Public Health Ministry Launches Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Pilot for Drug Rehabilitation in Health Region 5

The initiative aims to build confidence in combining Thai wisdom with alternative therapies in drug rehabilitation. According to the ministry, in partnership with the Department of Probation since 2022, more than 5,000 patients have undergone treatment and rehabilitation, with most achieving satisfactory results.

On September 15, 2025, a workshop was held in Nakhon Pathom Province to develop the skills of personnel in treating and rehabilitating drug users with Thai traditional and alternative medicine. A herbal formula for easing methamphetamine withdrawal was introduced as part of a pilot program in Health Region 5. The event gathered over 400 participants, including executives, Thai traditional and applied traditional medicine practitioners, representatives from the Department of Probation, and multidisciplinary health professionals from eight provinces.

The Ministry stated that, through cooperation with the Department of Probation, the Ministry of Justice, and other partners, guidelines have been developed for drug treatment and rehabilitation using Thai traditional and alternative medicine. These cover three dimensions: service—creating clear, accepted standards of care in the health system; economic—reducing treatment costs and promoting the use of herbs and local resources; and social—improving patients’ quality of life and reducing drug problems in communities. The workshop not only provided training in safe and effective treatment methods but also served as a platform to strengthen cooperation between policy and operational agencies to sustainably enhance the quality of addiction services in Thailand.

The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine reported that, since 2022, it has implemented a drug treatment and rehabilitation program with the Department of Probation, aiming to restore patients’ quality of life and support their reintegration into society. The approach combines Thai traditional wisdom with modern academic methods, using both Thai and alternative therapies for effective rehabilitation of voluntary patients and those under probation. Treatment includes herbal formulas—such as remedies to reduce cravings, symptom-relief herbs like Rang Jued and Ya Nang Daeng, balancing herbs like Triphala, tonics such as turmeric and Hom Navakot, sleep aids like Suksaiyat, and the “Karun Osot” formula. Alternative therapies include reflexology, SKT meditation, and other rehabilitation activities.

Source:

www.thaigov.go.th