Getting to Know Genomics Thailand
Genomics Thailand: Building the Foundation for Precision Medicine in Thailand
Genomics Thailand is a national initiative dedicated to advancing Precision Medicine by integrating the genetic data of the Thai population with clinical information, health behaviors, and environmental factors. This enables healthcare professionals to more accurately assess disease risk, improve diagnosis, prevent illness, and deliver personalized treatment tailored to each individual.
Moving beyond the traditional healthcare model of “treating disease after it occurs,” the project embraces the concept of Prediction & Prevention—identifying health risks early and preventing disease before symptoms develop. This approach supports the broader vision of Precision Public Health, where healthcare is proactive, personalized, and data-driven.
Another key mission of the initiative is the development of the Thai Reference Genome Database. Because the Thai population has unique genetic characteristics, genomic reference data from other populations may not always provide the accuracy needed for Thai individuals. Establishing a Thai-specific genomic database is therefore essential for improving the precision and effectiveness of healthcare and medical research in Thailand.
Key Highlights
– 50,000 whole genomes successfully sequenced from the Thai population.
– A nationwide network of 41 hospitals and research institutions collaborating across Thailand.
– Research covering five major disease areas: cancer, rare diseases, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), infectious diseases, and pharmacogenomics.
– Identification of*more than 65 million novel genetic variants in the Thai population that have not previously been reported in global genomic databases.
– Contributed to the integration of BRCA1/BRCA2 genetic testing and Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) into Thailand’s healthcare benefits system.
– The next phase aims to expand the genomic database to 200,000 participants, while advancing multi-omics research and integrating genomic data into the national healthcare system.
Our Vision
To build a healthcare system that can predict health risks earlier, prevent disease before it develops, and deliver the right treatment to the right person at the right time. By reducing the burden of disease, lowering healthcare costs, and ensuring equitable access to advanced medical innovations, Genomics Thailand is paving the way for Thailand to become Asia’s leading hub for genomic medicine.
Timeline
Jun 2016
Meeting with NIH Director
Oct 2017
Genomics Thailand Cosortium set up
Jan 2018
PMAC 2017 HGP Keynote Lectures
Mar 2018
MOU Signing on Genomics Thailand Research
Jun 2018
Workshop for Drafting National Strategic Plan
Nov 2018
Genomics Thailand Steering Committee
Jan 2019
PM Approval of "Genomics Thailand"
Mar 2019
Cabinet Approval of "Genomics Thailand"
Jun 2019
Genomics Thailand Inception Workshop
How We Work
FAQ
A national initiative that collects and studies the genetic data of the Thai population to advance personalized diagnosis, disease prevention, and treatment through Precision Medicine.
Eligible participants may receive genetic testing relevant to their condition or risk profile. At the same time, the data collected through the project will support the development of more accurate diagnostic, preventive, and treatment approaches tailored to the Thai population in the future.
The project focuses on participants with target conditions, including rare diseases, cancer, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), infectious diseases, and pharmacogenomics. Eligibility criteria vary depending on the individual research study and participating healthcare institution.
Your data is protected under strict security standards and in full compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). All data used for research is de-identified to protect participant privacy.
A routine blood test provides a snapshot of your current health, while genomic testing reveals your genetic blueprint. It can help assess disease risk, predict how you may respond to certain medications, and identify inherited genetic conditions.
Our Research Network