Being one of our closest neighbours, Thailand shares many similar healthcare issues we face. Therefore, it's only appropriate that PSS forges closer ties our fellow pharmacists from the Kingdom of Thailand.

Ng Cheng Tiang standing next to CPA President, Mr. Teerawudh Pongsretpaisa, and Dr. Duangtip of Thai FDA.

These were the thoughts and plan that emerged from the recent courtesy visit by PSS Past President, Mr. Ng Cheng Tiang,  to the Community Pharmacy Association (CPA) of Thailand. It was very good to be able to exchange thoughts and ideas about the pharmacy practice in both countries, and share some common issues we face, and learn from each other's experience what works and what doesn't.

CPA President, Mr. Teerawudh Pongsretpaisa, hosted a dinner and invited other committee members of the CPA and Dr. Duangtip from Thai FDA to attend. Both associations agree to work closely through visits and to facilitate more opportunities for cross-exchanges of ideas and experience. The recent passing fo the Product Liability Act in Thailand has empowered and accorded the Thai consumers more protection from the products and services, including the health products and services. CPA, with more than 8,000 members comprising the owners of community pharmacy in Thailand, has been an active advocate and lobby partner in this policy and certainly there is much experience to share in this aspect between CPA and PSS. Other issues which are of interest to pursue would be the roles of community pharmacists in chronic disease management and ensuring just and appropriate use of medication, especially antibiotics.

Over the years, pharmacists in Thailand have been participating actively in regional and international conferences. This has been evident through the size of Thai contingent during the recently concluded FAPA Congress in Singapore. Thailand contributed the largest contingent to our FAPA 2008, second only to our local Singapore delegation in numbers.

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