Traditional cures on offer at Phuket Expo

PHUKET: The 6th Thai Traditional Medicine Expo started Wednesday at Jungceylon and will continue through Sunday, showcasing Thai herbs, therapeutic reflexology and acupuncture.

A cooking contest with Thai herbs and demonstrations of massage with shells, wooden hammers and coconut husks will be among the attractions offered free of charge.

Diagnostic exams using Thai traditional medical techniques will also be complimentary, and herbal products will be on sale at special prices.

“Dietary supplements and cosmetics currently generate revenue of about 2 billion baht per year,” said Dr Thawatchai Kamontham, director general of Developmental Medicine and Alternative Medicine (DMAM).

“We want to expand the market internationally, and the first step is expos like this one to teach more people about Thai herbs,” he said.

The event, sponsored by DMAM and the Phuket Public Health Office, will be at booths set up throughout Jungceylon and is open from 11am to 10pm until Sunday.

— Woranut Pechdee