The Royal College of Physicians of Thailand

The Royal College of Physicians of Thailand was founded in 1983 under the Thai Medical Council Act. Originally known as the College of Physicians of Thailand, the title “Royal” was granted by His Majesty the King in 1985.
The objectives of the Royal College of Physicians of Thailand are described in Article 7 of the Thai Medical Council Act 1982 with regards to academic disciplines related to Medicine. The functions of the College prescribed in the charter given by the Thai Medical Council are as follows:

Functions of the College

1. Conduct examinations for the specialist diploma in academic disciplines related to Medicine.
2. Provide and set the academic standards of professional practice of specialist diploma holders of disciplines related to Medicine in Thailand, including the control of professional conduct and ethics of medical practice of its members.
3. Promote education, research and academic advice in disciplines related to Medicine.
4. Organize academic meetings and continuing education including other activities for its members.
5. Act as the centre of communication and exchanges of academic and other activities for its members.
6. Promote and maintain the prestigious status of its members.
7. Establish a good understanding and honourable harmony between its members and between members of other Colleges and members of the medical profession belonging to other disciplines, both within Thailand and abroad.
8. Raise funds for activities related to the objectives of the College, including educational purposes, research in Medicine and other related disciplines.
9. Propagate academic knowledge related to Medicine for the benefit of the public and the medical profession.
10. Deliberate orders of the College within the jurisdiction of the Thai Medical Council Act and orders and regulations prescribed by the Thai Medical Council.
11. Report the College activities to the Thai Medical Council annually or periodically.

At present, the Royal College of Physicians of Thailand has three categories of membership, namely:

Fellows: This includes the Founding members and members who are holders of a specialist diploma of academic disciplines related to Medicine.

Associate Members: The College is empowered to appoint as associate members any members of the Thai Medical Council when the College deems that such persons possess competent professional status related to internal medicine or other specialized disciplines related to Medicine.

Honorary Fellows: Honorary Fellows are those who possess relevant expertise. Admission under this category is by the invitation of the College only.