FSP Model in Thailand

The FSP model in Thailand is rapidly transforming how global clinical trials are conducted by combining local expertise with international best practices. In this model, dedicated teams in Thailand handle specific trial functions, helping sponsors achieve faster approvals, smoother site management, and better patient recruitment. We will discuss this model in detail throughout the article, exploring how it works, its benefits, and its growing role in global research.

Running clinical trials in Thailand offers a wealth of opportunities, including diverse patient populations, experienced investigators, and improved infrastructure. But let’s be real: it can still be tough. Sponsors often find themselves in a tricky spot. They might need skilled professionals for specific trial functions, but don’t want to outsource the entire project. Or they need quick support on the ground without stretching their internal teams. That’s exactly where the Functional Service Provider (FSP) model steps in. It’s not a brand-new concept, but in Thailand’s evolving research environment, it’s gaining momentum.

In this article, we’ll unpack what the FSP model is, why it’s becoming popular in Thailand, and why sponsors are increasingly shifting toward hybrid solutions that combine local expertise with global standards.

Before we delve into the article, let’s first understand what the FSP model is.

What’s the FSP model all about?

While the traditional contract research organization (CRO) model outsources entire trials, FSPs focus on outsourcing specific trial functions, such as clinical monitoring, regulatory affairs, data management, and pharmacovigilance, on a long-term or project-specific basis.

However, by 2025, the FSP model will no longer be just about addressing resource gaps. It’s about seamlessly integrating specialized talent into your internal operations. People who adapt to your SOPs, your tech stack, and your culture. This targeted and embedded approach helps maintain quality, reduce cost, and increase flexibility, all without relinquishing control.

Understanding the FSP model

In the evolving landscape of clinical development, the FSP model has emerged as a targeted partnership strategy, rather than outsourcing entire clinical programs to a full-service CRO. Pharmaceutical and biotech companies now selectively engage external specialists to manage specific operational functions, such as biostatistics, site monitoring, safety reporting, or trial documentation.

This modular approach creates a hybrid structure core trial oversight remaining internal, while designated responsibilities are entrusted to domain-focused teams. As a result, organizations benefit from consistent resource alignment, better cost predictability, and the ability to scale services in response to pipeline needs without compromising quality or oversight.

Why it’s a good fit for Thailand

Thailand offers a wealth of opportunities in clinical research. A strong medical infrastructure, increasing numbers of qualified investigators, and a government that’s taking regulatory reforms seriously, but sponsors still run into challenges, delays in approvals, sudden gaps in staffing, or inconsistent site performance.

The FSP model helps navigate these challenges. It gives sponsors the ability to tap into local expertise when and where it’s needed most. Whether you’re starting a new study or bridging resource gaps mid-trial, you get the flexibility to scale support up or down without overcommitting internal resources.

Are you looking to implement this FSP model for your clinical trials in India? Click here to read.

Clinical research advantages supporting the FSP model in Thailand

Regulatory Reforms and Government Support: The Thai FDA has streamlined approvals with digital submission, centralized IRBs, and ICH-GCP-aligned timelines, attracting sponsors beyond traditional academic hubs.
Expanding Investigator Poor: Certified principal investigators in Thailand have grown by 25% in three years, especially in oncology, infectious disease, and metabolic disorders, offering therapeutic area expertise and multilingual skills essential for regional trials.
Growing infrastructure outside Bangkok: Emerging hubs like Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, and Songkhla now have upgraded hospitals, ethics committees, and research units, yet still rely on FSP support for clinical resources.

Strategic foresight: The evolving role of the FSP model in Thailand’s clinical trial ecosystem

As Thailand’s research ecosystem, the FSP model is being repositioned as a central pillar in adaptive clinical trial execution, especially in decentralized and hybrid trial formats that are gaining momentum across Southeast Asia.

Decentralized trust integration: With 85% internet penetration and a mobile-first population, Thailand supports DCT adoption. FSP-DCT hybrids deploy site coordinators for eSource in under-resourced areas, decentralized CRAs for virtual visits, and telemedicine coordination, maintaining quality in rural yet epidemiologically important sites.
Therapeutic area-alignment: Sponsors increasingly choose TA-focused FSP model. In Thailand, oncology trials involve complex academic protocols, infectious disease research requires public health integration, and metabolic studies demand lifestyle adherence. Specialized teams adapt faster, boost compliance, and improve retention.
Capacity building: Modern FSP contracts include CRA mentorship, SOP workshops, and biostatistics training, ensuring long-term sustainability and strengthening local research capacity.
Operational intelligence: Leading FSPs embed analysts to deliver real-time dashboards, predictive monitoring, and AI-assisted QC, transforming the model from execution-only to strategic decision support.

