Tag: Thailand

“Hernias in Women” may not be a condition that is frequently discussed, but it is an important health issue that women should be aware of in order to avoid serious risks, such as intestinal necrosis, which occurs more often in women with hernias than in men.

Highlights

·       Understanding Hernias

·       Warning Signs: What Symptoms May Indicate a Hernia? 

·       Surgery Is the Only Treatment: Ways to Treat Hernias in Women 

·       Lifestyle Changes to Reduce the Risk of Hernias 

Hernias are commonly perceived as a condition that affects only men. In reality, however, women can also develop hernias, particularly in the groin area. Medical experts point out that women with groin hernias who do not receive appropriate treatment are several times more likely than men to experience intestinal necrosis as a complication. 

Understanding Hernias

Dr. Pasurachate Samorn, lecturer at the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, explained that a hernia is a condition in which an internal organ within the abdominal cavity, such as the intestine or fatty tissue, protrudes through a weak spot or opening in the abdominal wall. This results in a noticeable bulge or lump in various parts of the body. Hernias can occur in several locations, including the groin, diaphragm, navel (umbilicus), along the edges of the abdominal muscles, or through a previous surgical incision.

Hernias can occur in people of any age or sex. For women, the risk factors associated with developing a hernia include:

·       Increased intra-abdominal pressure, which may result from chronic constipation requiring frequent straining during bowel movements or from a persistent chronic cough.

·       Obesity stretches the abdominal wall muscles and weakens their strength, while excess abdominal fat also increases pressure within the abdominal cavity.

·       Multiple pregnancies cause repeated stretching of the abdominal muscles, leading to reduced strength and support of the abdominal wall.

·       Previous abdominal surgery may create weak points or separations in the abdominal wall muscles at the surgical site.

·       Aging: The abdominal wall muscles naturally deteriorate and lose strength over time. 

·       Warning Signs: What Symptoms May Indicate a Hernia? 

In women, the symptoms of a hernia can often be recognized by the presence of a bulge or lump in the pubic area, labia, or groin. Typical characteristics include the following:

·       The bulge becomes larger or more noticeable when standing, straining, or coughing. 

·       The bulge usually reduces in size or disappears when lying flat.

“If the bulge does not reduce or disappear when lying down, but instead remains “trapped” and protruding, the patient should seek medical attention immediately. A segment of intestine caught within the hernia may become obstructed or lose its blood supply, leading to intestinal strangulation and tissue death.” – Dr. Pasurachate Samorn

For women who experience pain in the groin area and wonder whether it may be a sign of a hernia, Dr. Pasurachate offers the reassurance that “groin pain that occurs during movement, walking, running, or exercise, but without a visible bulge, is generally not a symptom of a hernia. It is more likely caused by an injury to the muscles or tendons in the groin region.”

Surgery Is the Only Treatment: Ways to Treat Hernias in Women 

Overall, inguinal hernias are approximately ten times more common in men than in women. In men, the protruding bulge typically appears above the pubic area and may extend down into the scrotum. In women, however, the bulge is usually located above the pubic bone or may descend into the labia majora.

Treatment for hernias in men involves observation and monitoring of symptoms. However, for women, once a hernia has been diagnosed, surgical treatment is the only recommended option. According to Dr. Pasurachate, “Women with groin hernias, particularly below the groin fold, have a significantly higher risk of hernia incarceration and subsequent intestinal necrosis than men. The likelihood of requiring emergency surgery is as high as 17 percent, which is several times greater than in male patients. Therefore, making preventive surgical repair a much safer approach.”

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce the Risk of Hernias 

In addition to medical treatment, lifestyle modifications and self-care measures can help reduce the risk of hernias in women. The focus should be on lowering intra-abdominal pressure and improving overall physical strength. Dr. Pasurachate recommends maintaining a BMI below 23 kg/m² to reduce stress on the abdominal wall, as well as preventing constipation and seeking treatment for chronic coughs. 

