ส.อ.ท. ผนึก ศิริราช–สอวช. ดัน “Medical Device Sandbox” ยกระดับผู้ประกอบการไทยสู่อุตสาหกรรมเครื่องมือแพทย์มูลค่าสูงFTI Collaborates with Siriraj and NSTDA to Promote “Medical Device Sandbox” Elevating Thai Entrepreneurs in High-Value Medical Device Industry

On April 7, 2026, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital and the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Office (NSTDA) convened a meeting to discuss the implementation of the “Sandbox Program for Medical Devices for Thai Entrepreneurs” to foster cooperation in propelling the Thai industry towards a high-value industry segment. The meeting was attended by Mr. Supach Sukhpithan, Honorary President of the Automobile Parts Industry Group and FTI Board Member, Mr. Suthi Traivivatwong, President of the Medical Device Manufacturers Group, Ms. Yossara Limpaiphathurak, Committee Member of the International Organization Department of the Automobile Parts Industry Group, Mr. Naritsada Torsutthikanok, Secretary-General of the Medical Device Manufacturers Group, and Dr. Jangkrit Khanatharana, Deputy Director and Acting Director of the Innovation Institute for Industries, at Meeting Room 201, 2nd Floor, Si-Sawarinthira Building, Siriraj Hospital.

The meeting highlighted the urgent need for over 2,000 Thai SMEs that are affected by the transition to electric vehicle (EV) industry to adapt quickly. The FTI sees an opportunity to leverage existing mechanical skills, such as stamping and casting, to produce medical device components, thereby reducing reliance on imports as Thailand currently imports nearly all high-tech medical devices.

The NSTDA presented the concept of “Medical Device Sandbox,” encompassing everything from feasibility testing to commercialization. The key mechanism is the Co-creation Platform, which allows manufacturers, doctors, and researchers to collaborate from the early stages to develop products that meet real-world applications and are competitive on a global level.

Additionally, the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital will serve as a center for clinical validation, utilizing the potential of real-world usage data and patient numbers to reflect the demand-driven needs of the healthcare sector to the industry.

Furthermore, it was determined that the Innovation Institute for Industries (I2I) under the FTI and the Siriraj Excellent Innovation Center (SIEIC) will function as a focal point in systematically linking the needs of doctors with the production capabilities of the private sector.

This collaboration marks an important starting point in linking medical knowledge with Thailand's manufacturing sector, aiming to develop targeted products such as implants, medical electronics, and medical robotics. This will elevate Thailand from a “user” to a “producer” of medical technology, enhancing competitive capacity and improving sustainable access to public health services for the populace.