The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) is proud to recognize five outstanding pain specialists from Thailand as the 2026 recipients of the Cynthia Goh Award for Excellence in Pain Care, Research or Education in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Named for the late palliative care champion Professor Cynthia Ruth Goh, the award honors individuals or teams that demonstrate exceptional excellence in pain-related programs in low‑resource settings.
The Low‑ and Middle-Income Countries Working Group selects the recipients, and each honoree receives complimentary registration for the 2026 World Congress on Pain along with a travel grant of up to US $10,000.
World Congress is the largest global gathering of pain professionals, connecting thousands of scientists, clinicians, and healthcare providers from around the world. The 2026 Congress, 26–30 October, in Bangkok, Thailand, will feature hundreds of international speakers, thousands of poster presentations, more than 100 exhibitors, and a week of workshops and plenary sessions.
By recognizing these awardees and facilitating their attendance at the Congress, IASP ensures their innovative program is showcased on this global stage and fosters networking with peers who can adapt their model for other low-resource settings.
2026 Cynthia Goh Award for Excellence in Pain Care, Research, or Education in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Recipients
Dr. Nantthasorn Zinboonyahgoon – Chief of the Division of Pain Medicine
Dr. Zinboonyahgoon directs the Siriraj Pain Clinic and leads an internationally designated training site supported by IASP. After completing his anesthesia residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and fellowship training at Oregon Health & Science University, he returned to Thailand to build regional capacity in pain management. Under his leadership, the Siriraj Pain Clinic has trained more than 30 pain physicians from 15 countries. His program’s success will be highlighted at the World Congress, where he will share insights with colleagues from around the globe.
Dr. Pramote Euasobhon – Associate Professor in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
As Director of the Siriraj International Fellowship in Clinical Pain Management and a committee member of the Thai Association for the Study of Pain (TASP), Dr. Euasobhon focuses on chronic pain management, including neuropathic and cancer pain. A skilled interventional pain physician and educator, he will lead sessions at the Congress that emphasize evidence-based approaches to pain care in resource‑limited settings.
Ms. Skaorat Panchoowong – Registered Nurse
Ms. Panchoowong brings extensive experience caring for patients with chronic and cancer related pain. At the Siriraj Pain Clinic she leads pain assessment, patient education, peri‑procedural nursing care and clinical‑outcome monitoring. Her role at the Congress will highlight the essential contribution of nurses to interdisciplinary pain management and will offer practical strategies for implementing patient‑reported outcome measures in low‑resource clinics.
Dr. Pranee Rushatamukayanunt – Consultant in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
An Assistant Professor at Mahidol University and Siriraj Hospital, Dr. Rushatamukayanunt holds advanced certifications in neuroanesthesia and clinical pain management from Thailand and the UK. She serves as President-Elect of TASP and champions national pain‑education initiatives. At the World Congress she will share research on acute and chronic pain and advocate for broader adoption of standardized pain‑education curricula across Asia.
Dr. Nattha Saisavoey – Psychiatrist and Educator
Dr. Saisavoey integrates psychological care into pain management at Siriraj Hospital. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary teamwork, medical education, and leadership development. During the Congress, she will lead discussions on the psychological dimensions of chronic pain and equitable access to mental health support in pain care.
The Siriraj team’s program exemplifies the mission of the Cynthia Goh Award by combining clinical excellence with education, advocacy and international outreach. Their internationally accredited training center delivers comprehensive pain management education to physicians, nurses and allied health professionals across Asia. By presenting their program at the 2026 World Congress on Pain—a forum that brings together thousands of colleagues and hundreds of exhibitors—the team will inspire other low‑ and middle‑income countries to adopt similar models and foster new collaborations.
IASP congratulates Dr. Zinboonyahgoon, Dr. Euasobhon, Ms. Panchoowong, Dr. Rushatamukayanunt and Dr. Saisavoey on this well-deserved recognition. Their dedication to patient‑centered pain care and capacity building honors the legacy of Professor Cynthia Goh and advances the IASP mission to improve pain relief worldwide. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and learning from their experience at the 2026 World Congress on Pain in Bangkok.
For more information about the 2026 World Congress on Pain, including how to register and submit abstracts, visit WolrdCongressonPain.org.