It is a public hospital operated by the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University.

The Hospital for Tropical Diseases was opened on 23 February 1961 by Prof. Chamlong Harinasuta, M.D.

and Prof. Khunying Tranakchit Harinasuta, M.D, founders of the Faculty of Tropical Medicine.

After an increase in patient demand, the hospital was expanded to a five-storey building which was completed and opened in November 1964.

In 2013, the new 'Rajanagarindra' Building was opened by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and a "Trop Med Home Care" service was introduced to provide health care services for the elderly at home.