Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth: Thai Healthcare and Aviation Pioneer
A simple look at the doctor and entrepreneur who helped build BDMS, Bangkok Airways, and major private airports in Thailand.
Last Updated on August 6, 2026 by Fame Katha Editorial Team
Introduction
Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth was a Thai doctor, healthcare entrepreneur, airline founder, and billionaire businessman. He was best known for co-founding Bangkok Dusit Medical Services, commonly called BDMS, and establishing Bangkok Airways.
He began his professional life as a surgeon. He later moved into construction, aviation, hospitals, and other businesses. His work helped create Thailand’s largest private hospital network and one of the country’s best-known regional airlines.
Prasert died on 21 April 2026 at the age of 93. At the time of his death, he remained closely connected with Bangkok Airways as its founder, chairman, and an important shareholder.
Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth |
| Thai name | ปราเสริฐ ปราสาททองโอสถ |
| Date of birth | 22 March 1933 |
| Birthplace | Bangkok, Thailand |
| Date of death | 21 April 2026 |
| Age at death | 93 |
| Nationality | Thai |
| Profession | Doctor, entrepreneur, and business executive |
| Education | Medical degree from Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University |
| Famous for | BDMS and Bangkok Airways |
| Wife | Wanli Posayachinda |
| Children | Five |
| Main industries | Healthcare, aviation, airports, and media |
Early Life and Education
Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth was born in Bangkok, Thailand, on 22 March 1933. He came from the Changboonchu family, which later adopted the surname Prasarttong-Osoth.
He studied at Assumption College Bang Rak and later attended Triam Udom Suksa School. He then completed pre-medical studies through the Faculty of Science at Chulalongkorn University.
Prasert continued his education at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University. He earned a medical degree and qualified as a doctor.
His education first prepared him for a career in medicine. However, his professional path later moved far beyond hospitals and surgery.
His Early Career as a Doctor
After finishing medical school, Prasert worked in the surgery department at Siriraj Hospital. He reportedly spent around five years working as a resident doctor.
His medical career gave him a strong understanding of hospital operations and patient care. This experience later became useful when he entered Thailand’s private healthcare industry.
Prasert eventually left full-time clinical work and became involved in construction and business. He served as chairman of Krungthep Sahakol and worked with projects connected to oil exploration in Thailand.
This change became an important turning point in his career.
Building Bangkok Dusit Medical Services
In 1969, Prasert joined other doctors to establish Bangkok Dusit Medical Services.
The company’s first Bangkok Hospital began treating patients in February 1972. It started as a private hospital with 103 beds.
Over time, BDMS expanded by developing and acquiring hospitals across Thailand and Cambodia. Its network came to include well-known brands such as:
- Bangkok Hospital
- Samitivej Hospital
- BNH Hospital
- Phyathai Hospital
- Paolo Hospital
- Royal Hospital
BDMS was listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 1991. It later became Thailand’s largest private hospital operator, with a network of more than 60 hospitals.
Prasert held several senior positions during his time with the group. These included president, group chief executive officer, and chairman of the executive committee.
His daughter, Poramaporn Prasarttong-Osoth, later became one of BDMS’s leading executives.
How He Founded Bangkok Airways
Prasert entered the aviation business in 1968.
The operation initially worked as a department of Krungthep Sahakol Company. It provided air services for construction and oil exploration activities.
In 1984, Prasert formally established Sahakol Air to manage the aviation business. The company was later renamed Bangkok Airways.
Scheduled passenger flights began in 1986. The airline’s early routes connected Bangkok with destinations including Nakhon Ratchasima, Surin, and Krabi.
Bangkok Airways later expanded its services to popular destinations in Thailand and other parts of Asia. The company became known as a regional airline serving both tourists and business travellers.
The airline was listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in November 2014.
Readers interested in the stories of major entrepreneurs and business leaders can explore more profiles on FameKatha.
Development of Samui Airport
One of Prasert’s most important aviation projects was Samui Airport.
Construction began during the 1980s, and the airport opened in April 1989. It was developed on land that had previously been used as a coconut plantation.
The airport’s open-air design was created to match the natural appearance of Koh Samui. It became a major entry point for visitors travelling to the island.
Before the airport opened, reaching Koh Samui required a longer journey by road and boat. Direct flights made the island easier to visit and supported the growth of its tourism industry.
Bangkok Airways later developed or operated two more private airports:
- Sukhothai Airport
- Trat Airport
This combination of airline and airport ownership made the company different from many other regional carriers.
Business Leadership and Major Achievements
Prasert’s main achievement was building businesses in two very different industries.
