BANGKOK, 23 August 2011 – The Ministry of Public Health will organise the eighth national herbal fair to boast potential of Thailand in herbal products and leadership in traditional medicine in the ASEAN region.
According to Public Health Minister Wittay Buranasiri, the fair will be arranged under the theme ‘Herb for All’ as both children and adults can use herbal products. The event will be held at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani from 31 August to 4 September 2011.
The fair is to show potential and readiness of Thailand in traditional medicine, herbal medicine as well as massage for therapy, not only just massage for stress relief. Thailand aims to be the leader in traditional medicine in ASEAN upon the formation of ASEAN Community in the next four years.
In addition, the event is to promote people to rely on herbal medicine instead of importing conventional one from European nations.
Based on the latest assessment in 2009, Thailand has registered 12,025 formulas of traditional medicine. Public health offices have been using herbal medicine for treatment worth over 391 million baht a year or 2% of the total conventional medicine usage worth 20 billion baht.
The fair will allow people to learn more about traditional medicine and herbs for free. Physical health check-ups will be provided by Thai and Chinese traditional medicine practitioners. Demonstrations on massage therapy and yoga will also be available.
