Mae Fah Luang University (MFU), through the School of Health Science and in collaboration with the Center for Academic Service, recently concluded the Cross Border Health Programme 2026. This international exchange brought together faculty and students from the University of Oregon (USA) and the University of Western Australia to address the complexities of cross-border public health management.
Running from January to February 2026, the programme served as a dynamic platform for academic institutions from three countries to exchange perspectives, professional experience, and practical knowledge related to public health in cross-border settings at Mae Fah Luang University and various learning sites along the borders of Chiang Rai province.
The programme addressed a range of priority themes, including cross-border disease surveillance and control, healthcare services for migrant workers, and international cooperation for sustainable public health development. Learning activities were designed to integrate research, innovation, and real-world exposure, combining academic sessions with field visits in Chiang Rai Province that reflect the social and health realities of Thailand’s border areas. The programme also facilitates professional connections among scholars and researchers from the participating institutions, fostering synthesis of shared insights and identifying future directions for collaboration.
MFU’s School of Health Science maintains a well-established academic relationship with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and has further extended its collaborative network to include The University of Western Australia. Through this initiative, students, faculty members, and researchers gain valuable exposure to Thailand's public health system, community-based health practices, and cross-border health dynamics, while developing a deeper appreciation of Thai culture, local ways of life, and the diversity of border communities in the region.
This collaboration underscores Mae Fah Luang University's role in facilitating international public health knowledge exchange and cultivating meaningful academic partnerships. Such cooperation contributes to long-term development in education, research, and public engagement, while supporting academic advancement and professional growth for faculty and students across all participating institutions. By strengthening international networks, MFU continues its mission to enhance quality of life and promote health equity for populations living in border regions in a sustainable way.
