On Friday, August 20, 2021, the Research Institute for Health Sciences (RIHS), Walailak University had cooperated with the Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI) including experts. There were Dr. Ladda Dumrikarnlert, a foundation committee of Thai Gerontology Research and Development Institute, Mr. Prasert Mahasuk, deputy district chief of Koh Samui, Ms. Punyaporn Pradabsuk, deputy director of Tourism Authority of Thailand (Samui Office), Ms. Wanwalee Tantikan, president of the Koh Samui Spa Association, Ms. Kamonchanok Pramno, a registered nurse of Koh Samui Hospital, and Representatives from the Koh Samui District Public Health, organizing research development activity under the topic of Health in fragile people (elder/ disabled) and health services in tourism areas through video conferencing with Zoom at Moklan meeting room, 2nd floor, administration building, Walailak University.
Prof.Dr. Wanna Churit, Vice President for Research and Social Service, Walailak University said she was delighted and honored to open the 1st research development activity under the topic of Health in fragile people (elder/ disabled) and health services in tourism areas. The cooperation of the Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI) and the Research Institute for Health Sciences, Walailak University in the event for the purposed of faculty and researchers developing a research plan together.
And she also said the RIHS had a project to develop researcher potential, research plans, and enhanced the knowledge for researchers in producing quality research along with built strengths and aptitudes for research developers to provide beneficial research to the public. That activity would be certainly advantageous towards several departments as well as the collaborators. Without a doubt, the university appreciated the great benefits to support the research development activity
Asst.Prof.Dr. Udomsak Saengow, the director of the Research Institute for Health Science said Walailak University and the Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI) participated in supporting research on health systems in the upper south for “Building Research Capacity in Medicine and Public Health in the Upper South”. Therefore, they had discussions to develop a plan of Health in fragile people (elder/ disabled) and health services in tourism areas. The upper south is a geographically diverse area. It is also a very popular tourist destination in Thailand and generates income for people in the area. Koh Samui, Surat Thani province is an area with a large number of foreign tourists of various nationalities. The province had received good support, safety, service in various fields from government agencies. They obviously emphasized the health of all citizens and tourists, including foreigners.
To receive health services that are appropriate for their age, sex, and physical fitness; health services have been added such as spa, massage parlors, yoga, or wellness services that were increasing according to the needs of the population in the area. Consequently, organizing activity to develop research plans, therefore, cooperated with government agencies, health agencies, travel agencies, and related agencies to jointly study and develop research topics with research beneficiaries, direct research support groups, and interested researchers on the Health in fragile people (elder/ disabled) and health services in tourism areas which in that regard was greatly encouraged. That activity had a duration of 1 day. There were more than 50 faculty members, researchers, speakers, and experts.
