Guidelines for Creating Educational Partners between the Thai Traditional Medicine Establishments and the School of Traditional and Alternative Medicine

Abstract

This article aimed to study guidelines for creating educational partners between the Thai traditional medicine establishments and the School of Traditional and Alternative Medicine (STAM). This research methodology was qualitative research by reviewing relevant literature and conducting focus group discussions. There were 18 key informants by sampling purposive including representatives or relatives or employees of Thai traditional medicine entrepreneurs in Mueang district, Chiang Rai province. The tool used in the research was the focus group discussion forms. The data were analyzed by using content analysis techniques. The result of the study found that the Thai traditional medicine establishments that can be developed as educational partners of STAM in all 4 types as follows: 1) Thai traditional medicine hospital (Thai traditional medicine clinic), 2) Traditional pharmacy shop or herbal pharmaceutical, 3) Plant or herb shop, and 4) Health establishments. There are 6 guidelines for creating educational partners between Thai traditional medical establishments and STAM, namely 1) practicum of Thai traditional medicine center for students; 2) a source of study visits for students and personnel; 3) support graduates careers; 4) the market supports herbal products or herbal raw materials; 5) student sources to study to STAM and 6) sources of personnel to enter short-term training courses.