GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPING THE ROLE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC THERAPY WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THAI SOCIETY

Abstract

Music therapy is a therapeutic process that uses music and musical activities as key media to enhance and develop quality of life in physical, mental, emotional, and social dimensions. This research aims to explore approaches for developing the role and significance of music therapy within the context of Thai society, focusing on analyzing its applicability in three areas: medical use for health recovery and stress reduction, education for promoting learning and skills, and community engagement for enhancing well-being and social relationships. The study is based on collecting and reviewing related articles and literature. Findings indicate that music therapy has strong potential in restoring mental health, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as improving concentration to better adapt to changing environments. Moreover, it plays an important role in developing learning skills, social interaction, and communication, serving as an educational tool that fosters motivation and participation. This contributes to happiness, relaxation, and long-term reductions in public health costs. However, the development of music therapy in Thailand is still in its early stages due to a shortage of trained professionals, the absence of recognized professional standards, and limited public awareness. Appropriate development should emphasize collaboration among the government, educational institutions, and the health sector, such as creating academic curricula, supporting research, and promoting public policies. If implemented systematically, music therapy can grow to play a significant role in Thai society by integrating at the individual, family, community, and national levels, ultimately improving quality of life and fostering a society balanced in both physical and mental health.