By Our Staff Writer
The Thailand public health ministry, together with the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs subcommittee and the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO), have signed two memoranda of understanding to transform local resources into a high-value economic asset.
The agreements, inked on April 23, aim to upgrade the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs operation in Mae On district, Chiang Mai, into a national model for thermal wellness while creating jobs and generating income for local communities.
The agreement between the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs management subcommittee and the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine covers the development of the “Thai Pho–Lanna Massage” course and the introduction of Thermal Wellness Standards for health-focused hot springs to bring them into line with global benchmarks.
Thailand public health minister Pattana Promphat said local personnel had already completed the 450-hour course, giving them advanced vocational skills and enabling them to earn income from resources in their own communities.
The second agreement, between the subcommittee and the GPO, focuses on developing commercial and innovative products through research into mineral water and local herbs. These will be turned into health products under the “SANN by GPO” brand, as well as bottled mineral water, to raise the site’s economic value.
