Thammasat University shines at Asia's top emergency medicine challenge

A team from Thammasat University has earned recognition at the 10th Khon Kaen University International Challenge of Emergency Medicine (KKU ICEM 2026). The competition brought together 12 teams from top medical schools across Thailand, Japan, and the Philippines. Among the standout performers was Chawit Wanamongkol, a sixth-year medical student who secured a gold medal in the individual category.

The event tested skills in Adult and Pediatric Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS/PALS 2025 guidelines) as well as common emergency scenarios. Thammasat's team also claimed the second runner-up position in the team category, showcasing their expertise in high-pressure medical situations.

The competition unfolded over three demanding rounds. First came the Preliminary stage, featuring multiple-choice, multiple extended, and short-answer questions. Teams then advanced to the Semi-Final, where they tackled 20 varied questions. The Final round challenged participants with simulation-based scenarios using medical mannequins.

Thammasat University's team included sixth-year students Chawit Wanamongkol, Pheem Phongsukwechakul, and Supapitch Subenja, alongside fifth-year student Thorntarathip Singthong. Wanamongkol, who won the individual gold, emphasised the importance of calmness, speed, and precision in emergency medicine. He admires how emergency physicians stabilise patients and handle diverse cases, offering broad learning opportunities. Beyond individual skill, Wanamongkol stressed the role of teamwork in medicine. He noted that no single doctor can fully treat a patient without collaboration from others. His team's performance reflected this belief, as they worked together to secure their place among the competition's top contenders.

The 10th KKU ICEM 2026 highlighted the skills of future emergency medicine professionals from across Asia. Thammasat University's team returned with both individual and group honours, demonstrating their readiness for real-world medical challenges. Their success underscores the value of rigorous training and teamwork in emergency care.