Thailand performs first remote robotic prostate cancer surgery over 250km
BANGKOK — Thailand has performed its first remote robotic surgery, with doctors in Bangkok controlling a surgical robot to operate on a prostate cancer patient at a hospital in Nakhon Ratchasima, about 250 kilometers away. The procedure was conducted Monday between Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital in Bangkok and Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, marking what the Ministry […] The post Thailand…
Bangkok, Thailand has executed its first remote robotic prostate cancer surgery, with surgeons in the capital city directing a robotic system to perform the procedure on a patient located over 250 kilometers away in Nakhon Ratchasima. The groundbreaking operation took place on Monday, marking a significant milestone for Thailand's medical sector according to the Ministry of Public Health.
The Ministry aims to promote medical innovation and technology to enhance healthcare services and establish specialized medical centers at international standards. Health Minister Phatthana Phromphat highlighted the successful remote surgery as evidence of Thailand's readiness to adopt advanced medical technologies and suggested the procedure could serve as a template for developing remote surgical networks nationwide.
The surgery involved a team of specialists at Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, led by Dr Niphon Suparattanachantiphan and Dr Thanathon Termkraisi, who collaborated with Dr Peeradon Saphoemsub, who operated the robotic system remotely from Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital in Bangkok. Dr Somruek, a senior public health official, explained that the technology will enable medical personnel in regional hospitals to gain hands-on experience with sophisticated surgical systems.
The Ministry plans to extend this technology to regional referral hospitals across various health zones to bridge disparities in access to advanced medical care. Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital initiated robotic surgery services in December 2025 and has since completed 52 successful procedures in gynecology, general surgery, and urology, with all 52 operations proving successful.
The hospital has also conducted remote robotic surgeries with international partners, including a gallstone removal and a prostate cancer operation in China, demonstrating its commitment to advancing medical technology beyond major Bangkok hospitals and integrating it into Thailand's regional healthcare network.
Written by urgent.news from Khaosod English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
