Mr. Pattana Prompat, Minister of Public Health, opened the National NUAD THAI & Wellness Expo 2026 under the theme "Honoring Thai Wisdom, Advancing the New Economy, Moving Forward Globally." Attendees included the Minister's advisory board, Dr. Pongsathorn Pokpermdee, Director-General of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, executives from public and private sectors, professional organization representatives, domestic and international network partners, entrepreneurs, and the public.
Mr. Pattana stated that Thai massage, Thai herbs, traditional Thai medicine, and Thai wellness are both cultural heritage and national assets that can be developed into a health economy, enhancing the country's competitiveness internationally. Therefore, the Ministry of Public Health is driving the "Health for Wealth" economic health policy.
The ministry is accelerating the advancement of all branches of medical and health industries, including Thai herbal products and health services, into the global health market. They aim to elevate Thailand as a Medical & Wellness Hub, leveraging deep-rooted wisdom, skilled personnel, accumulated knowledge, and integrating Thai wisdom with modern standards, innovations, and technology, as well as expanding investment and health tourism.
"The collaboration of all sectors in organizing this event marks a key beginning in building a strong Thai wellness ecosystem. It serves as an important platform to showcase Thailand’s readiness to elevate Thai massage and wellness from cultural roots to global trust, transforming traditional knowledge into new economic value and turning Thai wisdom into opportunities for the country on the international stage," he said.
Dr. Pongsathorn added that the National NUAD THAI & Wellness Expo 2026, held from 20-22 August 2026 under the theme "Honoring Thai Wisdom, Advancing the New Economy, Moving Forward Globally," aims to drive Thai massage and wellness as key mechanisms in developing the health system, creative economy, health tourism, and concretely elevating Thailand as an international health center. The event focuses on four main objectives:
1. To honor and promote the value of Thai massage as internationally recognized Thai wisdom and a valuable cultural heritage. 2. To raise the standards of Thai massage and wellness services to be quality-assured, trustworthy, and globally competitive.
3. To provide a platform connecting knowledge, academia, innovation, investment, product development, services, and health business networks, leading to the creation of national economic value. 4. To enhance Thailand’s image as a country with cultural and health assets that can sustainably develop into the future of the global wellness economy.
Key highlights include: 1. Over 70 free massage beds staffed by more than 100 massage therapists nationwide. 2. The VR DOME presenting stories and Thai massage wisdom through modern virtual reality technology. 3. Thai herbal products and innovations such as sacred oil with herbal scents, color-changing lipstick based on elemental constitution, Ma Kwaen from Lii region, award-winning innovations for pain relief and skin nourishment, and elemental analysis via the Pen Diag application.
4. Health workshops including herbal balm stick making, Ruesi Dat Ton stretching exercises, meditation therapy, and academic seminars on Thai traditional medicine and massage from experts nationwide. 5. B2B Business Matching connecting entrepreneurs with investors and wellness business networks domestically and internationally to create new opportunities and expand global markets. The event expects over 50,000 participants during the three days.
, Sharing Kindness: Ms. Sukonthip Thianthong, Head of Baan Somwai (Khlong Toei Community), Baby in Slums Foundation under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, Princess of Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra, received donations of money and essential consumer goods from Viriyah Insurance Public Company Limited. Mr. Nontawich Chuetalee, Deputy Manager of Human Resources Business Partners, represented the company in this activity.
The "Sharing Kindness to Baby in Slums Foundation under the Royal Patronage" activity supports care and quality of life development for underprivileged young children in the community. Additionally, over 30 Viriyah volunteer members nationwide participated in recreational activities and provided lunch to bring joy and creative learning experiences to the children at Baan Somwai, Baby in Slums Foundation in Khlong Toei, Bangkok.
Enhancing Financial Literacy: Krungsri Bank Public Company Limited, its affiliates, and Mahidol University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote financial literacy for staff, faculty, students, and alumni of Mahidol University. This collaboration is an important step in creating sustainable value for Thai society, reinforcing the "GO Sustainable with Krungsri" campaign for a sustainable society.
The partnership focuses on comprehensive financial knowledge transfer through training, workshops, and personalized financial planning advice tailored to each target group. Especially for students beginning to manage their finances independently, the bank will provide foundational knowledge on saving, personal finance management, and financial discipline. Faculty, staff, and alumni will receive guidance on financial planning, investment, and retirement preparation, aligned with their differing financial needs based on age, responsibilities, and life goals.