Photo courtesy of Khaosod

 

Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has launched an ambitious strategy to elevate the country's herbal inhaler industry to a global leader in medical and wellness products. The initiative is projected to generate 10 billion baht ($310 million) in economic value over the next five years. This plan was detailed during a national workshop on November 7, 2025, chaired by Assoc. Prof. Akkaranan Ariyasripong.

 

The current Thai inhaler market is valued at around 4.5 billion baht ($138 million), with herbal inhalers contributing 1.33 billion baht ($40 million). The new "Medical and Wellness S-Curve" initiative intends to standardize the industry, thereby increasing its market value significantly. Key strategies include enhancing production standards and fostering innovation with a new Thai Premium Herbal Standard (TPHS) certification, and financial support like research and development funding.

 

Further steps involve co-investment via the "Thai Herb Wellness Fund" and tax incentives for startups. Pilot projects titled "Pann" and "Phat" will assist entrepreneurs with formula development, product testing, and legal guidance. Starting in January, low-interest loans and mentorship programs will also be offered to develop the industry.

 

The recent Hong Thai brand incident, involving microbial contamination in one of its product lots, underscored the necessity for stringent quality control. Over 200,000 units were recalled, and an additional 2 million were seized. Hong Thai Herbal Co.'s founder, Teerapong Rabeutham, reassured stakeholders of ongoing product improvements, emphasizing a commitment to quality.

 

Dr. Chaiwat Techapaithoon, chairman of Hong Thai Herbal Co., remarked on the importance of addressing past issues to maintain industry credibility. He highlighted the potential of Thai herbal products as a form of soft power that can benefit the nation economically and culturally.

 

Key Takeaways

• Thailand plans to elevate its herbal inhaler industry to be a global leader, aiming for 10 billion baht in value.
• Initiatives include new production standards, innovation support, and financial incentives for startups.
• Recent product recalls highlight the sector's challenges but also the commitment to maintaining quality.

 

Related Stories

Thai Herbal Hong Thai recalls contaminated batch of inhalers

Thailand Shuts Down Major Counterfeit Herbal Operation

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2025-11-12

 

 

And a new hub is born

Hold on a sec.  This Thai government plan seems to make sense.  Credit where credit is due ?

Aren't these herbal inhalers addictive? 

 

Incidentally, the photo accompanying this article is not representative of what this 4.5 billion Thai inhaler market it all about. It's those little green bottles that you see in 7-Elevens and pharmacies.

Good luck with that. The Colombians have had that market cornered for 60 years. 

Is there any scientific evidence showing any benefit of herbal inhalers, beyond a placebo effect ?     Or, is this just an exploitative and illadvised, marketing opportunity ?