Founded in 1937 Mission Hospital Church stands proudly in Bangkok. It began as a small clinic. A philanthropist Captain Thomas Hall funded it. Doctors Ralph and Ellen Waddell were instrumental in its early success. Nai Pleng Vitiamyalaksna and Pastor Kon Vui-leong also played significant roles.
Initially it was a humble 12-bed hospital. It included an outpatient department. The hospital quickly outgrew its space. An annex was added providing 30 more beds. This expansion brought the total capacity to 80 beds. It also allowed for the opening of a nursing school in 1941. Miss Ruth Munroe led the school.
World War II disrupted operations. The annex closed. Missionaries left for safety. The clinic however continued. Nai Pleng a medical assistant and Dr S Bene a Romanian physician kept it going. After the war overseas staff returned. The hospital reopened. The former annex became the foundation of the Bangkok Sanitarium and Hospital.
The hospital experienced substantial growth. In 1951 it was officially opened. It was a modern four-story building. L Pibulsonggram Thailand’s premier officiated at the opening ceremony. The School of Midwifery opened in 1955. The hospital’s capacity increased to 180 beds in 1958. A new building was constructed for the nursing school. It included a dormitory for 120 students.
The name changed to Bangkok Adventist Hospital in 1973. A new wing was added in 1983. The Ralph Waddell Wing expanded outpatient clinics operating rooms and patient rooms. In 1987 the Pleng Vitiamalaksna building opened. It provided more beds for obstetrics and pediatrics. A food service and parking were also added. This was part of the 50th anniversary celebrations.
In 1990 the Mission Health Promotion Center was launched in Saraburi Province. It could accommodate 60 people. It’s located near the Asia-Pacific International University campus. Today Mission Hospital Church continues its vital work. It serves the Thai and international communities. It’s a testament to the dedication of those who founded it and those who continue its legacy. It’s a significant part of Bangkok’s history. It’s a place of healing faith and community service.