– Dr. Nopparat Panthongwiriyakul –
Behind the calm and confident demeanour of Dr. Nopparat Panthongwiriyakul, Director of BNH Hospital, lies a remarkable life story—one of trials, transformation, and tireless dedication to others. His journey from a spirited countryside boy to a respected medical leader is a testament to how discipline, empathy, and clarity of purpose can shape a life of meaning.
Rather than a privileged path to success, Dr. Nopparat’s early life was marked by disruption, family tragedy, and self-reflection—yet these became the very foundations for his commitment to building healthcare services that truly centre around the well-being of patients.
Early Struggles and a Mother’s Dream
Born in a farming household in Phanthong, Chonburi, Dr. Nopparat grew up in a large family of nine children. Despite financial limitations, his parents placed immense value on education, pushing their children to pursue their full potential.
When an older brother became the first in the family to enter medical school, their mother was overwhelmed with pride. Inspired by this, young Nopparat was sent to continue his studies in Bangkok. However, unfamiliar with the structured and demanding city life, he rebelled—ultimately dropping out and returning home without notice.
For a time, he lost his direction. Yet, a heartfelt conversation with his mother—who reminded him that education was all she could offer—planted the seed for change. Her sudden passing due to a brain haemorrhage became a turning point.
“I couldn’t undo the past. But I thought—if I could become a doctor, perhaps that would make her proud.”
Finding Purpose in Cardiology
After regaining focus, he was accepted into the Faculty of Medicine at Khon Kaen University—fulfilling a promise made in his heart. Later, during his early career at a rural hospital near the Cambodian border during the refugee crisis of the 1990s, Dr. Nopparat was exposed to every facet of emergency and general care. It was here that he discovered his calling in internal medicine—and specifically, cardiology.
“Cardiology challenged me to think fast and act faster. It’s a race against time, often measured in seconds.”
Though the path to specialising in cardiovascular medicine was uncertain, fate intervened. A last-minute opening allowed him to enter one of the country’s most competitive programmes. He seized the opportunity, driven not by prestige, but by purpose.
BNH Hospital: A Home for Healing
Shortly before completing his specialisation, BNH Hospital was searching for a heart specialist. He was recommended by a mentor and invited to interview. What began as a temporary plan has turned into a 25-year tenure—and counting.
Over the decades, Dr. Nopparat has helped elevate BNH to international standards, integrating state-of-the-art technology with patient-first philosophies.
“I’ve always believed that we should care for patients as if they were our own family. That trust is sacred—and it drives us to offer the highest quality of care, not just treatment but long-term wellbeing.”
Pioneering the ‘Complete Care’ Approach
One of Dr. Nopparat’s greatest contributions has been reshaping the hospital’s model from reactive treatment to proactive prevention.
Many patients, despite regular visits to specialists, still missed crucial screenings—leading to preventable complications. Dr. Nopparat recognised the gap and introduced a patient-centric model that included tailored screening plans, data-informed risk management, and integrated care.
He brought back the concept of coronary calcium scoring from the U.S. and paired it with comprehensive lifestyle assessments, helping to detect and prevent heart disease before symptoms appear.
“We cannot just look at what’s in front of us. What we overlook may be what harms the patient the most.”
This philosophy became the foundation of BNH’s Complete Care model—delivering medical services that focus not only on healing, but also on anticipating and preventing future illness, tailored to each individual’s medical history and risk profile.
Leadership Rooted in Ethics and Service
Before assuming the role of Director, Dr. Nopparat contributed behind the scenes—volunteering for administrative tasks and hospital improvements out of a sense of responsibility. His rare combination of clinical excellence, business insight, and deep-rooted ethics made him a natural fit for leadership.
Today, while still seeing patients, he guides BNH with a vision that balances growth with humanity.
“We don’t begin with profit targets. We ask—what more can we offer our patients? How can we improve their lives?”
His leadership has fostered a work culture where medical teams are empowered to act in patients’ best interests without commercial pressure. This sense of purpose permeates the hospital and is deeply felt by those who walk through its doors.
