Bangkok: The Ministry of Commerce is promoting the wellness business to further develop Thai herbs into a high-value economy. The Ministry of Commerce is pushing forward with its promotion of the wellness business as one of the industries of the future, leveraging the strengths of Thai herbs to develop value-added products and services to support the growing global health and wellness trend. The Ministry has also tasked the Department of Business Development with developing the capabilities of entrepreneurs, building brands, and expanding market opportunities to promote Thai herbs as part of the modern consumer lifestyle.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Ms. Supajee Suthamphan, stated after presiding over the opening of the Herban Era Run 2026 at Lumpini Park that the wellness trend is a major global megatrend, and Thailand is recognized as one of the countries with great potential in the health industry, which has an economic value of over 1.4 trillion baht per year. Meanwhile, the Thai herbal business is valued at over 45,882 million baht by 2025, presenting a significant opportunity to elevate Thai herbal products and services, generate income for entrepreneurs, and enhance the country's competitiveness.
Ms. Supajee stated that the Ministry of Commerce aims to promote Thai herbal products as part of the health economy, linking them to the lifestyles of modern consumers, including exercise, food, beverages, health products, and wellness services. This is intended to create added value for Thai products and meet the demands of a continuously growing market.
Simultaneously, the Department of Business Development, in collaboration with the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP), has been tasked with implementing the Herban Era project, "Starting a Healthy Lifestyle with Thai Herbs," to promote entrepreneurs' ability to develop products, create brands, and expand market channels. This initiative connects Thai herbs with a healthy lifestyle for consumers, leading to business opportunities both domestically and internationally, and contributing to Thailand's goal of becoming a regional health economy hub.
Mr. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Director-General of the Department of Business Development, stated that consumers are increasingly prioritizing preventative healthcare, leading to continued growth in the wellness goods and services market. Therefore, the Department of Business Development is committed to promoting Thai herbal entrepreneurs to develop products, build brands, and enhance their competitiveness, while simultaneously creating new consumer experiences through the Herban Era project. This aims to elevate Thai herbal products from traditional knowledge to high-value-added goods and services that meet the needs of both domestic and international health markets.
The Herban Era Run 2026 event attracted over 800 runners and health enthusiasts. The event included a health-focused run, areas showcasing and offering samples of Thai herbal products, herbal food and beverages, and services related to Thai traditional and alternative medicine. The aim was to raise awareness and demonstrate the potential of Thai herbs for developing health-related products and services that align with the lifestyles of modern consumers.