Thailand is positioning itself as a central hub for herbal medicine in Southeast Asia, as the government pushes for the integration of traditional herbal remedies into the healthcare system. This initiative aims to provide more accessible and affordable healthcare options for the population while reducing dependency on imported pharmaceuticals.
Mr. Sitthichai Daengprasert, Chairman of the Federation of Thai SME, highlighted the importance of this policy, stating, "The government’s support for herbal medicines to be included in the healthcare system is a beneficial move in many aspects, both economically and in terms of public health." The integration is seen as a way to allow herbal remedies to be a viable alternative for treating common ailments without the need for strict regulations.
According to data from the fiscal year 2024, the total expenditure on conventional medicine in public health facilities reached 70,543 million baht, with only 1,560 million baht, or 2.21%, allocated to herbal medicines. Alarmingly, around 90% of the medicines currently in use are imported from abroad. The Federation aims to increase the proportion of herbal medicine usage to 10% by tightening production standards and promoting the establishment of Thai herbal medicine factories that meet GMP PIC/s standards.
Currently, Thailand boasts 56 factories that comply with GMP PIC/s standards, instilling confidence in consumers regarding the quality and safety of these products. Mr. Saran Jiewjiralai, Director of Thai SME, emphasized that Thai herbal medicine has been scientifically validated, stating, "Thai herbal medicine has applications in various drug formulas and has properties that can be compared to conventional medicine, supported by scientific information." As more research backs the efficacy of these remedies, the potential for wider acceptance and use grows.
The push for herbal medicine is not new; it has been part of Thailand's national medicine list since 1999. Currently, there are 116 herbal products included, categorized into 15 groups, primarily addressing common health issues such as fever, cough, indigestion, and skin ailments—conditions that do not fall under severe illnesses.
In addition to providing more affordable healthcare options, this initiative also aims to bolster the country’s economic stability, particularly during crises. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in Thailand's healthcare system, especially when it came to vaccine and medicine shortages. The blockade of the Suez Canal, which affected global shipping, further exacerbated the situation, leading to significant challenges in accessing essential medicines.
Mr. Daengprasert noted that promoting the use of herbal medicine is a strategic move to develop Thai herbal resources. He explained, "If herbal remedies become widely used, manufacturers will have the capacity to engage in research and development, leading to a broader range of products beyond just basic treatments." This could pave the way for Thailand to become a leading herbal medicine hub in ASEAN.
Moreover, the government has outlined specific medicinal herbs that can replace conventional drugs for five common conditions. For instance, for muscle pain, herbal cream can replace topical analgesics like diclofenac, while for coughs, herbs like Phyllanthus emblica can substitute for diphenhydramine or codeine. These herbal alternatives have been scientifically proven to be effective, as many conventional medications already contain herbal components.
However, the implementation of this policy will require a comprehensive educational effort for healthcare professionals, including doctors and pharmacists. It is essential that they understand the scientific research behind each herbal remedy and its appropriate usage. Mr. Jiewjiralai expressed optimism, stating, "If medical personnel are well-informed about the current data on Thai herbal medicine, it will lead to greater acceptance and promotion of these remedies, which will ultimately benefit the economy by supporting farmers, manufacturers, and distributors."
Despite being the number one exporter of herbal products in ASEAN, Thailand still does not rank among the top ten in the global market. If the healthcare system increasingly incorporates herbal medicine, it could enhance local acceptance and simultaneously boost export opportunities. The Federation of Thai SME is committed to making this vision a reality, believing that integrating herbal medicine into public health will not only provide better healthcare options but also stimulate economic growth.
As Thailand embarks on this journey to become a regional hub for herbal medicine, the success of this initiative will ultimately depend on the collaboration between the government, healthcare providers, and the private sector. The potential benefits are vast, from improved healthcare access and affordability to economic resilience and international competitiveness.