Khon Kaen University (KKU), through the Wellness Management and Medical Innovation Zone Centre, convened a strategic meeting to review the development plan and budget for the Khon Kaen Medical Innovation Zone. This initiative aims to drive integrated area development and reinforce Khon Kaen Province’s role as a major centre for health and wellness services in the Mekong Subregion.
On 21 January 2026, Khon Kaen University, represented by the Wellness Management and Medical Innovation Zone Centre, hosted the meeting with the goal of propelling integrated area development and positioning Khon Kaen Province as the regional hub for health and wellness services in the Mekong Subregion. Over 100 leaders from governmental and private sector networks participated in the event at the Sarasindh Meeting Room, 2nd Floor, Sirikunakorn Building, Khon Kaen University. The proceedings were also broadcast live to network areas in other provinces currently developing their own wellness zones.
Associate Professor Cholatip Pongskul, M.D., Acting Director of the Wellness Management and Medical Innovation Zone Centre, Khon Kaen University, explained that the purpose of the meeting was to review the university’s strategy, plans, and budget allocation guidance concerning wellness and medical innovation to ensure overall coherence. He noted the complexity and limitations of processing projects and budget requests at the departmental level. Therefore, a concept was introduced to integrate budget proposals into a single, cohesive request, enabling the strategy to be driven systematically, effectively, and with clear outcomes.
Associate Professor Cholatip further stated, “This operation is based on the framework of integrated area development, establishing Khon Kaen University as the central point and extending connectivity outwards to surrounding areas. We give careful consideration to public accessibility and proximity to communities, coupled with setting a clear budget framework that defines which strategic areas are to be prioritised. Following the presentation of the strategic framework, participants were divided into task-based groups corresponding to their responsibilities and operations. They collaborated to analyse and synthesise operational recommendations for crafting the next phase of the action plan and budget.”
Khon Kaen University aims to promote Khon Kaen Province as a key centre for healthcare services, medical innovation, and the health economy within the Mekong Subregion. This objective aligns with the national strategy, Thai government policy, and global trends, particularly regarding support for an ageing society, the development of high-value healthcare service industries, and the fostering of innovation ecosystems conducive to enhancing the public’s quality of life alongside the creation of sustainable economic opportunities.
