The Early Years: The Birth of a Professional Community
The Group of Chest Physicians: The First Step Toward the Society
In 1954, a group of physicians with a shared interest in chest diseases began meeting to discuss the establishment of a professional organization dedicated to thoracic medicine in Thailand. The initiative was led by Professor Saman Mantraporn, who played a pivotal role in bringing together experts in the field.
Two meetings were held at the Medical Association of Thailand to discuss the formation of the “Thorax Society of Thailand.” Prominent senior physicians, including Professor Prasert Kangsadal and Khun Rattanavej Sakha, participated in these discussions. The attendees agreed to establish an informal organization called the Group of Chest Physicians as an initial step, with the intention of forming a formal society in the future.
Professor Saman Mantraporn, Professor Sira Sirisampan, and Professor Banyen Tawipat were appointed to lead the initiative.
The First Scientific Meeting
The first scientific meeting of the Group of Chest Physicians was held on 7 August 1954 at the Medical Association of Thailand.
Professor Prasert Kangsadal presented a lecture entitled:
“Radiological Interpretation of Minimal Tuberculous Lesions.”
The meeting, chaired by Khun Rattanavej Sakha, attracted active discussion among participants. Following this successful event, regular scientific meetings were organized at the Medical Association of Thailand between 1955 and 1959.
Establishment of the Thai Chapter of the American College of Chest Physicians
On 30 October 1957, the Thai Chapter of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) was established.
At that time, thirteen Thai physicians had been elected as Fellows of the ACCP in the United States. Lt. Gen. Thip Phonphok (then Colonel Thip Phonphok) was appointed as the first Governor for Thailand by the ACCP.
The founding officers were:
- President: Professor Prasert Kangsadal
- Vice Presidents: Professor Saman Mantraporn and Dr. Sombun Phongaksorn
- Secretary and Treasurer: Dr. Sombun Phongaksorn
The Thai Chapter of the ACCP continues to operate actively to this day.
Foundation of the Thoracic Society of Thailand
On 14 November 1961, sixteen physicians interested in thoracic medicine convened at the Medical Association of Thailand to discuss the establishment of a national thoracic society.
The meeting was chaired by Professor Prasert Kangsadal, who strongly supported the creation of a dedicated professional society for chest medicine in Thailand.
The assembly resolved to establish :
Thoracic Society of Thailand (TST)
A committee consisting of Professor Saman Mantraporn, Dr. Banyat Parichyanon, and Dr. Ninat Chinachoti was appointed to draft the society’s constitution and regulations.
The Society was officially registered in 1962.
Growth and Academic Leadership
At a meeting held on 27 August 1962, the first provisional executive committee was appointed:
- President: Dr. Sombun Phongaksorn
- Vice President: Professor Saman Mantraporn
- Secretary-General: Dr. Banyat Parichyanon
- Treasurer: Dr. Songkram Sapcharoen
- Committee Members:
- Dr. Kasan Jatikavanich
- Lt. Gen. Dr. Thip Phonphok
- Dr. Prakob Wisanyavet
Over subsequent decades, the Society collaborated extensively with national and international organizations, including:
- The Anti-Tuberculosis Association of Thailand
- The Thai Society of Occupational Medicine
- The National Cancer Institute
- The Thai Cardiac Society
- The Society of Thoracic Surgeons of Thailand
- The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP)
The Society regularly organized scientific conferences, special lectures, and continuing medical education activities featuring both Thai and international experts.
The 11th Asia-Pacific Congress on Diseases of the Chest
One of the Society’s most significant achievements was serving as the principal organizer of :
11th Asia-Pacific Congress on Diseases of the Chest
held from 19–23 November 1989 at the Central Plaza Hotel, Bangkok.
The congress was organized in collaboration with several national and international professional organizations and was attended by:
- 1,084 participants
- Representatives from 46 countries worldwide
A Post-Congress Symposium was subsequently held at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort, Pattaya, attracting an additional 150 participants.
Under Royal Patronage
In June 2011, the Society was graciously granted Royal Patronage and officially adopted the name:
Thoracic Society of Thailand under Royal Patronage (TST)
This recognition reflects the Society’s longstanding contribution to respiratory health, thoracic medicine, education, research, and public service in Thailand.
Mission and Objectives
The objectives of the Thoracic Society of Thailand under Royal Patronage are:
- To promote education, scientific advancement, and clinical practice in thoracic medicine.
- To encourage research and innovation related to respiratory and thoracic diseases.
- To uphold professional ethics and foster collegiality among physicians specializing in thoracic medicine.
- To facilitate collaboration and exchange of knowledge with related professional organizations both nationally and internationally.
- To advocate for policies that improve respiratory health and public well-being.
- To remain a non-political professional organization.
The Society Today
Today, the Thoracic Society of Thailand under Royal Patronage has more than 1,200 members nationwide and is recognized as one of Thailand’s leading medical professional organizations.
Through the dedication and commitment of successive executive committees and members, the Society continues to advance respiratory medicine, promote high-quality patient care, support research and education, and contribute to national health policy and public respiratory health.