History

TPAA (Thai Physicians Association of America) was established in 1978 by a group of Thai physicians in New York as a professional organization for all Thai physicians practicing medicine and residing in North America.  The objectives of TPAA are to foster relationships among members, emphasize continuing medical and scientific education, and support advancement in healthcare and medicine in Thailand, the United States, and other countries.

With a membership of about 800 across the United States, the association has established 4 regional chapters: Northeast, Midwest, South, and West.  Each chapter has its own chairperson and officers.  In later years, a Thailand Chapter was also founded by several members who relocated to Thailand.

TPAA’s day-to-day operations are run by its officers, which consist of the President, President-Elect, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer.  The President and President-Elect are elected by members, while the rest of the officers are nominated by the President and approved by the Board of Directors.  TPAA also has various committees such as financial committee, membership committee, communication committee, etc. that conduct specific functions for the association.  The Board of Directors of TPAA are elected from each regional chapter and serve a 3-year term.

TPAA holds annual meetings in Thailand each year.  This event also includes a medical mission to a remote province to provide underserved patients with free medical services.  Over the years, we have treated thousands of patients with a variety of medical conditions including surgeries to correct cataracts and cleft lips and palates.   In recent years, though, the association has moved away from actual procedures and emphasized more sharing of knowledge and demonstration of new techniques and procedures.

In 2001, Thai Physicians Association of America Foundation was established as a charitable sister organization that supports advancement in healthcare and education projects.  Through the years, the foundation has supported several charitable endeavors including the relief efforts for the Tsunami in Southeast Asia, relief efforts for the flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina, and others.

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