DIT and the FDA visit TOPS CARE following the kickoff of the ‘Suk-Kai Sabai-Krapao’ initiative, providing private hospital patients with the option to purchase medicines from external pharmacies and supporting universal access to healthcare services for all Thais.

Bangkok, 6 November 2025 — TOPS CARE, operated by Central Food Retail under Central Retail, led by Ms. Jaruwan Saengjaem, Head of Retail Operation – Health of Central Food Retail under Central Retail welcomed Mr. Wittayakorn Maneenetr, Director General of Department of Internal Trade (DIT), and Mr. Lertchai Lertvut, Deputy Secretary-General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), on the occasion of their visit to a TOPS CARE store following the launch of the ‘Suk-Kai Sabai-Krapao’ (Healthy Body, Comfortable Wallet)’ initiative. The initiative allows patients receiving treatment at private hospitals to request a prescription from their physicians and purchase medicine from participating external pharmacies. This helps reduce medical expenses for the public. To support this government policy and reinforce Central Food Retail Group’s commitment as a Thai retail organization dedicated to promoting and enabling sustainable access to good health for Thai people, TOPS CARE and Matsukiyo, the group’s pharmacy chain, have joined the initiative. They operate under strict safety standards with close supervision by licensed pharmacists throughout the process. Members of the public can now purchase medicines under this initiative at 48 TOPS CARE branches and 2 Matsukiyo branches: CentralwOrld and Ratchadamri from today onwards.

Mr. Stephane Coum, Chief Executive Officer – Food Group, Central Retail, stated that “We are truly delighted that the government has launched this important initiative to make it easier for people to access high-quality, standard-approved medicines. As a retail organisation deeply connected to consumers and committed to promoting the health and quality of life of Thai people, Central Food Retail Group is ready to support the government’s ‘Suk-Kai Sabai-Krapao’ (Healthy Body, Comfortable Wallet)’ project. Our goal is to enhance equitable access to quality medicines and standard healthcare services for all Thais.

We are well-equipped with a nationwide network of more than 50 pharmacy branches and are connected to Central Group’s ecosystem, helping the public conveniently access healthcare services close to home while reducing congestion in hospitals. We also aim to further develop our pharmacies into community Health & Wellness Hubs, reaffirming our role as a Thai retail organisation committed to driving sustainable public health for the nation.”

Ms. Jaruwan Saengjaem, Head of Retail Operation – Health of Central Food Retail under Central Retail, added that “The ‘Suk-Kai Sabai-Krapao’ (Healthy Body, Comfortable Wallet)’ initiative marks another key milestone in advancing Thailand’s healthcare system. TOPS CARE is participating in all 48 branches nationwide (38 branches in Bangkok and metropolitan areas, and 10 branches in provincial cities). Each branch serves as a centre for over 3,500 premium health products from around the world, covering treatment, care, and wellness across all dimensions. This reinforces TOPS CARE’s readiness to provide professional service under the concept ‘Taking Care of You’, ensuring the public can access quality healthcare services at every step. All services are supervised by qualified pharmacists who specialise in prescription dispensing, basic health assessment, and follow-up consultations. TOPS CARE also offers TeleMed & TelePharm services, enabling customers to consult doctors and pharmacists via chat or video call, with home delivery for medications. Additionally, all TOPS CARE branches are participating in the quality pharmacy programme with the Pharmacy Council of Thailand, further strengthening public trust in our quality and safety standards.”

Beyond TOPS CARE, Matsukiyo, Japan’s leading retailer for health and beauty products under Central Food Retail Group, is also participating in the initiative, with two branches — at CentralwOrld and Ratchadamri. The brand’s goal is to elevate the healthcare experience for Thais through its renowned Japanese service philosophy “Japanese Quality with Heart”, offering premium-quality Japanese products at accessible prices. Matsukiyo blends innovation with meticulous care in every detail, enabling consumers to enjoy comprehensive wellness and beauty solutions.

Mr. Koichi Hirose, CEO – Central & Matsumoto Kiyoshi of Central Food Retail under Central, said: “Matsukiyo is fully prepared to participate in this initiative, with a complete range of pharmaceutical and healthcare products, supported by professionally trained pharmacists who offer expert advice. This ensures that every customer can trust in the accuracy, safety, and meticulous care we deliver. We also plan to expand the number of participating branches across Bangkok and major provinces, so that consumers can access high-quality health and beauty products more conveniently. This initiative strengthens Matsukiyo’s role as a ‘Health & Beauty Destination’, empowering Thais to take care of both body and mind, enhancing quality of life sustainably. It also reinforces our image as a trusted government partner in healthcare, contributing to Thailand’s long-term goal of becoming a healthy society.”

The ‘Suk-Kai Sabai-Krapao’ (Healthy Body, Comfortable Wallet)’ project represents a significant public-private sector collaboration under the Quick Big Win policy of the Ministry of Commerce, led by the Department of Internal Trade (DIT) in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Department of Health Service Support, and the Private Hospital Association. The initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on citizens by allowing patients from over 300 private hospitals nationwide to purchase prescribed medicines outside hospital premises conveniently and transparently. Citizens can easily locate participating pharmacies in the ‘Suk-Kai Sabai-Krapao’ (Healthy Body, Comfortable Wallet)’ project through the FDA ON: Pharmacy Map, accessible anytime and anywhere. Simply scan the QR code or search via LINE Official Account @FDATHAI, then enter TOPS CARE or Matsukiyo to find participating branches near you.

For more information about TOPS CARE, please visit Facebook: topscarethailand, IG: tops_care, or LINE: @tops-care, and Matsukiyo through www.matsumotokiyoshi.co.th, Facebook: matsukiyo thailand, IG: matsukiyo.th, Tiktok: matsukiyo.th, or LINE: @matsukiyo.th

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