Thailand's 50-Year Journey in Underwater Medicine
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Abstract
Underwater medicine in Thailand formally originated with the establishment of the Underwater Medicine Section, Academic Affairs Division, Naval Medical Department, on 29th May 1973 as approved by the Ministry of Defence. While practices in underwater medicine had been developing for some time and have continued to the present day, academic advancements played a pivotal role in the rapid development of this field. The Royal Thai Navy has developed knowledge and organized training and through this, it was later equipped with hyperbaric chambers, and the discipline has expanded to support civilian activities, both in terms of underwater operations or activities and medical services addressing diving-related ailments. The development of hyperbaric medicine, a related field, has furthered the efficiency of using hyperbaric chambers, making underwater medicine widely accessible and beneficial throughout the nation.
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