The Government is confident in the potential of Thai herbal products and is striving to push for an increase in the value of these products in the world market and to promote the use of herbal medicine in public health services.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said that consumption of herbal products in Thailand in 2022 was valued at 52 billion baht, an increase from 48 billion baht registered in 2021. It is expected that the market value of herbal products and raw materials in Thailand will amount to 100 billion baht by 2027.

The health and wellness business has also used herbal plants as raw materials to make such products as cosmetics and supplementary food. The Ministry of Public Health has also adopted Thai herbs in modern medicine. This will help reduce Thailand’s dependence on imports of drugs and strengthen its economy.

Thailand has more than 1,800 herbal plants that can be used for industrial purposes. Researchers from the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation, the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, and the National Science and Technology Development Agency have developed five herbal plants, namely gotu kola, turmeric, black galingale, Andrographis paniculata, and holy basil, to increase their quality and productivity, which will lead to health and food security.

Ms. Rachada said that the Government has linked herbal entrepreneurs with related industries in order to develop the herbal industry with modern agricultural research. This would provide the opportunity for researchers and entrepreneurs to share knowledge and experience and to work together in enhancing the competitiveness of the Thai herbal market.

The second action plan for national herbs, 2023-2024, seeks to create more value for Thai herbs, improve their quality and standards, and enhance their competitiveness in both local and international markets.