Saint Louis Hospital in Bangkok marked its 128th anniversary on Sept. 15, highlighting more than a century of Catholic health care, charitable service and medical development in Thailand.
The anniversary, held under the theme “Sending Love, Serving with Heart,” recalled the hospital’s beginnings as Thailand’s first nonprofit private medical center and its continuing mission to provide medical care rooted in compassion.
Founded on Sept. 15, 1898, by Bishop Jean-Louis Vey, the hospital was named after Saint Louis, King of France.
Bishop Vey entrusted its administration and nursing care to the Sisters of St. Paul de Chartres, who based their service on the Latin precept Ubi Caritas, Ibi Deus Est — “Where there is mercy, there is God.”
Seven sisters initially traveled from Saigon, Vietnam, to help manage the hospital during its early years.
The institution later became closely associated with Bangkok’s Sathon district. Its presence also gave its name to nearby Saint Louis Church, Saint Louis Suksa School, and the BTS Saint Louis station.
The hospital has also hosted two papal visits — Pope John Paul II in 1984 and Pope Francis in 2019.
Today, Saint Louis Hospital operates as a 412-bed tertiary medical center providing a range of specialized services, including cardiac care, orthopedic and rehabilitation services, women’s and children’s health, diagnostic imaging and other specialty care.
The hospital also operates the Divine Mercy Centre, which provides palliative and end-of-life care, including emotional and spiritual support according to the personal tradition of each patient.
Its John Paul II Charity Clinic provides primary health care to impoverished and marginalized communities.
The institution also maintains interfaith reflection spaces, including the Holy Spirit Chapel and non-denominational meditation areas for patients and visitors of different faiths.
The Sept. 15 anniversary celebration began with a Thanksgiving Mass presided over by Cardinal Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij, retired archbishop of Bangkok.
Following the Mass, the hospital held a community health fair that offered free diagnostic screenings, including HbA1c diabetes tests, bone densitometry tests and hepatitis B and C screenings.
Medical specialists also conducted educational talks on robotic prostate cancer surgery, liver disease prevention, dental care and orthopedic treatments.
The celebration included a blood donation drive and musical performances involving patients, hospital staff and visitors.
After 128 years, Saint Louis Hospital continues to combine its Catholic mission of compassionate care with the development of modern medical services.
