THAI HERBAL MEDICINE PROCESSING GUIDELINES BY MODERN TECHNOLOGY FOR THAI TRADITIONAL MEDICINE STUDENTS

Abstract

The research aimed to 1) study the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and obstacles of Thai herbal medicine production and 2) study the guidelines of Thai herbal medicine production using modern technology. It was a qualitative research which reviewed and collected data from documents and participant observation with 2 Thai traditional medicine and 6 experts in industrial engineering. Then focus group discussion with 11 people included Thai traditional medicine lecturers, medical science lecturers and industry representatives by using field notes and open-ended discussions. The data was analyzed by content and descriptive analysis. The results showed that 1) strengths and opportunities support Thai herbal medicine production was done from National strategic plan that promote and stimulate the development of Thai traditional medicine forms by government. In conjunction with, the advancement of science and technology that support production process of Thai herbal medicine to be convenient, fast and good quality control. Moreover, the laws allow to use innovation and modern technology for extraction, production and forming. This is a good turning point for the Thai traditional medicine causing more acceptances from the people. 2) Guidelines for Thai herbal medicine production by applying modern technology machine can be developed into 20 forms, which were used by 24 machines. This knowledge can be applied to teach Thai traditional medicine students via textbook and practice guidelines to increase skills and more potential. In addition, it will be supported to be a professional Thai traditional medicine doctor in the future.