Physical Therapy Council Proposes 4 Measures for Aging Society

MGR Online•Economy•1h ago

Reader Briefing

The Physical Therapy Council proposes four measures to improve healthcare access for the elderly and stroke patients in Thailand.

•The Physical Therapy Council and the Physical Therapy Association of Thailand held a seminar on September 2, 2026, at the Bio+Healthtech International 2026 event.
•Only 30% of stroke patients and hip fracture patients receive physical therapy according to established guidelines.
•The number of stroke patients in government hospitals rose from nearly 150,000 in 2024 to 162,049 in 2025.
•The Physical Therapy Council proposed four measures to increase personnel, expand community services, and increase health benefits.

•The Physical Therapy Council and the Physical Therapy Association of Thailand organized a seminar on September 2, 2026, at Biosquare Hall 102, BITEC Bangna, Bangkok.
•Professor Physical Therapist Dr. Prawit Janwattanagul stated that only 30% of stroke patients and approximately 30% of hip fracture patients receive physical therapy services.
•In 2025, 162,049 stroke patients were treated in government hospitals, an increase from nearly 150,000 in 2024.
•In 2025, 28,841 patients with hip fractures from falls were treated in government hospitals.
•Insufficient personnel and services in government hospitals lead to long queues, which may reduce recovery opportunities and increase risks of being bedbound.
•Professor Physical Therapist Dr. Prawit Janwattanagul noted that while the average life expectancy is 77.4 years, the healthy life expectancy is only about 68 years.
•The Physical Therapy Council launched a campaign under the concept Healthy elderly, walk well, do not forget, do not fall, bright mood to promote elderly health.
•The Physical Therapy Council proposed four measures including accelerating the production of physical therapists and expanding services via primary health systems.

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Physical Therapy Council

"Healthy elderly, walk well, do not forget, do not fall, bright mood"

สูงวัยสุขภาพดี เดินดี ไม่ลืม ไม่ล้ม อารมณ์แจ่มใส

Physical Therapy Council(สภากายภาพบำบัด)

An organization that proposed four measures to drive Thailand toward a quality aging society.

Physical Therapy Association of Thailand(สมาคมกายภาพบำบัดแห่งประเทศไทย)

An organization that co-organized a seminar on quality aging societies with the Physical Therapy Council.

National Health Security Office(สำนักงานหลักประกันสุขภาพแห่งชาติ)ℹ️

The organization where Dr. Peerapol Sutthiwisetsak serves as an expert.

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration(กรุงเทพมหานคร)ℹ️

The organization where Dr. Lertlak Leelaruangsaeng serves as Deputy Permanent Secretary.

People's Party(พรรคประชาชน)

The political party represented by Mr. Akkarapol Thongpoon.

Democrat Party(พรรคประชาธิปัตย์)

The political party represented by Mrs. Kannika Banthoengjit.

Sirindhorn National Medical Rehabilitation Institute(สถาบันสิรินธรเพื่อการฟื้นฟูสมรรถภาพทางการแพทย์แห่งชาติ)

The institute that established the 2024 guidelines for stroke patient rehabilitation.

Department of Medical Services(กรมการแพทย์)

The parent organization of the Sirindhorn National Medical Rehabilitation Institute.

Ministry of Public Health(กระทรวงสาธารณสุข)

The ministry overseeing the Department of Medical Services and the 10-year health manpower reform plan.

BITEC Bangna Convention Center(ศูนย์การประชุมไบเทค บางนา)

The venue in Bangkok where Biosquare Hall 102 is located.

Dr. Peerapol Sutthiwisetsak(นพ.พีรพล สุทธิวิเศษศักดิ์)

An expert from the National Health Security Office who participated in the seminar.

Dr. Lertlak Leelaruangsaeng(ดร.พญ.เลิศลักษณ์ ลีลาเรืองแสง)

Deputy Permanent Secretary for Bangkok who participated in the seminar.

Professor Physical Therapist Dr. Prawit Janwattanagul(ศ.กภ.ดร.ประวิตร เจนวรรธนะกุล)

President of the Physical Therapy Council.

Mr. Akkarapol Thongpoon(นายอัครพล ทองพูน)

A member of the strategic committee for the development of Lamphun Provincial Administrative Organization and a representative of the People's Party.

Mrs. Kannika Banthoengjit(นางกรรณิการ์ บรรเทิงจิตร)

Manager of the Office for Coordination of Policies for the Aging Society and a representative of the Democrat Party.