VPAT – Veterinary Practitioners’ Association of Thailand: Equine Section & Global Links
The Veterinary Practitioners’ Association of Thailand (VPAT) is the country’s leading professional body for veterinarians, representing thousands of practitioners across companion animals, livestock, and equine medicine. Within VPAT, the dedicated Equine Veterinary Club (ชมรมสัตวแพทย์บำบัดโรคม้าแห่งประเทศไทย) provides education, resources, and collaboration specifically for equine veterinarians.
For horse practitioners in Thailand, VPAT is the central platform to access training, connect with colleagues, and engage with international veterinary networks.
A Brief History of VPAT
VPAT was established to represent practicing veterinarians across Thailand, with a mission to raise professional standards, foster collaboration, and support ongoing education.
Over the years, the Veterinary Practitioners’ Association of Thailand has created a series of specialist “clubs” within the association, allowing vets in different disciplines – such as companion animal, avian, and equine – to benefit from focused training and professional development.
What the Equine Section Does Today
The Equine Veterinary Club within VPAT plays a crucial role in supporting horse vets. Its key activities include:
- Continuing education (CPD): Workshops, lectures, and seminars on topics such as equine surgery, reproduction, dentistry, and lameness.
- International collaboration: Partnering with global associations like the World Equine Veterinary Association (WEVA) to bring expert speakers and advanced training into Thailand.
- National events: Participation in VPAT’s flagship congresses, often with a dedicated equine track.
- Networking: Creating a community for horse practitioners across Thailand, ensuring knowledge is shared between academic, clinical, and field veterinarians.
VPAT Congress & Equine Training
Veterinary Practitioners’ Association of Thailand annual congress is one of the largest veterinary gatherings in Southeast Asia, regularly drawing international speakers and industry support.
For equine vets, the congress often includes a specialist program. For example:
- A WEVA-VPAT workshop on equine abdominal surgery was held in Bangkok, providing hands-on training for Thai practitioners alongside international experts.
These events ensure Thai equine veterinarians can stay up to date with modern clinical standards while networking with colleagues from Japanese Society of Equine Science (JSES), Asia and beyond.
Membership & Benefits
VPAT membership provides equine veterinarians with:
- Access to CPD opportunities and specialist workshops
- Discounted rates for Veterinary Practitioners’ Association of Thailand congress and training events
- Professional networking within Thailand’s veterinary community
- Representation in national veterinary policy and welfare initiatives
- Opportunities to engage with international equine veterinary organisations through collaborations
International Links
VPAT’s equine section is well connected internationally.
- Through WEVA, Thai equine vets gain access to global congresses, training courses, and collaborative projects.
- VPAT also engages with other Asian veterinary bodies, positioning Thailand as a hub for regional veterinary education.
- These connections ensure Thai practitioners remain aligned with international best practices in equine medicine.
Why VPAT Matters to Equine Vets
For veterinarians working with horses in Thailand, the VPAT Equine Club provides a national home for education, networking, and professional advocacy.
For international colleagues, VPAT represents a valuable partner in Southeast Asia – an association with both a strong national base and active global connections.
Join Our Community
We already have equine veterinarians from Thailand within our wider global network, alongside colleagues from Europe, South America, and beyond. If you would like to join this community, meet like-minded professionals, and connect with the wider equine veterinary world, now is the perfect time to get involved. Together with VPAT, you’ll gain access to collaboration, training, and a community dedicated to advancing equine medicine.
If you are attending the 2026 WEVA Congress in Bangkok, make sure to come and introduce yourself. ‘Ll have some yearly wall calendars that will look great in your equine practice.
Veterinary Practitioners’ Association of Thailand FAQ’s
What is VPAT?
VPAT is the Veterinary Practitioners’ Association of Thailand, the national association representing veterinarians in Thailand.
Does VPAT have an equine section?
Yes, VPAT has a dedicated Equine Veterinary Club (ชมรมสัตวแพทย์บำบัดโรคม้าแห่งประเทศไทย).
What events does Veterinary Practitioners’ Association of Thailand run for horse vets?
VPAT hosts annual congresses with equine tracks, alongside specialist workshops such as WEVA–VPAT wet labs.
Is VPAT internationally connected?
Yes, VPAT collaborates with the World Equine Veterinary Association (WEVA) and other global organisations.
