Prof. Dr. Chalerm Harnphanich, CEO of Bangkok Chain Hospital Public Company Limited (SET: BCH), revealed to “Kaohoon” the progress in selecting Thai private hospitals to receive patient referrals from Kuwait for treatment in Thailand. Recently, BCH was selected as one of three Thai private hospitals certified for managing and treating patients from Kuwait, and on March 13, 2026, the first Kuwaiti patient was officially referred for treatment.
For the 2026 business plan, the company targets approximately 5% growth in medical service revenue, compared to 2025’s medical service revenue of THB 12,025 million. This will stem from enhanced treatment capabilities at hospitals in the network and the promotion of excellence in specialized care, which is expected to increase patient cases including insurance patients, self-pay patients, and social security patients.
As for the operating outlook for 1Q26, performance remains strong as Thai patient numbers show a slight increase and international patient numbers rebounded, particularly from neighboring countries. Notably, more patients from Myanmar sought treatment at the diabetic wound center, Kuwaiti patients have resumed referrals, and Middle Eastern patients now find travel more convenient since flights from Dubai gradually resumed since the war breakout in the Middle East. Additionally, Middle Eastern patients are continuing their treatments in Thailand during Ramadan.
Regarding new hospital construction progress: 1) Kasemrad Hospital Rayong, a 270-bed facility with an investment of THB 1,480 million, is expected to open in 4Q27; and 2) Kasemrad Hospital Suvarnabhumi, a 270-bed facility with an investment of THB 1,650 million, is scheduled to open in 1Q28.
The 2026 business strategy focuses on driving growth of renovated hospitals, with a planned increase in medical service fees by 3-5% following the rebranding of Karunvej Pathum Thani Hospital to Kasemrad Pathum Thani Hospital. The company will also emphasize marketing for Kasemrad Prachinburi Hospital and Kasemrad Aranyaprathet Hospital to attract more cash-pay and social security patients, along with expanding specialized medical centers within the network, which is expected to increase social security patients by 1-2% in 2026. Revenue from co-payment health insurance clients continues to grow and remains unaffected.
During March 5-11, 2026, BCH executives gradually acquired shares for their portfolios as follows:
- Kantaporn Harnphanich, Director, purchased 121,500 BCH shares at an average price of THB 9.85 per share, resulting in a total holding of 90,999,919 shares.
- Pornsuda Harnphanich, Director and CFO, purchased 100,000 BCH shares at an average price of THB 9.6 per share, increasing her total holding to 89,878,421 shares.
- Somporn Harnphanich, Chairman of the Board of Directors, purchased 38,900 BCH shares at an average price of THB 9.37 per share, increasing her total holding to 164,053,641 shares.
