Honoured health reformer Prawase dies aged 93Listen to this articleRenowned public health scholar, reformer and social critic Dr Prawase Wasi has died aged 93. (Bangkok Post)Dr Prawase Wasi, one of Thailand’s most honoured public health scholars and civil society leaders, passed away peacefully at his home in Bangkok on Saturday night. Dr Prawase, an honorary fellow of the Royal Society of Thailand and widely regarded as a senior citizen of Thai civil society, was a towering figure in public health, education reform, social development and civic politics. He was instrumental in founding several independent organisations that continue to guide national health policy, including the National Health Commission Office, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), the Healthcare Accreditation Institute and the National Institute for Emergency Medicine. Among his many honours were the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service, Thailand’s Distinguished Scientist Award, National Outstanding Person Award (Medicine), the National Outstanding Scientist Award (Medical Science), the WHO “Tobacco or Health” Medal, and Unesco's Comenius Medal.

Source: Bangkok Post January 11, 2026 04:36 UTC