In conclusion, “hernias” can occur in both men and women. Although they may not appear serious in their early stages, they carry the risk of potentially dangerous complications, particularly femoral hernias, which are more commonly found in women.

For this reason, paying close attention to any unusual changes in the body and seeking medical evaluation at an early stage can make treatment simpler and help reduce the risk of complications in the future.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/422936/

Chulalongkorn University congratulates Mr. Paul Patsapong Chomchey, a PhD Candidate in the CUTIP program and an alumnus of Executive MBA Class 37, on winning a gold medal at the China (Shanghai) International Technology Fair (CSTIF 2026) in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, for his work “ChitoBoost+,” a reduced-sodium black shabu broth concentrate. The project was supported by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT). The achievement reflects how knowledge gained at Chulalongkorn University can be further developed into innovations that address consumer needs and emerging health trends.

ChitoBoost+ is an innovative soup concentrate developed to help reduce sodium content while enhancing taste perception through nano-chitosan technology. When applied to black shabu broth concentrate, it can help control sodium levels while maintaining the broth’s well-balanced flavor and umami character. The innovation responds to the growing trend toward healthier food consumption and reducing risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Beyond applications for general consumers, the innovation also has potential nutritional applications for patients, older adults, and people who require special dietary care. It offers an option for promoting enjoyable food consumption alongside health-conscious eating. The innovation could also be further developed for the food industry and product development in a Business-to-Business (B2B) model.

The development of ChitoBoost+ was supported by Prof. Dr. Sanong Ekgasit, the project advisor, who contributed expertise in food technology to support the development of the work. Also providing guidance were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kavin Mickey Asavanant, Director of the CUTIP program, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duanghathai Pentrakoon. The project was also tested in real-world settings through collaboration with Chef Daniel Dusit Photiprasit from Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School and Vine Happen restaurant, helping test and further develop the innovation to meet both taste and health objectives.

Mr. Patsapong also said that the knowledge of consumer behavior, marketing, and brand management he gained from studying in the Executive MBA program, where he had the opportunity to study with Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, and which continued into the CUTIP program, has been an important part of understanding consumer needs and applying them to innovation development. ChitoBoost+ brings this knowledge together with food technology to develop an approach to reducing sodium while maintaining flavor and the overall dining experience.

“The success at CSTIF 2026 is another important step in applying deep technology (Deep Tech) to develop innovations that can be used in real-world applications. I firmly believe that Thai innovators have the potential to create work that can compete internationally, and I hope this achievement will inspire the younger generation to have the courage to turn everyday problems into innovations that improve quality of life and help drive the country’s economy forward,” Mr. Patsapong concluded.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/422590/

Chulalongkorn University congratulates students from the Politics and Global Studies (PGS) Program (International Program), Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University, on winning prizes at the Climate Corps Summer School Program, organized by Korea University. The competition involved pitching against 20 teams of over 120 students from across the globe.  

The winning students include:  

First runner-up prize: 

• Mr. Thanapol Lohachitpitak  

Second runner-up prize: 

• Miss Panyaporn Chaipibarn 
• Miss Peerada Yongpiyanon 

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/421796/

The Halal Science Center at Chulalongkorn University congratulates the high school students who received the First Prize, First Runner-Up, Second Runner-Up, Honorable Mentions, and Popular Vote Award at the Thailand Halal Scientist Competition 2026: AI and Blockchain Innovation.

The Final Pitching round was held on August 13, 2026, at Meeting Room 801, Chalerm Rajakumari 60th Anniversary Building (Chamchuri 10). The event was presided over by Prof. Dr. Rungsun Rerknimitr, Vice President of Chulalongkorn University. A total of 20 high school teams that had passed the selection round were invited to showcase their ideas and present their projects during the final pitching.

