Founding History of the Association of General Surgeons of Thailand under the Royal Patronage (Established in 2002)
The initiative to establish the association began during the time when Lt. Gen. Dr. Auychai Plueangprasert acted as a representative of a group of general surgeons. The petitioners and founding members included: Prof. Dr. Arun Phaosawat, Air Marshal Dr. Kitti Yensutjai, Air Marshal Dr. Auychai Plueangprasert, Dr. Supong Khemakosit and, Gp. Capt. Dr. Nopadol Wora-urai
The association was officially registered on June 5, 2002, with its temporary office located on the 6th floor of the Royal Golden Jubilee (the 50th Anniversary Chalermprabarami) Building, Soi Soonvijai. Air Marshal Dr. Auychai Plueangprasert was appointed as the first President of the association.
Executive Committee Members (First Term): Vice President: Dr. Krit Pothisuwan, Secretary-General: Gp. Capt. Dr. Noppadon Woraurai, Treasurer: Wg. Cdr. Dr. Supong Khemakosit, Reception: Wg. Cdr. Dr. Phet Kasetsuwan, Registrar: Dr. Apichai Chaiyaroj, Public Relations: Pol. Lt. Col. Dr. Songsai Simaroj
Committee Members: Dr. Darin Lohsirivat, Dr. Sukit Punpimarnmas, Lt. Col. Dr. Thamrongroj Temudom, Col. Dr. Viboon Satchakul, Wg. Cdr. Dr. Viboon Trakoonhoon, Wg. Cdr. Dr. Srichai Chaipruk, Dr. Suwit Sriatsadaporn, Dr. Watcharapong Puttisawat, Dr. Kampol Laohapensang, Dr. Weerachai Mahatharadol
The executive board holds regular meetings on the first Saturday of each month.
On Friday, July 26, 2002, the association was officially introduced during the 27th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Royal College of Surgeons of Thailand, held at the Chanthaburi-Trat Room, Ambassador City Jomtien Hotel.
The first annual meeting was co-hosted with the Asian Surgical Association (Thailand chapter) from September 30 to October 2, 2002, at the Royal Golden Jubilee (the 50th Anniversary Chalermprabarami) Building, under the theme: “Update in General Surgery”
A formal request was submitted to the Royal Secretariat through the Cabinet Secretariat, seeking royal patronage for the association. The Secretariat later confirmed that His Majesty the King had graciously granted “royal patronage” to the Association of General Surgeons of Thailand, effective March 23, 2006. This was made possible through the efforts of Prof. Lt. Gen. Dr. Nopadol Wora-urai, former president of the association.
To establish a permanent office, Air Marshal Dr. Auychai Plueangprasert, the President, reserved a space on the 11th floor of the Royal Golden Jubilee (the 50th Anniversary Chalermprabarami) Building, covering 195 square meters. Prof. Dr. Arun Phaosawat generously donated the majority of the proceeds from the first academic meeting to support the purchase.