Are you interested to learn about the key challenges and solutions for conducting clinical trials in Thailand? Click here to learn.

Why Thailand needs a purpose-built FSP model

While global sponsors have long appreciated Thailand’s patient diversity, cost efficiency, and investigator capabilities, operational friction remains especially during site activation, regulatory navigation, and CRA deployment across the region. Traditional full-CRO models often lack the flexibility or speed required at critical phases. That’s where Crdevo’s hybrid FSP approach steps in. But this isn’t a cut-and-paste solution. Thailand’s healthcare structure, trial geography, and sponsor expectations demand an adaptive FSP design, not repurposed global templates.

How the FSP model looks in action

FSP support is never a one-size-fits-all. It’s tailored based on the needs of your study, whether that’s during startup, execution, or closeout. Here’s what typical FSP support might look like in Thailand:

Function	FSP Support
Clinical operations	Experienced CRAs and site managers are embedded across regions. Site initiation, visit planning, and risk monitoring support.
Regulatory affairs	On-ground regulatory leads manage Thai FDA submissions, local IRB communication, and ethics documentation.
Data management & biostatistics	Function-specific experts familiar with sponsor EDC platforms. Provide on-demand query management and statistical reporting.
Medical writing & PV	Protocol authoring, IB updates, DSURs, and local safety narrative writing.
Quality oversight	Site audit readiness, GCP alignment, SOP harmonization with Thai regulatory standards.

What’s unique here is that FSP teams don’t feel external. They adopt your culture, tools, and workflows so the collaboration feels natural and easy.

Why are sponsors choosing the FSP route?

It’s not just about filling a gap; it’s about smart resourcing. The FSP model allows sponsors to reduce costs without compromising quality. You bring in exactly the skills you need, when you need them. That means no overspending and no strain on internal bandwidth. Budgeting is also simpler since work scope and pricing are usually agreed on in advance, you avoid those nasty last-minute surprises, and the continuity FSP teams offer. Sticking with one sponsor longer than rotating CRO staff often leads to smoother operations and fewer missteps.

For sponsors juggling multiple studies across Asia or launching trials in new Thai regions, this low-disruption, high-efficiency model can make all the difference.

Addressing Thailand’s CRA resource gaps with FSP + FTE support

One of the most common bottlenecks in Thai trials? Finding reliable Clinical Research Associates CRA in the right cities. With studies often spanning Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, and beyond, getting consistent site coverage isn’t easy, especially if your internal team is lean.

FTE (full-time Equivalent) is a unit that measures work based on the hours of one full-time employee. The FSP model with full-time CRA and FTE (full-time equivalent) support helps tremendously instead of going through a lengthy hiring process or working with inconsistent freelancers; sponsors can onboard trained, dependable CRAs through a functional service partner. These CRAs are familiar with local requirements and are ready to work and integrate quickly into your system. No delays, no extra onboarding hassle. Even better, these CRAs work as part of your extended team, not as outsiders. They follow your SOPs, use your tech platforms, and contribute to continuity across all sites.

You can choose two main models:

Type	Description	Best For	Benefits
Long-term FTC CRA Support	CRAs embedded across multiple programs	Sponsors with continuous regional studies	Builds long-term relationships, has strong familiarity with systems, and supports knowledge retention
Project-Based FTE CRA support	CRAs assigned to a specific study phase	Launching studies or covering temporary gaps	Fast deployment, focused support, ideal for launches or bridging staff gaps

With either setup, you can scale support when needed and step back when trials wrap without the complexity of permanent hires.

Final thoughts: A smarter way to manage trials in Thailand

Running clinical trials in Thailand comes with both opportunities and operational hurdles. If finding reliable CRAs or managing site activities is slowing you down, consider this: the FSP model, combined with FTE-based support, offers a smart and scalable alternative. It’s not about outsourcing everything; it’s about having flexible, experienced people by your side who understand your process and local context. Whether you’re launching a new study or expanding an existing program, this approach can save time, reduce costs, and keep quality intact without adding layers of complexity.

Do you have any questions about implementing the FSP model in Thailand for your upcoming clinical trials?

If you’re exploring trials in Thailand and want a smarter, faster, more compliant way to run them, the FSP model may be the solution. Reach out today to explore how a customized FSP approach can support your study goals in Thailand. Our team is here to support you with expert guidance and tailored solutions.