In healthcare, he helped turn one private hospital into a large network serving patients across Thailand and neighbouring countries.
In aviation, he transformed a small air-service operation into Bangkok Airways. He also supported the development of airport infrastructure in important tourism areas.
His major career achievements included:
- Co-founding BDMS in 1969
- Helping open Bangkok Hospital in 1972
- Establishing Sahakol Air, which became Bangkok Airways
- Launching scheduled passenger services in 1986
- Developing Samui Airport
- Expanding into Sukhothai and Trat airports
- Growing BDMS into Thailand’s largest private hospital group
- Taking Bangkok Airways to the Thai stock market in 2014
Before his death, Prasert was listed as the founder and chairman of Bangkok Airways.
Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth’s Family
Prasert married Wanli Posayachinda in December 1963.
They had five publicly reported children. Several members of the family later became involved in the businesses he helped create.
His son Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth became president and chief executive officer of Bangkok Airways.
His daughter Poramaporn Prasarttong-Osoth became president and a senior chief executive officer within BDMS. Another daughter, Ariya Prasarttong-Osoth, also held positions connected with Bangkok Airways.
The family’s continued involvement helped provide leadership succession across the healthcare and aviation businesses.
Shareholdings and Net Worth
Prasert held valuable shares in BDMS and Bangkok Airways.
Official company information showed that Prasert and his wife held approximately 9.3% of BDMS in March 2026. He also held about 11.38% of Bangkok Airways during the same period.
Forbes estimated his personal fortune at approximately $3.9 billion as of 10 March 2026. The estimate mainly came from his hospital and airline investments.
This figure was an independent financial estimate. It was not an audited value of his full estate.
Bangkok Airways Share-Trading Case
Prasert’s career also included a significant regulatory matter.
In 2019, Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission imposed civil sanctions on Prasert and two other people over Bangkok Airways share trading.
The regulator said the trading activity created a misleading appearance concerning the company’s share price and trading volume. The financial penalties announced by the regulator applied to the three people together.
Following the case, Prasert left senior positions at listed companies. He was later appointed to the Bangkok Airways board again in April 2021.
His Death
Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth died on 21 April 2026 after receiving medical treatment for an extended period.
He was 93 years old.
Funeral ceremonies were arranged at Wat Thepsirin in Bangkok. His death was widely reported in Thailand because of his major role in the country’s healthcare, aviation, and business sectors.
Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth’s Legacy
Prasert left a lasting mark on Thailand.
BDMS continues to operate a large network of hospitals. The group treats both Thai and international patients and plays an important role in the country’s private healthcare industry.
Bangkok Airways continues to operate regional passenger flights. The airports developed under Prasert’s leadership also remain important for travel and tourism.
His life showed an unusual career journey. He moved from surgery to construction, private healthcare, airlines, airports, and media.
His children later took important leadership roles within the companies, allowing the family’s business involvement to continue after his death.
Interesting Facts About Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth
- He trained and worked as a surgeon before becoming a major businessman.
- He entered the aviation industry before opening his first private hospital.
- The airline he created started as a service for construction and oil projects.
- Bangkok Airways was originally called Sahakol Air.
- He helped develop privately operated airports in Samui, Sukhothai, and Trat.
- His son later became the chief executive of Bangkok Airways.
- His daughter became a senior leader at BDMS.
- His main business interests were hospitals and aviation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth?
Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth was a Thai doctor, entrepreneur, and business executive. He was best known for co-founding BDMS and creating Bangkok Airways.
Was Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth a doctor?
Yes. He earned a medical degree from Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, and worked in surgery before moving into business.
What companies did Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth create?
He co-founded Bangkok Dusit Medical Services and established the aviation business that became Bangkok Airways.
When was Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth born?
He was born on 22 March 1933 in Bangkok, Thailand.
When did Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth die?
He died on 21 April 2026 at the age of 93.
What was Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth’s net worth?
Forbes estimated his fortune at about $3.9 billion in March 2026. It was an estimate based largely on his business shareholdings.
Who runs Bangkok Airways after Prasert?
His son, Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, serves as president and chief executive officer of Bangkok Airways.
Why was Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth important?
He helped develop major private healthcare and aviation businesses in Thailand. He also supported the development of airports that improved access to important tourism destinations.
Final Words
Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth was one of Thailand’s most important healthcare and aviation entrepreneurs.
He began as a doctor but later created businesses that changed private hospital care and regional air travel. BDMS, Bangkok Airways, and the airports connected with his work remain the strongest parts of his professional legacy.
