PUBLISHED : 18 Jan 2026 at 06:55

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Five ministries are creating a strategic plan to promote Thai traditional herbs globally, targeting at least 2 billion baht of economic value.

Public Health Minister Phatthana Prompat told the National Herbs Policy Committee the plan is a collaboration among the Public Health Ministry, the Agriculture Ministry, the Industry Ministry, the Commerce Ministry and the Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Ministry.

“Under the concept ‘Think Wellness, Think Thai Herb’, the plan is set to introduce herbal plants as the crucial part of the wellness economy that boosts the nation and the people’s income,” said Mr Phatthana. The plan promotes turmeric, phlai and black galangal, all of which can be developed into premium products.

Each herb has its own strength. Turmeric will be developed into a supplement that helps control sugar levels for those at risk of diabetes. It can also be an ingredient in skincare products, helping make Thai beauty brands more well-known internationally.

Phlai will be promoted in the spa industry and as sports medicine because it can be used for massaging. Further research on its effectiveness is underway to build users’ confidence in incorporating the plant into modern medicinal systems.

Black galangal is best for reducing visceral fat. A positive list for the plant will be developed so that healthcare providers can use it as a reference when introducing the plant to clients.

The scheme could bring in 2 billion baht a year: 800 million from turmeric promotion, 500 million from phlai promotion and 702 million from Black Galangal promotion, Mr Phatthana said. Under the 2025 National Herbal Plants Operational Plan, herbal plants and their product markets MADE at least 45 billion baht last year, a 5.1% increase from 2024 revenue.

For 2026, Mr Phatthana said the ministry aimed to expand the domestic market, setting a target of 70 billion baht by the end of the year. Regarding the 2023-2025 Herbal City Plan, the initiative generated consumption of up to 15 billion baht and increased revenues in 16 pilot provinces. The initiative will expand to Satun and Chiang Mai this year, with a total value of 6 billion baht. “Thai herbal development will be managed to create sustainable revenue for communities while reviving the economy,” Mr Phatthana said.