TRADITIONAL THAI MEDICINE IDENTITY IN THAI SOCIETY

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to investigate the evolution, the paradigms, and the identity of traditional Thai medicine in Thai, propose ideas, and analyze problems from the perspectives of traditional Thai medicine personnel, modern medicine personnel, and those receiving traditional Thai medicine services to promote a better understanding of the body of traditional Thai medicine knowledge and propose approaches for the sustainable development of traditional Thai medicine. Data were collected from 15 key informants through in-depth interviews.The result revealed that traditional Thai medicine has continuously evolved, adopting ideas, beliefs, and holistic healthcare from Buddhist practice which is the root of Thai culture. The paradigms of traditional Thai medicine included concepts of diagnosis, treatment, disease prevention, and health promotion and rehabilitation with an emphasis on self-care practice to prevent causes of diseases on the basis of individualistic cultures. In addition, mental and emotional health treatment through Dhamma medicine – the teachings of the Buddha – and prescription according to the individualistic medicine and drug administration based on medicine flavors was found. These reflected the identity of traditional Thai medicine with an aim to diagnose a disease and find out its cause to provide patients with appropriate treatment.  The research recommended change in the paradigms for the sustainable development of traditional Thai medicine. Ministry of Public Health’ healthcare policies should provide patients with equal opportunities to receive treatment in traditional Thai medicine practice for the increase of treatment options resulting in the development of traditional Thai medicine.