Establishing Temples in Thailand as Hubs for Thai Traditional Medicine

Abstract

This academic article aims to study the concept of establishing temples as hubs for Thai Traditional Medicine (TTM). Because Buddhism is considered the foundational root of TTM, with the two being connected as to be inseparable. And, the scriptures of TTM contain contents those align with the Tipitaka. Furthermore, TTM people also pay the highest regards to the Buddha and Doctor Jivaka Komarabhacca. The existence of healthcare facilities within temple area has been in evidence for periods, so the presence of the such in temples is common and widely seen. Presently, temples play a significant role in education, as evidenced by the numbers of schools located within temple area all-around Thailand. If TTM is utilized as a connecting thread to integrate educational and public health activities, it will be overwhelmingly beneficial outcomes for the nation. This approach would strengthen TTM and indigenous wisdom, raise up the strength of the public health system, promote self-reliance, and consequently reduce the overall burden of public health on both the people and the nation. Having a clear objective to position temples as hubs for TTM, Utilizing TTM as a tool for implementation. This includes establishing educational institutions for TTM within temples, which would empower Thailand's overall public health system and strengthen public health of community. Importantly, the TTM education in temples also serves to perpetuate this indigenous wisdom and provides a foundation for its further development.