July 15, 2025, Khon Kaen, Thailand — The Mekong Institute (MI) joined leading national and regional stakeholders at the Second Strategic Planning Workshop and Public Consultation convened by the Health Service Support Center 7, Ministry of Public Health, in partnership with Khon Kaen University. Held in a hybrid format, the event brought together over 120 participants—including policymakers, academic leaders, private sector actors, and civil society groups—to chart the path toward transforming Khon Kaen and its neighboring provinces into a Wellness Hub and Medical Valley for the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).
This milestone event was co-chaired by Assoc. Prof. Cholatip Pongskul, Assistant to the President for Strategic Plan Monitoring and Key Initiatives, Khon Kaen University (KKU), and Mr. Jakkrit Siripanich, President of the Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce. Discussions focused on finalizing the Strategic Plan for Regional Wellness Development, which supports Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model and reflects broader regional aspirations for equitable, resilient, and innovation-led health systems.
As a key partner, MI was represented by Ms. Guohua Liu, Director of Sustainable Energy and Environment, who delivered a featured presentation titled “Unlocking Regional Wellness and Medical Potential: Khon Kaen and Its Neighbors as a Health and Wellness Hub for the Mekong Region.” She emphasized the importance of fostering sustainable ecosystems that not only elevate human well-being, but also stimulate inclusive economic growth and enhance the region’s competitive edge within the rapidly expanding wellness economy.
“This workshop reflects our commitment to a future-ready Khon Kaen—where innovation meets well-being, and local strengths are elevated to regional opportunities,” said Ms. Guohua Liu, MI.
Through its engagement, MI reinforced its role as a regional catalyst for integration, innovation, and knowledge exchange—helping connect provincial ambitions to GMS-wide frameworks in public health, sustainable development, and inclusive regional cooperation.
The event builds on MI’s ongoing efforts to support cross-border partnerships and promote holistic development solutions that align with the region’s transformation into a forward-looking and people-centered Mekong.
