Bangkok to Host Landmark Summit for SE Asia's Healthcare Future

BANGKOK, Thailand – January 14, 2026 – Southeast Asia’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape is set for a major convergence as Informa Markets has announced the return of International Healthcare Week to Thailand. Scheduled for July 8-10, 2026, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, the event is poised to become the region's most significant gathering of health and wellness industry stakeholders.

This flagship initiative will uniquely co-locate three major exhibitions: CPHI South East Asia (pharmaceuticals), WHX Bangkok (medical laboratory and devices, formerly Medlab Asia and Asia Health), and Medtec Southeast Asia (medical device design and manufacturing). The powerful combination is expected to attract over 26,000 visitors and more than 1,000 exhibitors, creating a comprehensive platform that spans the entire healthcare value chain.

A Unified Front for a Booming Market

The timing of International Healthcare Week is strategic, aligning with the explosive growth of the region's healthcare market. Southeast Asia's healthcare sector is being propelled by a confluence of powerful drivers, including a rising middle class with increased spending power, a growing aging population, and a post-pandemic surge in health awareness. This has created unprecedented demand for advanced medical services, pharmaceuticals, and technology.

Market projections underscore the scale of the opportunity. The medical device market in Southeast Asia alone is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.59% to reach US$15.74 billion by 2028. Similarly, sectors like healthcare analytics are expanding at rates exceeding 20% year-on-year. By uniting the pharmaceutical, medical laboratory, and medtech manufacturing sectors, the 2026 event aims to create powerful synergies. This integrated approach allows professionals to explore innovations, forge partnerships, and source solutions across the entire ecosystem—from raw pharmaceutical ingredients to sophisticated diagnostic AI and contract manufacturing services—all under one roof.

Under the theme "Local & Regional to Global Networking," the event is designed to empower companies of all sizes. It provides a crucial launchpad for local and regional businesses to connect with international partners, access new technologies, and scale their operations for the global stage. This focus on commercial opportunity and market expansion is critical for capitalizing on the region's dynamic growth.

Thailand: The Strategic Heart of ASEAN's Health Sector

Thailand’s selection as the host nation is no coincidence. The country has successfully cultivated its status as a premier hub for healthcare and medical innovation in Asia. Its world-class infrastructure, strategic geographical location, and a supportive regulatory environment, actively promoted by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), make it an ideal gateway to the broader ASEAN market.

Thailand's reputation is built on a foundation of excellence in medical tourism, a robust domestic healthcare system, and a flourishing ecosystem for research and development. This environment has attracted significant foreign investment and has made it a leader in the regional pharmaceutical market. International Healthcare Week 2026 is set to reinforce this role, showcasing the nation's capacity to lead regional healthcare development.

Previous exhibitors have lauded the country's strategic value. "Thailand is at the heart of Southeast Asia's rapidly growing healthcare market, making it the perfect location to showcase our biosensor technology," said Haeun Jung, Global Marketing Manager for Korea-based i-SENS. "WHX Bangkok offered an excellent opportunity to connect with prospective buyers and strengthen relationships with existing partners. This platform aligned seamlessly with our goals of expanding our presence in Asia."

Driving Innovation for 700 Million People

Beyond the significant business opportunities, the event carries a profound mission: to improve health outcomes for the nearly 700 million citizens of Southeast Asia. The region faces complex health challenges, including a rising tide of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, as well as persistent issues of healthcare access and affordability.

The innovations and collaborations fostered at International Healthcare Week are aimed directly at these challenges. CPHI South East Asia will gather the pharmaceutical supply chain to advance drug development and manufacturing, while also tackling regional regulatory complexities. WHX Bangkok will showcase the latest in medical laboratory technology and diagnostics, which are crucial for early detection and management of diseases. Meanwhile, Medtec Southeast Asia will focus on the design and manufacturing of medical devices, promoting local production that can enhance accessibility and reduce costs.

The ultimate goal is to translate technological advancement into tangible patient benefits. As Anand Hiremath, Vice President at Aptar Pharma, India, noted of his experience, the objective is to "proudly showcase our innovative drug delivery systems, active material science solutions, and services that advance patient care and improve treatment outcomes." This focus on patient-centric innovation is a core tenet of the week-long event.

Building a Resilient and Collaborative Ecosystem

The strength of International Healthcare Week lies in its collaborative model. By bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, investors, researchers, and healthcare providers, the event creates a fertile ground for knowledge transfer and cross-sector partnerships. This collaborative spirit is essential for building a resilient healthcare ecosystem capable of addressing future health crises and meeting the evolving needs of diverse communities.

Organizer Informa Markets, a global leader in B2B events with a 40-year history in Thailand, brings a proven track record to the endeavor. The projected attendance and exhibitor numbers are backed by the consistent growth of its past events. For instance, the 2023 edition of Medlab Asia & Asia Health welcomed over 7,500 participants, while the 2022 CPHI South East Asia event in Bangkok drew nearly 7,700 industry professionals. The combined force of these established brands promises an unparalleled convergence of expertise.

As Southeast Asia continues its trajectory as a global economic powerhouse, strengthening its healthcare infrastructure is paramount. International Healthcare Week 2026 represents a critical milestone in this journey, offering a platform not just for trade, but for shaping a healthier and more prosperous future for the entire region.