Understanding which stem cell types are used in Thailand is critical for treatment safety and effectiveness. While many clinics advertise “stem cell therapy,” cell sources, processing standards, and regulatory compliance vary widely. This guide explains the main stem cell options used in Thailand—how they differ, how they’re regulated, and which situations each is best suited for.
Last updated:
January 1, 2026
Thailand’s licensed regenerative clinics primarily work with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and MSC-derived biologics. These fall into three main categories:
Understanding these differences is essential for evaluating both treatment quality and clinic credibility.
UC-MSCs are the most widely used stem cells in Thailand, particularly for international patients. They are sourced from ethically donated umbilical cords and expanded in GMP-aligned laboratories.
Why UC-MSCs are commonly preferred
These characteristics make UC-MSCs the foundation of most high-quality regenerative protocols in Thailand.
📌 QUICK FACT
High-quality UC-MSCs are identified using immunophenotyping markers CD73⁺, CD90⁺, CD105⁺ and exclusion markers CD34⁻, CD45⁻, following international MSC criteria¹².
Autologous MSCs are harvested from the patient’s own tissue, typically:
They are usually processed and reinjected within the same treatment window.
Advantages
Limitations
Autologous MSCs are most often used in orthopedic and sports-medicine–focused clinics rather than systemic regenerative programs.
⚠️ SAFETY INSIGHT
Clinical outcomes with autologous MSCs depend heavily on donor age, metabolic health, and tissue quality. Patients over 45 often show reduced MSC viability and slower expansion rates¹³.
Exosomes are cell-derived signaling particles, not stem cells themselves. They contain proteins, lipids, and RNA that influence inflammation and cellular communication.
In Thailand, exosomes are typically offered as adjunct therapies, not standalone replacements for MSCs.
Common uses
What matters most
💡 EXPERT INSIGHT
Unregulated “exosome drips” are a growing global concern. Without proper purification and sterility testing, exosome products may carry contamination risks or inconsistent potency¹⁵.
Thailand regulates regenerative therapies under its Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) framework⁴. This determines:
UC-MSCs and properly processed autologous MSCs are permitted when clinics meet regulatory standards. Exosomes require additional scrutiny due to variability in manufacturing quality.
Choosing the right stem cell type depends on your condition, age, goals, and risk tolerance.
In general
STEMCIERGE evaluates clinics based on cell source documentation, lab quality, COAs, and clinical rationale, not marketing language.
In Thailand, treatment outcomes depend far more on cell type, processing quality, and regulatory compliance than on location alone. Understanding these differences is the first step toward making a safe, informed decision.
Umbilical cord–derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) are the most commonly used due to their potency, consistency, and suitability for systemic treatments.
Not necessarily. Autologous cells avoid immune rejection but often have lower potency, especially in older patients or those with chronic inflammation.
No. Exosomes are signaling particles derived from cells and are typically used as supportive or adjunct therapies, not replacements for MSCs.
Reputable clinics should provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) showing cell identity, viability, sterility, and dosage.
Some protocols combine MSCs and exosomes, but this should only be done with clear medical rationale and proper documentation.
UC-MSCs are generally preferred due to their immunomodulatory effects and consistency when produced under GMP conditions⁹¹⁰.
