Ruam Thai Phatthana 2 Clinic Officially Opens in Phop Phra District

The Ruam Thai Phatthana 2 (RTS) Clinic was officially opened on 24 September 2026 in Ruam Thai Subdistrict, Phop Phra District, Tak Province, marking a new chapter in healthcare services for communities along the Thailand–Myanmar border.

The opening ceremony took place at 10:00 AM, presided over by Dr. Nakarin Somabutr, Provincial Public Health Officer of Tak Province. The ceremony was attended by officials, partners, representatives from the Thai public health sector, distinguished guests, community representatives, and SMRU/BHF staff. The new clinic was established to provide accessible healthcare, research, and public health services for border communities living in complex and changing circumstances. The development of the clinic was supported by the European Union and Expertise France, contributing to improved facilities and healthcare services in the area. RTS Clinic provides a range of services, with a particular focus on maternal and child health, including care throughout the antenatal, delivery, and postnatal periods, as well as immunisation, infectious disease care, malaria screening and treatment, and other public health services.
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RTS Clinic replaces Wang Pha (WPA) Clinic, which officially ceased services on 15 June 2026 after more than two decades of providing healthcare to migrant and border communities. SMRU began providing antenatal care and childbirth services at Wang Pha in 2004. In December 2007, a dedicated birth facility was opened, strengthening access to maternal and newborn care in the area. During its early years, Wang Pha also played an important role in malaria care, with the clinic seeing up to 100 falciparum malaria cases in a single day. The transition from Wang Pha to RTS was carried out in stages. Equipment and medical supplies were transferred to the new clinic, while staff gradually relocated to RTS. SMRU worked closely with local health authorities and community partners throughout the process to support continuity of care.

Following the opening ceremony, Prof.Francois Nosten, the Director of the Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, delivered a speech of thanks and presented souvenirs to the presiding officer and distinguished guests. SMRU staff then led the presiding officer, accompanying officials, and distinguished guests on a tour of the RTS Clinic, showcasing the new facilities and healthcare services available to patients on the campus.

The opening of the RTS Clinic represents an important step in SMRU’s continuing commitment to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare while supporting research, public health initiatives, and capacity building for border communities.SMRU extends its appreciation to the European Union and Expertise France, the Tak Provincial Public Health Office, local health authorities, community partners, staff, patients, and community leaders for their support and collaboration in the development of the RTS Clinic and the transition from Wang Pha.