Thailand rolls out policies to boost wellness economy

The cooperation between inventors and investors aims to promote high-quality health products and services, including innovative pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, herbal products, and cosmetics.

Illustrative image (Photo: The Nation)
Illustrative image (Photo: The Nation)

Bangkok (VNA) - Thailand’s wellness industry is expected to help generate 690 billion THB (20.4 billion USD) in economic value for the country this year, through collaborations between inventors and investors, according to Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin.

The cooperation aims to promote high-quality health products and services, including innovative pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, herbal products, and cosmetics, he stated.

Speaking at a press conference about collaboration between his ministry and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), Somsak outlined seven policies to promote the health economy.

The policies focus on supporting strategic growth in the health and wellness sector, elevating traditional Thai therapeutic wisdom, promoting health tourism, and expediting the development of the medical equipment industry.

The official said the ministry has amended some regulations, such as product licensing and registration, import certification and advertising, to help support the advancement of the sector.

Other mechanisms exist to encourage entrepreneurs to enhance their competitiveness, including legal assistance and training courses, and more inclusion of locally manufactured products in the National Health Security System.

Somsak said the Ministry of Public Health plans to showcase Thai health products in the Thailand pavilion at the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, next month./.

VNA

See more

Wildfires spread across Pekanbaru, Riau Province, Indonesia. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Indonesia intensifies cloud seeding as wildfires worsen

Indonesia is expanding the use of cloud seeding, a technique that disperses substances such as silver iodide, salt and other particles into clouds to trigger rainfall. The method is rarely used worldwide as a direct response to wildfires.

As El Niño strengthens, the risks of heatwaves, drought and reduced rainfall increase. (Illustrative image: VNA)

Malaysia warns of over 90% chance of “super El Niño” in late 2026

MetMalaysia director-general Hisham Anip said the forecast was based on a significant upward trend in the Relative Oceanic Niño Index (RONI) since the middle of the year, coupled with recent weekly observations showing sea surface temperatures more than 1.8 degrees Celsius above the climatological average.

Cambodia, EU boost cooperation on sustainable agriculture

Cambodia, EU boost cooperation on sustainable agriculture

Together with the EU and partners, Cambodia is raising food safety standards, sustainability and market competitiveness for key crops such as cashew and pepper, opening up new opportunities for farmers at home and abroad, siad Cambodian Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina.

Australia, Thailand agree to crack down on transnational crime

Australia, Thailand agree to crack down on transnational crime

The governments of Australia and Thailand have pledged to step up efforts to crack down on scam centres and cross-border criminal networks following talks between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his visiting Thai counterpart Anutin Charnvirakul in Canberra on August 19.

Green spaces and high-rise buildings viewed from Skyville-Dawson, Singapore. (Photo: VNA)

Singapore, China seal nuclear technology cooperation deal

The key areas for the partnerships covered under the MOU include safety and technical assessments of nuclear reactor technologies; manpower training and scientific visits; public education, communications, and engagement; nuclear safety, safeguards, and security; and nuclear technology applications.

WB plans over 3 bln USD in financing for Philippines

Thailand seeks stronger trade, energy ties with Russia

Thailand-Russia trade currently stands at around 1.7 billion USD a year, below the two countries’ potential. Bangkok is working with Russian businesses to find ways to boost transactions and address financial obstacles amid international sanctions.

Mobile attacks in Thailand surge 127% in Q1: Kaspersky survey

Mobile attacks in Thailand surge 127% in Q1: Kaspersky survey

Smartphones are often not protected to the same level as personal computers despite becoming gateways to users’ financial, social and professional lives, and the challenge is to ensure that mobile security develops at the same pace as the region’s increasing reliance on smartphones.

Cambodia draws 5.22 bln USD in FDI in seven months

Cambodia draws 5.22 bln USD in FDI in seven months

Cambodia attracted 5.22 billion USD in registered foreign direct investment (FDI) during the first seven months of 2026, the Khmer Times cited a report recently released by the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC).

A house damaged by an earthquake on Indonesia’s Flores Island on August 15, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua/ VNA)

Indonesia closes tourist sites after quake, activates nine health centres

According to the Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the temporarily closed sites include Goa Rangko in West Manggarai, Wae Rebo Traditional Village in Manggarai, and Kelimutu National Park in Ende. The closures aim to ensure visitor safety and facilitate inspections and repairs of earthquake-damaged infrastructure.

Indonesia busts gold smuggling ring

Indonesia busts gold smuggling ring

Indonesian police have arrested two Indian nationals in an investigation into a suspected network that processed illegally mined gold in Jakarta before smuggling it overseas, including to Dubai, reported the Jakarta Globe.

Rice for sale in Jakarta, Indonesia (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Indonesia to export 1,000 tonnes of premium rice to Malaysia

Indonesia has announced plans to export 1,000 tonnes of premium rice to Malaysia, with state-run logistics company Bulog describing the planned shipment as a showcase of the country’s growing food security, Antara news agency reported.