A policy analysis of the establishment of a Ministry of Thai Traditional Medicine in the context of Thailand: A comparative case study with the Ministry of AYUSH, India
Keywords:
Thai Traditional medicine, Ministry of AYUSH, Policy changes, Policy implementation framework of Sabatier and MazmanianAbstract
India has elevated its traditional medical systems through the establishment of the Ministry of AYUSH, a specialized ministry responsible for policy formulation, research, and the promotion of indigenous health systems. This reflects the state’s role in integrating traditional medicine into the national health system. This article aims to study the feasibility of establishing a Ministry of Thai Traditional Medicine in Thailand by using the Ministry of AYUSH as a framework for comparative public policy analysis. The study applies the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF) by Sabatier and Jenkins-Smith to analyze structural factors, administrative mechanisms, and political conditions affecting policy success, alongside policy and health systems analysis. Utilizing a qualitative research methodology, the study analyzes secondary data from academic literature, laws, policies, and official government reports. The findings indicate that India’s success in elevating traditional medicine to the ministerial level is driven by a coherent policy coalition, strong political support from the central government, and the integration of health policy with cultural and national identity. In contrast, Thailand, despite having foundational institutional structures for Thai traditional medicine, faces challenges related to policy discontinuity, fragmented inter-agency coordination, and limited political commitment. This article proposes that the establishment of a Ministry of Thai Traditional Medicine should rely on building advocacy coalitions and formulating a National Strategic Plan for Thai traditional Medicine, with clearly defined goals, visions, and indicators to drive Thai traditional medicine as a vital mechanism in the national health system and economy.
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