The Development of a Moving Wellness Economy Policy Process in Roi Et Province : Division of Wellness Center/Wellness Tourism Attractions in Thai Cultural Wisdom and Herbs

Abstract

Purposes : To study problems, develop, and evaluate guidelines for driving health economy policy in Roi Et Province regarding the elevation of wellness centers and Thai traditional wisdom and herbal health tourism attractions.

Study design : Research and Development.

Materials and Methods : This research was conducted in three phases: studying problems, developing, and evaluating guidelines for driving health economy policy in Roi Et Province. Data were collected using developed questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study was conducted between January 10, 2024, and August 26, 2024.

Main findings : The research identified several operational challenges including unclear staff roles, complex evaluation criteria, budget constraints, limited public-private cooperation, unclear benefits for participating entrepreneurs, and lack of health tourism facilities in smaller districts. Six recommended guidelines were proposed: 1) establishing policy indicators at provincial and health region levels, 2) building cooperation and networks, 3) personnel development, 4) infrastructure development, 5) marketing and public relations promotion, and 6) herbal product and service development. The evaluation showed high satisfaction among entrepreneurs (Mean = 4.61, SD.=0.52) and operational staff (Mean = 3.64, SD.=0.90). Participants in personnel training and skill development programs showed significantly improved knowledge and understanding (p < .001).

Conclusion and recommendations : The development of policy implementation guidelines effectively promoted health tourism business potential by leveraging Thai traditional medicine wisdom, alternative medicine, and herbal medicine to enhance public health.