Mr. Teera Kanokkarnjanarat, Co-founder and CEO of Arincare Co., Ltd. stated that the recent Series B funding round marks a significant collaboration with two major partners, raising $4 million. Chularat Hospital Group (CHG) is the primary investor, with additional support from PTG. This partnership strengthens and accelerates the development of Thailand's Health Tech ecosystem according to the established roadmap. In 2022, ARINCARE experienced over 100% growth, expanding its market reach to more target audiences.

Currently, Thailand has over 20,000 pharmacies nationwide, with 80% being SMEs and only 20% belonging to franchises or large operators. In 2019, the market was valued at 35 billion baht, growing at an average of 7%. However, the market related to health trends has seen significant growth following the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to continue growing at an average of 13-17% per year, reaching approximately 40 billion baht in 2022.

After the COVID-19 outbreak, Thai people have increasingly prioritized health care. Coupled with the shift towards an aging society, the public health system is insufficient to meet the demands of the population. Meanwhile, private health services, clinics, and hospitals are concentrated in urban areas or large communities, often accompanied by high service fees.

This gap in public health services presents an opportunity for Health Tech businesses in Thailand, particularly community pharmacies and pharmacists, who can serve as the first point of access to health services. By connecting the health service ecosystem on a platform, it can help address disparities, allowing Thai people to access public health systems more comprehensively through technology.

For the 2023 strategy, the focus is on market expansion alongside a significant collaboration with Chularat Hospital Group (CHG) to create a comprehensive Healthcare ecosystem that connects hospitals and local health service units, linking over 3,000 community pharmacists in the ARINCARE network with CHG's medical team to enhance health care capabilities across the country. Additionally, a partnership with PTG's MaxCard, which has the widest reach among Thai consumers, will strengthen local SMEs and enhance health care services for Thai people through MaxCard, with a goal to prepare for an IPO in 2026.

Dr. Kampon Plusinthorn, Chairman of the Executive Board of Chularat Hospital Group (CHG), stated that the business direction of ARINCARE aligns with CHG's vision, highlighting opportunities for business expansion aimed at community-level health care access. The integration of AI technology will enhance diagnostic efficiency, facilitating patient access to treatment and medication in remote areas, reducing issues related to inaccurate prescriptions, counterfeit prescriptions, and enabling tracking of patient care history and medication information without additional costs.

Mr. Pitak Ratchakijprakan, CEO and Managing Director of PTG Energy Public Company Limited (PTG) remarked that this investment is a great opportunity to further develop and complete Thailand's Health Tech Ecosystem. One of PTG's goals in this investment is to strategically invest in a high-potential startup through MAX Ventures, creating business partnerships and opportunities for a New S-Curve, as well as strengthening and expanding PTG's business network for the well-being of Thai people.

Healthcare is one of the rapidly growing business trends with the potential to create a New S-curve for investors, especially in sectors related to medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and medicines. This has led PTG to see opportunities to diversify its business and services, enhancing the capabilities of PT stations nationwide, which aim to be more than just fuel service stations but also comprehensive service stations meeting all needs, including pharmacies like NEXX Pharma, which offers medicines, medical supplies, and equipment provided by experienced pharmacists, planning to cover services nationwide.