On November 25, 2025, the Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute held a “Meeting to Develop an Action Research Plan for Addressing Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Problems in Nong Khai Province, Fiscal Year 2026.” Representatives from various relevant agencies in Nong Khai Province, including the Provincial Public Health Office, Provincial Education Office, Nong Khai Secondary Education Area Office, Nong Khai Primary Education Area Offices 1 and 2, Provincial Fisheries Office, Provincial Commerce Office, Provincial Industry Office, groups of fermented fish and pickled fish producers, Provincial Local Administration Office, Provincial Land Office, Provincial Land Reform Office, Provincial Forestry Office, the Phon Phisai Self-Help Settlement Administration Office, Provincial Transportation Office, Nong Khai Area Treasury Office, local administrative organizations, all nine district public health offices, Nong Khai Hospital, community hospitals, and Somdej Phra Yuparat Hospital, totaling over 70 people, attended the meeting at the Amanta Hotel in Nong Khai Province.
The meeting began with an introduction to the background and objectives of the key program, "Thailand Free from Liver Fluke Disease and Cholangiocarcinoma," by Dr. Supakit Sirilak, Director of the Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI). This was followed by the opening ceremony, presided over by Dr. Surapong Padungwiang, Provincial Public Health Officer of Nong Khai, and a report by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wacharin Loylom, Director of HSRI. Next, Dr. Thongchai Keeratihatthayakorn, Program Director, presented the background and objectives of the action research plan for addressing liver fluke disease and cholangiocarcinoma in Nong Khai Province for fiscal year 2026. This was followed by a presentation of the action research plan for addressing liver fluke disease and cholangiocarcinoma in Health Regions 7, 8, 9, and 10 for fiscal year 2026 by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wacharin Loylom, Director of HSRI. Finally, Dr. Laemthong Kaewtrakulpong, Deputy Provincial Public Health Officer of Nong Khai, presented the results of the implementation of programs to address liver fluke disease and cholangiocarcinoma in Nong Khai Province. And a presentation on the wastewater treatment plant situation in Nong Khai Province by Mr. Charasphong Khamdokrab, Local Government Officer of Nong Khai Province, in that order.
Next, the participants were divided into groups to discuss and develop action research plans to address the problems of liver fluke disease and cholangiocarcinoma in Nong Khai Province during the 2026 fiscal year. The groups were divided into five categories based on the areas of focus for implementation in the province:
Group 1: Raising awareness among the public and youth.
Group 2: Promoting a diet free from liver fluke parasites.
Group 3: Sanitation system for a liver fluke-free environment.
Group 4: Reducing liver fluke disease cases through screening systems and...
Group 5: Increase the detection and treatment of early-stage bile duct cancer patients, as well as improve treatment efficacy.
At the end, the action plans for each issue were presented, followed by a discussion and feedback session. The meeting was then closed by Dr. Thongchai Keeratihathayakon, Program Director.