Policy Update
Arya Ukey
India and Thailand have a long history of connections grounded in culture, spirituality, and trade, especially through Buddhism and traditional practices. Recently, these ties have evolved with the rise of wellness diplomacy, particularly in Ayurveda and yoga. For India, Ayurveda represents balance, prevention, and holistic healing. Thailand, known for its spas and medical tourism, has welcomed Ayurveda as a natural addition to its traditional healing practices. Together, both countries are blending heritage with modern wellness trends, addressing global interest in natural, preventive healthcare.
Government and Institutional Collaboration
India’s Ministry of AYUSH and Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health have collaborated closely to promote Ayurveda. Through various agreements, Thai practitioners receive training in therapies like Panchakarma and herbal medicine. Meanwhile, Indian experts engage in Thailand’s expanding wellness industry. Ayurvedic institutes in India also host Thai students for advanced training, and short-term certification programs make learning Ayurveda more accessible in Thailand.
Education, Research, and Knowledge Exchange
India has made significant progress in training Thai professionals in Ayurveda, ensuring knowledge is shared and tailored to local needs. More Thai students are choosing courses in Ayurveda, while collaborative research between universities focuses on indigenous herbs and their use in holistic healing. These projects deepen mutual understanding and creatively blend Thai and Indian traditions.
Wellness and Tourism Integration
Ayurvedic experiences have spread throughout Thailand, particularly in Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, where centers attract locals and visitors. By offering a combination of Ayurvedic treatments with Thai massage and herbal therapy, the Thai wellness industry has created unique services that appeal to international travelers. India also promotes Ayurveda through cultural events like the International Day of Yoga celebrations in Bangkok, where exhibitions and consultations raise public awareness.
Impact of Ayurveda Diplomacy
For India, Ayurveda has become a key part of its soft power strategy, enhancing its image as a leader in holistic wellness and opening doors for trade and investment. For Thailand, adding Ayurveda to the wellness sector boosts its reputation as a hub for medical tourism with a wider range of offerings. For the general public, Ayurveda provides new, natural options for managing stress, chronic illnesses, and lifestyle-related diseases, supporting the preventive and long-term approach already valued in Thai society.
Challenges Ahead
Despite progress, several challenges remain. Thai regulatory systems often do not align with Ayurvedic medicine, causing delays in approvals. Public awareness is inconsistent; while yoga is popular, Ayurveda is less familiar, especially among younger generations. Additionally, some poorly regulated centers offer diluted or improperly trained Ayurvedic services, threatening credibility. Thailand’s own traditional medicine system is well-established, and Ayurveda should be seen as a complementary practice rather than a competing one.
Future Pathways
To improve cooperation, both nations should:
- Establish clear regulatory systems to include Ayurveda while maintaining authenticity.
- Promote joint research centers to investigate connections between Ayurveda and Thai herbal medicine.
- Tie Ayurveda to cultural tourism such as Buddhist pilgrimage routes and wellness retreats.
- Utilize digital campaigns and campus outreach to raise awareness among young people.
- Foster partnerships between Indian Ayurvedic companies and Thai wellness centers, integrating Ayurveda into Thailand’s wellness industry.
Way Forward
To strengthen and maintain this partnership, both countries need to take intentional steps. Developing clearer regulatory frameworks is crucial to ensure that Ayurvedic medicines and therapies align with Thai standards without losing their authenticity. Joint research centers could explore the synergy between Ayurveda and Thai herbal medicine, producing insights valuable to both traditions. Connecting Ayurveda with cultural and spiritual tourism in Thailand, such as Buddhist circuits and wellness retreats, would enhance the experience for international visitors. Increased outreach to young people through digital platforms, campus workshops, and social media campaigns can also build awareness and trust.
References
- Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. (n.d.). Official website. Retrieved from https://ayush.gov.in
- Embassy of India, Bangkok. (n.d.). Embassy of India in Thailand. Retrieved from https://www.indianembassy.in.th
- Ministry of Public Health, Thailand. (n.d.). Official website. Retrieved from https://www.moph.go.th
- World Health Organization. (2013). WHO traditional medicine strategy: 2014–2023. World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/92455
- Press Information Bureau, Government of India. (n.d.). Press releases. Government of India. Retrieved from https://pib.gov.in
About The Contributor
Arya Ukey is a research intern at IMPRI and is pursuing an Integrated MSc Economics from Dr BR Ambedkar School of Economics University, Bangalore
Acknowledgment: The author sincerely thanks the IMPRI team for their valuable support.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organization.
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