Abstract
This study was an analysis of the situations and trends in the Thai Traditional Medicine (TTM)
services in Thailand, especially the illnesses and treatments with TTM, based on the data derived from the
2009, 2011, 2013 Health and Welfare surveys, conducted by the National Statistical Office, which interviewed
a sample of 28,000 households across the country each year. The trends in such services were
compared with those derived from other data sources during the same period.
The results showed that most Thai patients attended state health-care facilities, whereas a small
proportion of them sought medical care from Thai folk/traditional healers or masseurs at less than 2% of
all patients. Among all patients, the 25-59 age group sought TTM services, about the same proportions
ranging from 50.0% to 60.3% in 2009, 2011, 2013. Regarding their illnesses, the second most common
illness was chronic back and muscle pain, but their use rates were highest at 27.3%, 33.4%, and 31.1%,
respectively.
In conclusion, only a small proportion of the Thai population use TTM including herbal remedies,
but with a rising trend. Thai massage therapy is most popular in working-age people. Thus, such service
should be further developed and promoted through the integration with the use of herbal remedies and
other TTM services.