The Thailand Halal Scientist Competition 2026, organized by the Halal Science Center at Chulalongkorn University, attracted considerable interest from high school students and young people nationwide, with as many as 169 teams participating this year. The competition focused on applying AI, Machine Learning, Blockchain, and digital technologies to develop innovative solutions to problems and address future societal needs. The projects were divided into three categories: Halal, Medical, and Agriculture.

The results were as follows:

First Prize

·       HSC69-009—” Ya Than Jai: An AI-Powered Comprehensive Care System for Patients with Chronic Diseases”

First Runner-Up

·       HSC69-085—” An Artificial Intelligence-Based Elderly Care System”

Second Runner-Up

·       HSC69-086 – “StrokeSight: An Artificial Intelligence System for Stroke Screening and Classification”

Honorable Mentions

·       HSC69-037 – “Development of a Bio-Sponge from Water Hyacinth Polysaccharides and Chitosan Solution”

·       HSC69-042 – “Comparison of International Halal Visibility Criteria and Development of a Machine Learning Model”

Popular Vote Award

·       HSC69-050—” An AI-Based Body-Care Product Recommendation System for Health-Conscious Modern Consumers”

These innovative projects demonstrate the impressive skills and abilities of Thai youth, who have combined science, technology, and creativity to develop innovations that address everyday problems and deliver tangible benefits to society. Competition represents an important starting point for these young people as they pursue careers as the next generation of scientists and innovators, creating innovations that will benefit society and the country in the future.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/421792/

Chulalongkorn University, through its Faculty of Engineering, in collaboration with the Chula AI Center and Sasin School of Management, partnered with the NVIDIA AI Technology Center (NVAITC) to host the CU × NVAITC Symposium 2026 on July 16-17, 2026, at Sasin Hall, 9th Floor, Sasa Patasala Building, Sasin School of Management.

The symposium served as a platform for knowledge exchange and the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) collaboration among academia, government, and industry. The event welcomed more than 300 participants, including speakers and representatives from Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam, China, and Indonesia, underscoring Thailand’s growing role as a regional hub for AI collaboration.

At the opening ceremony on July 16, 2026, Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships among universities, government agencies, and industry to accelerate AI research and innovation for national benefit. The event report was presented by Associate Professor Manoj Lohatepanont, Vice President of Chulalongkorn University.

A key highlight of the symposium was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Chulalongkorn University, represented by Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, and Prof. Dr. Simon See, Global Head of the NVIDIA AI Technology Center (NVAITC), NVIDIA. The agreement aims to deepen collaboration in AI research, talent development, technology adoption, and the translation of AI innovations into real-world applications.

The event also marked the official launch of the Chula AI Center, the university’s central hub for artificial intelligence collaboration. The center is designed to integrate expertise from multiple disciplines, foster interdisciplinary research, and support the development of AI solutions that address national priorities.

The partnership between Chulalongkorn University and NVAITC began in 2018 and has continued for more than eight years, encompassing collaborative research, workforce development, AI infrastructure support, and technology transfer to industry. The 2026 symposium was the second CU × NVAITC Symposium held in Thailand, following the inaugural event hosted by Chulalongkorn University in 2024.

Throughout the two-day conference, participants attended keynote presentations, research paper sessions, panel discussions featuring international experts, and a research poster exhibition. Topics covered included Generative AI, Agentic AI, AI Infrastructure, Robotics, Digital Twins, and AI applications in healthcare, government, and industry.

The symposium also featured an NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute (DLI) workshop titled “Building Agentic AI Systems with NVIDIA NeMoClaw,” providing researchers, developers, and participants with practical knowledge and hands-on training in developing Agentic AI systems while strengthening advanced AI skills.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/418395/

Chulalongkorn University, through the CU Innovation Hub, participated in Viva Technology 2026 in Paris, France, from June 15–19, 2026, to expand its international partnerships in innovation, technology, and knowledge transfer with leading organizations, world-class universities, government agencies, investors, and key players in Europe’s startup and deep tech ecosystem. The event marked another important step in advancing the potential of Chulalongkorn University’s startups, researchers, and innovations to the global market. 

