Foundations
The initiative to establish a permanent regional military medical hub began during the ADMM-Plus Experts' Working Group on Military Medicine cycle co-chaired by Thailand and the Russian Federation.
About ACMM
ASEAN Center of Military Medicine (ACMM)
“One Region, One Military Medical Teamwork”
Mission / Objectives
To establish practical, effective, and sustainable cooperation among the military medical services of ASEAN Member States and Plus Countries in both normal and crisis situations.
Mission / Objectives
Mission: To establish practical, effective, and sustainable cooperation among the military medical services of ASEAN Member States (AMS) and Plus Countries in both normal and crisis situations.
General Objectives: To demonstrate regional solidarity by integrating capacities to respond to common regional challenges; to coordinate with ADMM-Plus military medical services, international organizations, and related agencies to improve and standardize capabilities; and to harmonize unique regional capabilities while elevating the center's functions to world-class standards.
Specific Objectives: Develop joint regional medical response plans, perform medical needs assessments in crisis situations, and conduct specialized training courses and academic research in emergency medical services.
History
From an ADMM-Plus initiative to a recognized ASEAN subsidiary body
Inauguration
The ASEAN Center of Military Medicine was officially inaugurated on 7 April 2016 at the Royal Thai Army Medical Department in Bangkok, Thailand.
ASEAN Recognition
ACMM achieved a major institutional milestone by being officially included as a subsidiary body under Annex 1 of the ASEAN Charter during the 34th ASEAN Summit in June 2019.
Specific Objectives
Operational objectives that translate ACMM's mission into practical cooperation
Joint Response Planning
Developing joint regional medical response plans for normal situations, emergencies, and crisis response.
Medical Needs Assessment
Performing coordinated medical needs assessments to support evidence-based decisions during crisis situations.
Training and Research
Conducting specialized training courses and academic research in emergency medical services.
Standardized Capabilities
Coordinating with ADMM-Plus partners, international organizations, and related agencies to improve and standardize capabilities.
Organizational Structure & Leadership
Organizational Structure
Board of Directors (BOD): The primary policy-making body composed of authorized representatives from the military medical services of all 10 ASEAN Member States.
Secretariat Office: The executive body led by the Secretariat Chief and organized into five specialized sections: Information, Coordination, Planning and Operations, CITS, and Administrative.
Specialized sections: The Information Section supports medical intelligence, data analysis, and AMMAT; the Coordination Section manages communication and joint efforts with Member States and Dialogue Partners; the Planning and Operations Section supports the Strategic Roadmap, joint training, and SOPs; the CITS Section manages information technology, satellite communication, and cyber security; and the Administrative Section oversees human resources, logistics, and financial management under the ACMM FRP.
- Royal Thai Army
- Royal Thai Navy
- Royal Thai Air Force
Leadership
BOD Chairmanship: The Chairman of the Board of Directors rotates annually, aligning with the country holding the ASEAN Chairmanship.
Secretariat Chief: The center is managed by the Chief of Secretariat, who serves a 4-year term to ensure operational continuity.
Thai service branch rotation: To ensure balanced host-nation representation, the Thai BOD representative and Secretariat Chief roles rotate among the Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy, and Royal Thai Air Force every 2 years.
This structure combines high-level policy guidance with efficient day-to-day operational coordination.
Highlights
Current priorities and major milestones for the next ACMM phase
A Decade of ACMM (2016–2026)
As of 2026, ACMM celebrates ten years of advancing integration and shared wisdom for regional medical resilience.
Regional Medical Resilience
ACMM continues strengthening interoperability, medical readiness, and coordinated response capacity across ASEAN frameworks.
Biographies
Current leadership names and reference profiles highlighted for the public site
- Lieutenant General Kriengchai Prasongsukarn: Served as Secretariat Chief (2021–2024) and is the Surgeon General of the Royal Thai Army Medical Department.
- Colonel Phouvilay Phounsavath: Served as Chair of the ACMM Board of Directors (2023–2024), representing the Ministry of National Defense, Lao PDR.
- Incoming Leadership (2025–2026 Cycle): Under the service branch rotation, leadership has transitioned to the Royal Thai Navy, with Vice Admiral Somchai Chantharothorn serving as the Thai BOD member and Rear Admiral Kitisak Sainuch designated as Secretariat Chief.