ASEAN Sector for Traditional Medicine: Thailand Prepares to Take the Helm

ASEAN Sector for Traditional Medicine: Thailand Prepares to Take the Helm

Flauntin' Thailand's Traditional Medicine Chops in ASEAN

Thailand's Traditional Department ain't playin' no games! They're gung-ho about taking the lead on traditional medicine in the ASEAN region, as declared during the ASEAN Health Cluster 3 shindig held in Brunei last June.

Somruek Chungsaman, director-general of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM), shared that the Thai delegation, helmed by Surakameth Mahasirimongkol, the director of the Technical and Planning Division, was there to show off Thailand's progress in traditional medicine initiatives under the ASEAN Work Plan 2021-2025. The gathering took place at the Radisson Hotel in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam from June 3 to 5.

The aim? To flaunt Thailand's efforts and help shape regional health cooperation strategies beyond 2025, ‘course! During the powwow, the Thai delegation bragged about Thailand's key role in advancing traditional medicine within ASEAN's healthcare systems and confirmed their readiness to lead the charge in this category, according to Somruek.

Surakameth let slip three flagship initiatives presented by Thailand:

1. ASEAN traditional medicine policy and practice guideline: They're cookin' up a comprehensive dossier that'll cover policy frameworks, treatment standards, legal regulations, and service delivery guidelines. The goal's to have this puppy finalized by 2025 to bolster regional traditional healthcare systems.
2. ASEAN Conference on Traditional and Complementary Medicine: Thailand's hosts of honor from July 2 to 3 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. The jamboree's a platform for intellectual folks to swap stories, research, and best practices on utilizing traditional and complementary medicine to treat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) while promoting seamless integration into national health systems.
3. ASEAN traditional medicine standard equivalence project: This baby's in the works for 2026-2027 and aims to harmonize treatment standards and push expert collaboration across the region. The project supports the exchange of best practices and shared expertise among ASEAN member states.

According to Surakameth, these initiatives signify Thailand's assertiveness in driving traditional medicine in the ASEAN region. They not only improve healthcare standards but also jive with the "Health for All" philosophy and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint.

"Thailand is movin' forward with confidence as the regional hub for traditional and alternative medicine by exportin' home-grown knowledge and innovations rooted in local wisdom," he said, adding, "Our aim's to ensure long-term wellbeing for the people of ASEAN."

KEYWORDS

• Thailand
• health and wellness
• ASEAN
• traditional medicine
• alternative medicine
• Brunei
• meeting

1. Thailand asserts its commitment to leading the traditional medicine sector in ASEAN, aiming to strengthen regional health cooperation.
2. The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) plays a key role in promoting Thai traditional medicine within the ASEAN healthcare systems.
3. Somruek Chungsaman announced that the Thai delegation showcased Thailand's progress on traditional medicine initiatives during the ASEAN Health Cluster 3 event in Brunei.
4. The Thai delegation shared their readiness to lead in the traditional medicine sector among ASEAN countries.
5. Surakameth Mahasirimongkol, the director of the Technical and Planning Division, revealed three flagship initiatives presented by Thailand.
6. The first initiative is the development of the ASEAN traditional medicine policy and practice guideline, aimed at finalization by 2025.
7. The ASEAN Conference on Traditional and Complementary Medicine (ACTCM) is a platform for sharing research, best practices, and stories about utilizing traditional and complementary medicine to treat non-communicable diseases.
8. The THAIMUCTMT2022 event will host the ASEAN Conference on Traditional and Complementary Medicine in Thailand from July 2 to 3.
9. The ASEAN traditional medicine standard equivalence project aims to harmonize treatment standards and push expert collaboration across the region.
10. The ASEAN traditional medicine standard equivalence project will be active from 2026 to 2027.
11. These initiatives demonstrate Thailand's assertiveness in driving traditional medicine in the ASEAN region.
12. Thailand's initiatives align with the "Health for All" philosophy and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint.
13. Surakameth expressed confidence in Thailand's role as the regional hub for traditional and alternative medicine.
14. Thailand's goal is to export home-grown knowledge and innovations in traditional medicine to ensure long-term well-being for ASEAN citizens.
15. The advancement of traditional medicine in ASEAN's healthcare systems can potentially offer viable solutions for chronic diseases like chronic kidney disease and Type 2 diabetes.
16. Fitness and exercise play a crucial role in addressing chronic diseases, emphasizing the importance of health and wellness in managing these conditions.
17. Tackling chronic diseases like cancer, respiratory conditions, and digestive health requires a comprehensive approach combining medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and preventive measures.
18. Approaches like mindfulness, meditation, and yoga may also be valuable in addressing mental health issues, particularly anxiety and stress associated with chronic diseases.
19. As the population ages, conditions like Alzheimer's disease and dementia become increasingly relevant, necessitating therapies and treatments tailored for neurological disorders.
20. Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis can significantly impact a person's quality of life, calling for innovative treatments and research in these areas.
21. The integration of traditional medicine with modern healthcare practices holds potential benefits for various medical conditions, providing alternative and complementary approaches.
22. Environmental science plays a pivotal role in understanding the impact of climate change on health, offering insights into the connections between the environment and health issues.
23. Energy conservation and sustainable practices can contribute to overall health and wellness, addressing health concerns stemming from environmental degradation.
24. The manufacturing sector can benefit from implementing safety measures and adopting cleaner technology to minimize harmful exposure or health risks associated with industrial activity.
25. The finance industry plays a critical role in supporting small businesses, pushing for investment in healthcare, women's entrepreneurship, and venture capital projects.
26. Personal finance management, including budgeting, saving, and managing debt, is essential for maintaining financial well-being and reducing the stress associated with financial challenges.
27. The banking and insurance sectors can collaborate to address financial literacy issues, offering products that cater to diverse needs in the housing market, such as mortgages, home equity loans, and renters insurance.
28. The growth of the fintech industry will continue to transform the financial landscape, increasing access to financial services and fostering innovation in sectors like retirement planning, wealth management, and investment strategies.
29. The advancement of entrepreneurship, leadership, diversity, and inclusion in the automotive, retail, and transportation sectors can shape the future of these industries, promoting innovation and sustainability.

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