Advocate Somsak advocates for approving the use of herbal remedies as a prescription medication.
Herbal Medicines Sweep the Spotlight in Thailand's Healthcare Sector
The Thai government's drive to boost herbal medicines as a viable alternative to Western pharmaceuticals has sparked a heated debate, with fans advocating for traditional medicine preservation and critics raising eyebrows about public health implications.
Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsutin, lays emphasis on cutting costs and reducing import reliance as the main motives behind this initiative. This moves includes financial incentives offered by the National Health Security Office (NHSO), who shells out around one billion baht each year to fuel the promotion of Thai herbal medicines in state-run hospitals [1][3].
The medical community, however, seems divided on this issue.
One major concern revolves around efficacy doubts. Many doctors voice their reservations about the effectiveness of numerous herbal remedies, citing the lack of rigorous scientific testing [1]. Another concern hints at a cost paradox. Even though the government is aiming for cost savings, certain herbal medications appear pricier than their Western counterparts due to limited market supply [1]. And lastly, doctors express concerns that patients might delay necessary medical treatments as they experiment with untested traditional remedies [1].
It's worth noting that the government's push isn't binding for doctors, instead operating as a casual recommendation. But the financial incentives earmarked by the NHSO creates an underlying pressure for healthcare facilities to adopt the new protocols [1][4]. This push comes amidst Thailand's bid to become a global wellness hub, seamlessly integrating traditional medicine into its healthcare tourism landscape [5].
In an effort to quell doctors' uncertainties, officials are aiming to address their unfamiliarity with prescribing herbal medicine. Prescription details for herbal drugs, including dosages and treatment guidelines, are now displayed on hospital information systems [4]. As time passes, they believe doctors will grow more comfortable with prescribing traditional remedies [4].
Resistance to the new system, according to Somruek Chungsaman, director-general of the Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Department, stems primarily from internal communication missteps rather than structural flaws. His team is planning a survey to gather feedback from the nation's doctors, with the insights helpful in refining future Thai herbal medicine promotion strategies [4].
Background
- Thailand's recently updated kratom regulations (2025) mandate standardized quality testing for such herbal products [2], reflecting a broader effort to professionalize traditional medicine while addressing safety concerns.
- The government's herbal medicine push fits into Thailand's wider strategy to position itself as a global wellness hub, blending traditional medicine with modern healthcare offerings.
- The lack of scientific validation for numerous herbal remedies serves as the primary concern among skeptics within the medical community.
- Some herbal medications may be more costly compared to Western pharmaceuticals due to limited market supply.
- Delays in seeking evidence-based treatments is another worry that critics have brought forth in response to the policy.
- The health benefits of Thai herbal medicines are a contentious topic, with supporters championing traditional medicine preservation and critics expressing concerns about public health implications.
- Somruek Chungsaman, the director-general of the Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Department, attributes the resistance to the herbal medicine push to internal communication missteps rather than structural flaws.
- In an attempt to provide a clearer picture and address doctors' uncertainties, officials are aiming to improve communication and provide prescription details for herbal drugs on hospital information systems.
- The mandate for standardized quality testing for herbal products in Thailand, as part of the recently updated kratom regulations (2025), reflects the government's broader effort to professionalize traditional medicine while addressing safety concerns.
- Mental health and wellness tourism could potentially benefit from the integration of Thai herbal therapies and treatments into the healthcare sector, as part of Thailand's bid to become a global wellness hub.
