In a significant stride for Thailand’s burgeoning biotechnology sector, the government has announced new national standards for cell banks, aiming to elevate the safety, quality, and international competitiveness of human cell storage and usage. The move, revealed in the Royal Gazette on October 9, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for medical research and innovation in the country, with far-reaching implications for healthcare, investment, and Thailand’s ambition to become a regional medical and wellness hub.
According to Bangkok Biz News, the newly issued regulations—officially titled the Department of Medical Sciences Regulation on Criteria and Conditions for Certification of Cell Banks, B.E. 2568—will take effect 30 days after publication. The rules set forth comprehensive requirements covering personnel qualifications, facilities, equipment, cell storage procedures, and quality management systems. These measures are designed to ensure that all institutions handling human cells adhere to both scientific rigor and international best practices.
Dr. Sarawut Boonsuk, Director-General of the Department of Medical Sciences, emphasized the importance of this regulatory milestone. “The establishment of cell bank standards is a key mission for our department to create a robust, safe, and reliable oversight framework,” he stated. “We have developed a certification mechanism that covers everything from staff evaluation to facility standards and quality management, enabling cell storage entities to operate in line with academic and global standards.”
To guide both public and private organizations, the Department has also released a detailed manual outlining the cell bank standards. This manual addresses the collection of human cells for research and the development of cell therapy products, including both minimally and highly manipulated cell types. The guidelines specify requirements for personnel, infrastructure, equipment, operational processes, and quality systems, ensuring that these resources can be efficiently and safely applied.
These standards are expected to play a crucial role in supporting Thailand’s research ecosystem. As highlighted in the Bangkok Biz News report, they will bolster the quality and safety of cell storage, underpinning advances in medical innovation and reinforcing confidence in the country’s regulatory system for biological products. Of particular note is the support for “advanced medical cell banks,” which are central to the research and development of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs)—a rapidly growing field encompassing cell-based therapies for regenerative medicine.
The timing of this regulatory update coincides with a broader push to position Thailand as a leader in medical and wellness services. On October 11, 2025, the Thai Stem Cell Technology and Development Center (Cell Bank) hosted a seminar titled “Stem Cell for the Future,” aimed at raising awareness and fostering development in stem cell technology. The event, as reported by Bangkok Biz News, brought together researchers, clinicians, and industry stakeholders to discuss the transformative potential of stem cells in regenerative medicine and ATMPs.
During the seminar, participants explored how stem cell technology could be integrated into mainstream healthcare services. The Cell Bank outlined its commitment to supporting research and development, with an eye toward practical applications in Thailand’s growing medical and wellness hub. The initiative is closely aligned with the government’s Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) model, which leverages biotechnology to add value and enhance the country’s health economy.
“Stem cells are at the heart of regenerative medicine and advanced therapies,” one speaker noted, according to Bangkok Biz News. “By establishing clear standards and supporting research, Thailand can accelerate the adoption of these technologies and improve patient outcomes.”
The momentum for stem cell innovation is not limited to regulatory and research efforts. In a parallel development, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) announced on October 11, 2025, the inclusion of the stem cell technology sector in its roster of listed companies. As reported by Nation TV, this strategic move aims to foster growth and attract investment in the medical biotechnology sector, particularly companies specializing in stem cell research and applications.
The SET’s announcement signals a recognition of biotechnology’s economic potential and its central role in the government’s vision for a medical and wellness hub. “The inclusion of stem cell technology companies in the stock exchange will promote investment, innovation, and job creation,” a SET representative explained. “It’s an important step in making Thailand a leader in the medical and wellness industry.”
This initiative dovetails with the government’s broader BCG policy, which seeks to harness biotechnology, circular economy principles, and green innovation to drive sustainable growth. By supporting the development of medical biotechnology companies and integrating stem cell technology into the national healthcare system, policymakers hope to position Thailand as a preferred destination for medical tourism and wellness services.
However, these ambitious plans are not without challenges. Ensuring that cell banks operate with the highest standards of safety and ethics is paramount, especially as advanced therapies become more prevalent. The new regulations aim to address these concerns by providing a robust framework for oversight and continuous improvement.
Industry leaders have welcomed the changes, viewing them as a necessary foundation for future success. “Having clear, enforceable standards gives confidence to investors, researchers, and patients alike,” said a representative from the Thai Stem Cell Technology and Development Center. “It’s a sign that Thailand is serious about leading in this field.”
The intersection of regulatory reform, research advancement, and financial investment paints a dynamic picture of Thailand’s biotechnology landscape. The country’s efforts to standardize cell banking, promote stem cell research, and encourage biotech investment reflect a coordinated strategy to build a world-class medical and wellness hub. With the new regulations set to take effect soon, stakeholders across the healthcare and biotech sectors are preparing for a new era of opportunity and responsibility.
As the global demand for regenerative medicine and advanced therapies continues to rise, Thailand’s proactive approach may well pay dividends—not just in economic terms, but in the lives improved and innovations realized. The coming months will reveal how these new standards and initiatives translate into tangible progress on the ground, but the groundwork has been laid for Thailand to make its mark on the world stage.
