Geopolitics and Health Sovereignty: An Analysis of Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Vulnerability and Medical Security of Thailand in the New World Order

Authors

  • Sipnarong Kanchanawongpaisan College of Politics, Government, And Administration, Shinawatra University
  • Sayan Kaewboonruang Sirindhorn College of Public Health Khon Kaen

Keywords:

Geopolitics, Health Sovereignty, Pharmaceutical Supply Chain

Abstract

This research aimed to analyze the vulnerability of the pharmaceutical supply chain and evaluate the predictive factors influencing Thailand's health sovereignty amidst contemporary global geopolitical conflicts. A mixed-methods approach was employed to gather data from 200 experts in national security and health policy. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA), and Strategic Scenario Analysis.

The results indicated that Thailand's overall health sovereignty was moderate to low. The predictive model, comprising four factors: strategic dependence on foreign raw materials, geopolitical volatility, domestic production capacity, and strategic stockpile efficiency, predicted health sovereignty with 68.1% accuracy (R2 = .681) at the .01 significance level. Strategic dependence on foreign pharmaceutical ingredients was the most significant negative predictor (β = -0.512), whereas domestic production capacity was the strongest positive predictor (β = 0.345). Strategic recommendations suggest that the Thai government must elevate the upstream pharmaceutical industry to a national security priority to ensure medical independence within the tension of the new world order.

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Published

2026-03-24