Bangkok Christain Hospital was established in 1949 by American Presbyterians and the Church Of Christ in Thailand as a Nonprofit institution in accordance with the adjuration of Jesus Christ to HIS desciples: "Heal The Sick". The American Presbyterian Mission had built many hospitals in the privinces but not in Bangkok.
In Cooporation with the Church of Christ in Thailand, it purchased four acres between Shilom and Suriwongse Roads and went right ahead with it's building project. Dr John McDaniel, leaving a well-developed practice in the USA, came to supervise the conversion of two old homes inro wards. The OR was located in an adjacent structure and a new maternity ward was erected. However, because of the failing health of his wifee, Dr. McDaniel, son of one of Thailand's pioneer missionaries, had to leave for home. Dr. Marshall P. Welles was transferred frpm China too Bangkok, arriving here in 1949.
The old building that served as a maternity home was later converted into a new hospital office, outpatient department, and pharmacy. A section of it was retained for use as a boarding home for children. Nurses were brought into the new hospital, along with the loving tender care and high standard of nursing they inherited from their mentor, Miss J.H. Christensen, who was director of the Presbyterian Mission's maternity home in Bangkok from 1922 to 1939.
On December 3, 1949, the hospital was fromally opened. Maj. Gen Sa-nguan Rojanawong was chairman of the hospital's board of directors. The unveiling of the name plaque was performed by Prime Minister Field Marshall P.Pibulsonggram. Seventy members of the Eastern Asian Christian Conference from 60 countries, then meeting for a convention in Bangkok, attended the opening ceremony.
During the next eight years the area began to develop and Patpong Road was built. A Decision was made to construct a new OPD for easy accessibility.
On May 20,1957 the neeeew OPD's dedication and formal opening took place, on the corner of Patpong and Silom roads. The steel and concrete three-story structure contained all the administrative offices, dental department, laboratory, chapel, and quarters for nurses. The Rev Puang Akkapin, moderator of the Church of Christ, gave the address. The Public Health minister presided over the opening ceremony.
Not long after that, a surprise gift was offered by Khunying Medha Dhibodi to build an operating pavilion in memory of her late husband Phya Medha Dhibodi, director of the Education Department. The pavilion had the latest operating room equipment, air conditioning, a central oxygen and suction system, central sterilizer, and supply for the whole hospital. Her Royal Highness the Princess Mother presided over the opening ceremony on January 27,1961, and unveiled the name of the Medha Dhibodi Building.
The lack of a modern inpatient building to match the other new buildings became even more apparent. The cornerstone of the six-story inpatient facility, facing Silom Road, was laid on November9, 1962, with whree important representatives from the United Presbyterian office in New York taking part. From then on, every effort was bent towards planning the new building and collecting funds for it. The first large amount, a sum of 400,000bat, came form the proceeds of the gala premiere of "Around the World in 80 Days." Their Majesties the King and Queen graced this occasion, and His Majesty very generously gave his own personal contribution.
The construction of the 160 bed inpatient building took three years and His Majesty the King presided over the opening ceremony on November 10,1965.
Another milestone was laid in 1970, when a neeeew 10 story building was built to house doctors' and nurses' apartments, staff, and workers' living quarters, a cafeteria, a modern kitchen, and a conference room.
With the mature wisdom, wxtraordinary foresight, and wide knowledge of director Dr. Prasong Chairatna, plus the support of Mr. Damrong Changtrakul, chairman of the board of directors, and the hospital staff, The Bangkok Christian Hospital gained more and more in reputation and it's services expanded. The 160 bed inpatient building could not cope with the demand and plans were mapped out to build another inpatient building.
Named Moh Bradley Ward in recognition of Dr. Bradley, who introduced modern medicine to Thialand, the 13 story building was opened in 1985. The building is air conditioned, equipped with modern equipment, and accommodate up to 400 patients.
source photos and information: Administration, Bangkok Christian Hospital.