Participation in Viva Technology 2026 reflects Chulalongkorn University’s vision of becoming an entrepreneurial university that transforms knowledge, research, and intellectual property into innovation, business ventures, and tangible economic and social impact, while connecting Thai researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry with the global innovation ecosystem.

 

One of the key engagements at this event was a meeting with Mr. Eric Vaysset, Chief Executive Officer of WILCO, one of France’s leading startup accelerators. WILCO has supported more than 1,500 startups, particularly in the industry, healthcare, and digital sectors. During the meeting, the two parties discussed the development of the Chula–French Acceleration Track, a collaborative initiative designed to help Chulalongkorn University startups expand into the European market. The program would provide soft-landing support, market testing opportunities, connections with industry partners and investors, and the development of a Thailand Fast Track pathway for high-potential startups. 

The delegation also met with Mr. Vishnu Nagaraj of Carve Startup Labs, an organization specializing in helping startups expand across Asia and Europe. The discussions focused on developing a Cross-border Soft Landing initiative and a Co-incubation Program to create international growth pathways for Thai entrepreneurs, as well as promote the exchange of knowledge, experts, and entrepreneurial networks between the two regions. 

As part of Thailand-France cooperation, the CU Innovation Hub met with representatives from Business France Thailand to discuss startup exchange programs, support Thai startups entering the European market, and connect them with France’s leading innovation networks, including French Tech, Station F, and Paris&Co. The two sides also explored expanding cooperation in deep tech, particularly in HealthTech, GreenTech, and FoodTech—three sectors regarded as strategic industries of the future.

During the visit, the delegation also held a discussion with Pasqal, one of Europe’s leading quantum computing companies, which expressed strong interest in Thailand’s innovation ecosystem and explored opportunities to develop pilot projects in quantum technology. In addition, they also met with SimpleIP, a company that develops an integrated platform for intellectual property (IP) management. 

In the areas of academic collaboration and Deep Tech, the CU Innovation Hub met with Pôle PSL Innovation from Université PSL, one of the world’s leading universities, as well as the Rice University Global Paris Center, to discuss opportunities for joint startup incubation programs, researcher exchanges, advanced research collaboration, and connecting Thai startups with global innovation networks. 

Chulalongkorn University’s attendance at Viva Technology 2026 reflects its vision of becoming a world-leading innovation university by connecting Thai knowledge, research, and entrepreneurs with international networks. The university aims to create new opportunities for technology development, knowledge transfer, and the growth of innovation-driven businesses with international competitiveness. 

The partnerships established during this mission not only opened the door for Thai startups and researchers to access the European market, but also laid an important foundation for advancing Thailand’s innovation-driven economy, strengthening the country’s long-term competitiveness, and reinforcing Chulalongkorn University’s role as Thailand’s leader in innovation and technology transfer on the global stage.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/419570/

Chulalongkorn University offers its warmest congratulations to graduate students in the Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine Program, Chulalongkorn University, and a research team from the Center of Excellence for Biosensors and Bioengineering (CEBB) on winning the gold medal at the Graduate Innovation and Exhibition National and International 2026 (GIENI 2026) for the innovation titled “From Import to In-house: Innovating Tissue Engineering Labware Production via 3D Printing.” 

The winning team from Chulalongkorn’s Faculty of Applied Health Sciences included Project Head, Ms. Napassawan Tuengin, along with Mr. Wachirawit Satitkorn and Ms. Sutarinee Niyomsat, with Dr. Parichut Thummarati as the Project Supervisor. 

This achievement reflects the capability of students and researchers from the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, to integrate expertise in medical science, bioengineering, and advanced manufacturing technologies to develop innovations with practical applications in tissue engineering research and development. It also demonstrates the strong collaboration among faculty members, students, and research teams in translating knowledge generated in the laboratory into technologies that address the needs of the health sciences sector, while paving the way for innovations with the potential to deliver lasting benefits to society and the nation.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/419587/