai Women’s Council of the ROK, the Thai Students Association in the ROK, the Thai Friendship Center in Gimhae, and the Thai community in Jeju. The meeting took place both at the Ambassador’s Residence and via an online platform.

Ambassador of Thailand to Korea and Vice Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Promote Thailand–ROK Educational Cooperation and Exchanges On 27 March 2026, H.E. Mr. Tanee Sangrat, Ambassador of Thailand to the ROK, in his capacity as an alumnus of The Prince Royal’s College, and Ms. Kang Yun-jin, Vice Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of the ROK, delivered congratulatory remarks at the MOU signing ceremony between The Prince Royal’s College and Baehwa Girls’ High School, held at the conference hall of Baehwa Girls’ High School. On this occasion, Ambassador Tanee underscored that Thailand–Republic of Korea relations are firmly rooted in shared history, particularly Thailand’s participation in the Korean War, which marked the beginning of a long-standing friendship and enduring partnership between the two countries. He also expressed confidence that educational cooperation between the two schools would serve as an important mechanism to foster mutual understanding and further strengthen ties among the younger generations. Vice Minister Kang also commended Thailand’s important role in the historical development of bilateral relations and emphasized the importance of passing on this shared legacy to younger generations. She also noted that the cooperation between the two schools would play a meaningful role in enhancing awareness and deepening people-to-people connections between the two countries in the long term. The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding was the outcome of the visit of Ambassador Tanee and teachers and students from Prince Royal’s College to Baehwa Girls’ High School in August 2025 which the Ambassador encouraged both institutions to explore avenues for enhanced educational cooperation and exchanges. This initiative is expected to further strengthen people-to-people ties and foster closer relations between the youth of Thailand and the ROK.

On 28 March 2026, the Thai Student Association in the ROK, hosted at Ambassador’s Residence the TSAK's first meet event “Binding Knots, Binding Hearts: Thai Students in Korea” in the boy/girl scout theme with the aim of sharing knowledge, fostering networks and relationships in the Thai student community.