A Spiritual Journey Toward Clarity
Amid professional success, Dr. Nopparat found himself exploring finer pleasures—fine wines, gourmet dinners, and social circles. But when a close friend-turned-monk reconnected and invited him to a meditation retreat, he accepted out of courtesy.
What followed was a profound inner transformation. After days of intense meditation, he experienced clarity and peace unlike anything before. From that moment, the worldly pleasures that once held sway lost their appeal.
“It felt as if my mind stopped chasing. Life suddenly had a clear purpose.”
Since then, he has immersed himself in Buddhist teachings, bringing that wisdom into both personal and professional spheres. The passing of the monk who guided him marked another turning point—one that reinforced his commitment to living and leading with compassion.
The Future of BNH Hospital
Dr. Nopparat envisions BNH as a beacon of holistic, ethical, and internationally respected healthcare. His goals include fostering collaborative medical teams, ensuring continuity of care, embracing modern technologies, and above all—keeping the patient at the heart of everything.
“Ultimately, healthcare is about helping people live well while they still can. That’s our duty—and our honour.”
His journey—from a restless boy in the fields of Chonburi to the head of one of Bangkok’s most respected hospitals—reflects not only resilience but also a deep and abiding belief that medicine, when guided by integrity and wisdom, can be a force for lifelong impact.
Coronary Artery Disease, Stroke, Lung Cancer Screening package
Take good care of these 3 vital organs that work hard every day, with a special check-up package by specialized doctors
Coronary Artery Disease, Stroke, Lung Cancer Screening package
Take good care of these 3 vital organs that work hard every day, with a special check-up package by specialized doctors.
- Cardiovascular disease screening test : Carotid Doppler Ultrasound
- Coronary calcium scan: CT Calcium Score
- Lung cancer screening: CT Chest Low Dose
Brain, Lung Examination Package
Care for Your Body’s 2 Most Critical Systems: Special-Price Screening Package by Leading Medical Specialists
Brain, Lung Examination Package
Care for Your Body’s 2 Most Critical Systems: Special-Price Screening Package by Leading Medical Specialists
- Cardiovascular disease screening test : Carotid Doppler Ultrasound
- Lung cancer screening: CT Chest Low Dose
CT Calcium Score Screening
A coronary calcium scan is used to predict the occurrence and assess risk of cardiac event. The goal is to determine if CAD is present and to what extent, even if there are no symptoms. The information is also used to find an appropriate preventive measurement for coronary artery disease for each patient.
Who should have a coronary calcium scan?
A coronary calcium scan should be performed for people with the following risk factors:
- People aged 50 and older
- Patients with an intermediate risk of developing heart disease
- Patients with diabetes or kidney failure
- Patients with High cholesterol levels or high blood pressure
- Smoking
Carotid Doppler Ultrasound Package
The Carotid Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive test that uses high-frequency sound waves to examine the blood flow through the carotid arteries and to detect narrowing of your carotid arteries or potential blockages caused by plaque. It helps to determine if you are at risk of having a stroke and to determine appropriate preventative measure or treatment to lower your risk.
Who should check this package?
Your doctor will recommend carotid ultrasound if you have medical conditions that increase the risk of stroke, including:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Family history of stroke or heart disease
- Recent transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke
- Coronary artery disease
- Overweight or obese
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking
NOPPARAT PANTHONGWIRIYAKUL, M.D.
นพ. นพรัตน์ พานทองวิริยะกุล
Speciality
Internal Medicine
Cardiology
Education
Medical Degree, ประกาศนียบัตรทางวิทยาศาสตร์การแพทย์คลินิก สาขาวิชาอายุรศาสตร์, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Medical Degree, Doctor of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
Board and Sub board Certification
Thai Medical Council, Cardiology, Chulalongkorn University
Thai Medical Council, Internal Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
Language
English
Thai
Gender
Male
Schedule
Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic Centre
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | - |
| Tuesday | 09:00 - 12:00 |
| Wednesday | - |
| Thursday | 09:00 - 12:00 |
| Friday | - |
| Saturday | - |
| Sunday | 09:00 - 12:00 |
This is the doctor's regular weekly schedule. Actual availability may vary — please confirm the available date and time when you make an appointment.