On 11 February 2026, faculty members and students from the Department of Pharmaceutical and Nursing Sciences, International College, Krirk University, visited the Sirindhorn National Medical Rehabilitation Institute for a study tour.
The Institute operates under Thailand’s Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, and was established under the gracious patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn. As a national specialist institution in medical rehabilitation, it is dedicated to developing high-quality rehabilitation services and improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities and patients.
During the visit, the Krirk University delegation gained a comprehensive understanding of the Institute’s rehabilitation service model, encompassing health promotion, disease prevention, therapeutic interventions, and functional rehabilitation throughout the continuum of care. Particular attention was given to the diverse applications of occupational therapy, including:
- Upper extremity and hand function training
- Perceptual function training
- Cognitive function training
- Orofacial motor skills training
- Feeding and swallowing techniques training
The delegation also visited several specialized clinics, including the swallowing rehabilitation clinic, the driver training clinic for persons with disabilities, and the upper extremity and hand function training clinic. These services support patients with conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, cognitive impairment, swallowing difficulties following oral or laryngeal tumour surgery, as well as upper-limb injuries or amputations.
A key highlight of the visit was the opportunity to learn about advanced rehabilitation technologies and equipment, including:
- Robotic Gait Training: Integrating a body-weight support system with a robotic exoskeleton, this technology uses computer-controlled hip and knee movements to help patients practise a gait pattern close to natural walking. Real-time feedback further enhances training outcomes and motor control.
- Cyclic Leg Movement Training on a Tilt Table
- Perturbation Treadmill Balance Training System
- Virtual Cycling System
- Functional Feedback Training System
In addition, the delegation learned about the Institute’s hydrotherapy service model. This treatment uses the therapeutic properties of warm water and water movement to support the rehabilitation of patients with musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, as well as older adults. Services are assessed and closely supervised by qualified physical therapists, while a saltwater system helps maintain water quality and stable temperatures to ensure safe, high-quality treatment.
Building on this constructive exchange, Krirk University and the Sirindhorn National Medical Rehabilitation Institute held in-depth discussions on future collaboration. The University plans to establish a long-term partnership with the Institute in the following areas:
- Providing clinical internships and professional practical training for students
- Recommending faculty members for further study and professional development at the Institute
- Undertaking joint research and academic exchanges in rehabilitation medicine
- Exploring the establishment of a teaching and practicum base, as well as joint talent-development programmes
Both parties agreed that a stable collaborative platform would strengthen students’ practical competencies and international perspectives, while continuously enhancing faculty members’ professional expertise and research capacity. The partnership is also expected to contribute fresh momentum to the development of rehabilitation medicine education and the cultivation of rehabilitation professionals nationwide.
This visit not only strengthened academic ties between the two institutions, but also laid a solid foundation for deeper future collaboration in teaching, research, and community service.
