Allianz Ayutthaya has revealed its comprehensive guide to managing serious illnesses in Thailand. The top three most common cancers are liver and bile duct cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer. There is an increasing trend of patients under 50 years old, with three-quarters of cases linked to lifestyle and dietary habits.

Mr. Thomas Wilson, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Allianz Ayutthaya Life Insurance Public Company Limited, revealed that no one wants to "win the lottery" of a serious illness, whether it's cancer, heart disease, or stroke, because the resulting costs are enormous. Not everyone is prepared to face this risk alone. Private insurance companies are therefore playing a role in supporting the Thai healthcare system through the principle of Risk Pooling. "Imagine 100 healthy people pooling their money together. When one person becomes ill, that pool will be distributed to those who need it most first. The core of this principle is that all 100 people must start taking out insurance while they are still healthy, ensuring fairness to all members of the fund." "And that's a key reason why we should decide to buy health insurance while we're still the healthiest we can be," Mr. Thomas said.

He also recommended three tips for dealing with serious illnesses: prevention through diet and exercise, early detection to increase chances of recovery and reduce treatment costs, and financial planning by purchasing health insurance while you're healthiest to ensure comprehensive coverage. Those with pre-existing conditions can still seek coverage through the underwriting process to ensure fairness for fund members. Allianz Ayutthaya is ready to stand by its customers with a team of experts, providing advice and facilitating prompt treatment during the times when patients need the most help.

Dr. Tanakorn Charoenthanadon, a medical oncologist at Chulabhorn Hospital, stated that the situation regarding cancer patients in Thailand shows approximately 386 new cancer patients per day, or an increase of over 140,000 per year. The three most common cancers in Thailand are liver and bile duct cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer. A notable trend is the increasing number of patients under 50 years old. Three-quarters of cancer cases are related to lifestyle and dietary habits, while genetic factors account for only one-quarter. Importantly, cancers found in younger people tend to be more aggressive than those in older people.

However, amidst this crisis, medical advancements have progressed significantly, leading to the era of "Precision Medicine." Previously, cancer relied on surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy—like carpet bombing both healthy and malignant cells simultaneously. Now, innovations such as targeted therapy, which works by directly cutting electrical currents to inhibit cancer cells, have fewer side effects. Immunotherapy, which stimulates white blood cells to fight cancer, and targeted therapies combined with chemotherapy, work like guided missiles, accurately targeting specific areas, increasing the chances of a cure and reducing patient suffering, are crucial.

"Modern cancer treatment is personalized medicine. Treatment methods depend on the individual's physical condition and the type of cancer. Even for the same type of cancer, treatment approaches may vary. The use of targeted and precise medication not only increases the chances of a cure and reduces recurrence but also allows patients to live longer and have a better quality of life." "It can be continuously monitored and cared for, just like other chronic diseases."

Dr. Thorthanes Ayana, a medical consultant and advisor to the Accident and Health Insurance Committee of the Thai General Insurance Association, stated that medical inflation, or the continuously rising cost of medical care, is a significant challenge to the Thai healthcare system. It is ten times higher than the normal inflation rate, causing medical costs to skyrocket every year as medical technology advances.

"In the next 3-5 years, Thais may not be able to afford insurance premiums, leading to a decrease in the number of insured individuals. For those relying on basic healthcare benefits, whether through the Universal Healthcare Coverage scheme, social security, or civil servant welfare, while they provide a good level of coverage for standard treatment, there are often budgetary limitations for new technologies or expensive targeted therapies. This creates a 'gap' where patients have to pay out of pocket if they want the best treatment options. Just the cost of targeted cancer treatment today might require a reserve of at least 3-4 million baht, or an average of hundreds of thousands of baht per month." Therefore, having health insurance is a crucial option that helps ensure access to precision medicine.”

Beyond the insightful discussions at the seminar, Allianz Ayutthaya also created a “Cancer City: Live Experience” zone to promote awareness through simulated experiences. Since cancer doesn't choose its victims and doesn't wait in line, this area offered everyone the opportunity to “practice for cancer,” from the moment they received their diagnosis, understanding their fears and anxieties, to the final choice of whether to fight to the end or pass away without worry. This participation in Death Fest 2026 reflects Allianz Ayutthaya's role in empowering Thai society to be aware of the risks, transforming fear into preparedness through understanding innovative treatments and systematic financial management, so that everyone can have a good quality of life and access to quality treatment.

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