Thailand to host WHO traditional medicine summit in 2027
WHO has selected Thailand to host its third global traditional medicine summit, bringing health ministers, policymakers and researchers together in 2027
- Thailand has been officially selected to host the third WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in 2027.
- The summit will serve as a global policy forum for health ministers and experts to discuss integrating traditional medicine into national healthcare systems.
- The selection is considered a recognition of Thailand's readiness and the potential of its traditional medicine systems.
- Hosting the event is expected to elevate Thailand's medical knowledge globally and boost its health economy and medical tourism sector.
Thailand has been selected to host the third WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in 2027, Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat announced.
Pattana said the World Health Organization had formally notified Thailand of the decision after a selection process involving other candidate countries.
He described the result as recognition of Thailand’s readiness and the international potential of its traditional Thai and alternative medicine systems.
Summit to bring together global policymakers
The summit will serve as both an academic conference and a policy forum, bringing together health ministers, public health leaders, specialists and researchers from around the world.
Participants are expected to discuss international health policy and ways to integrate traditional medicine more effectively into national healthcare systems.
WHO describes its global summit as a biennial forum focused on evidence, regulation, health-system integration, cooperation and innovation in traditional medicine.
The second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine was held in New Delhi, India. Pattana said it drew representatives from more than 107 countries, including 25 health ministers.
The participation reflected growing interest among WHO member states in traditional, complementary and integrative medicine, as well as increasing demand for technical and academic support from the organisation.
Thailand targets standards and international cooperation
Pattana said hosting the summit would give Thailand an opportunity to promote the practical inclusion of traditional medicine in mainstream health systems.
The event could also support government-to-government negotiations on international standards, the acceptance of herbal products and connections between healthcare-service networks.
He said these discussions could contribute to cooperation in health, social development and the international economy.
Agencies begin preparations with WHO centre
The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, the Ministry of Public Health and other relevant agencies will work closely with the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre to prepare for the event.
WHO describes the centre as a knowledge hub concentrating on research and evidence, stronger health systems, sustainability, equity, innovation and technology.
“Being selected as host will not only elevate Thai traditional medical knowledge on the global stage, but will also provide an important opportunity to drive the health economy and promote the sustainable growth of Thailand’s medical and wellness tourism sector,” Pattana said.
