Dr. Kitti Rattanasombat Appointed Acting Director of Walailak University Medical Center Hospital, Reaffirms Commitment to Advancing Healthcare for Upper Southern Thailand

On February 13, 2025, Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, together with Associate Professor Dr. Warit Jorchit, Vice President overseeing the Medical Center Hospital, warmly welcomed and congratulated Dr. Kitti Rattanasombat, former Director of Tha Sala Hospital, on his official appointment as Acting Director of Walailak University Medical Center Hospital. The handover ceremony was held at Hua Tapan Meeting Room, Chulabhorn Medical Building.

The event was honored by the presence of Phra Khru Woraditthanurak, Chief Monk of Tha Sala District, along with distinguished guests including Mr. Siriphat Patthakun and Mr. Kraison Wisitwong, former Governors of Nakhon Si Thammarat; Dr. Nopporn Chuenklin, former Director of the Government Pharmaceutical Organization and former Provincial Health Officer; Dr. Paripon Julajerm, current Provincial Health Officer; heads of government agencies, medical professionals, and representatives from both public and private sectors in Tha Sala District and Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. Over 500 attendees joined the ceremony to extend their congratulations.

Professor Dr. Sombat stated that Walailak University Medical Center Hospital began its pilot outpatient services on January 24, 2017, and moved to its main building on November 15, 2021. Full-scale operations, including inpatient services, commenced on January 24, 2022, with a capacity of 426 beds, plus an additional 114 beds in the monk ward funded by the Srithammaracha Foundation, totaling 540 beds. The hospital serves as a teaching and clinical training facility, aiming to provide tertiary care. In 2024, the hospital served over 240,000 patients, and in 2025, it aims to serve no fewer than 300,000 patients, supported by advanced medical equipment and a team of 104 specialized physicians.

He expressed deep appreciation for Dr. Kitti’s willingness to lead the hospital, emphasizing that his extensive experience and strong ties to the local community—being a native of Tha Sala—will be instrumental in building trust and enhancing the hospital’s reputation.

Dr. Kitti Rattanasombat shared his dedication to leading the hospital team—both existing and future members—toward the goal of making the Medical Center Hospital a central healthcare provider for Nakhon Si Thammarat and seven provinces in upper southern Thailand. He acknowledged that this mission will take time but expressed confidence in the hospital’s growth through collaboration with Tha Sala Hospital, Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital, and other regional hospitals.

“I previously served as Director of Tha Sala Hospital and successfully developed it into a key healthcare provider for the district. Now, having received unanimous support and witnessed by many, I am committed to giving even more to Walailak University Medical Center Hospital,” said Dr. Kitti.

Dr. Kitti Rattanasombat is a highly experienced physician and former Director of Tha Sala Hospital. He has received numerous honors, including Outstanding Southern Physician, Outstanding Community Hospital Administrator, and the prestigious Golden Garuda Award for exemplary civil service.

Source of information and news images: Walailak University website