The Government aims to upgrade Thai herbs as “soft power” products in order to generate more income for the people and drive Thailand’s economy in the long run.

Speaking on 13 July 2025, Deputy Government Spokesperson Anukul Prueksanusak referred to the Thailand Herbal Expo 2025, organized recently by the Ministry of Public Health at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. He said that the event received a positive response, with the participation of more than 300,000 people, representing an increase of 20 percent over that of 2024. It emphasized the role of Thai herbs as a quality, safe, and easily accessible alternative health service system.

Mr. Anukul stated that the Government attaches great importance to developing Thai traditional and alternative medicine and is ready to support farmers in their efforts to grow more herbal plants and adopt local wisdom to promote the country’s wellness tourism.

He said that, over the past year, the Ministry of Public Health has designated five popular herbs the “Herbs of the Year,” which could generate more than 3,526 million baht in national income. The five herbs include turmeric, phlai (Cassumunar ginger), black ginger, kratom (Mitragyna speciose), and cannabis.

The Government is giving a major boost to Thai herbs as soft-power products and as part of the wellness industry. It focuses on upgrading the quality of Thai herbs to international standards in an effort to develop Thailand into a wellness and medical service hub. Apart from medicine, indigenous herbs can be developed into such products as herbal tea, cosmetics, and food supplements. 

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. A target has been set to increase the use of Thai herbs, with a value of at least 1,500 million baht, in the national health security system in 2025. The value will increase to at least 3,000 million baht in 2026.