On 14 December 2022, Dr. Chakree Wattanasiri, Assistant Dean of the School of Integrative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University Hospital was invited to give a speech on behalf of Chiang Rai governor on a topic of ‘Cooperation on Traditional Medicine and Public Health’ in the Second Dialogue Between Historic and Cultural Cities of Lancang-Mekong Countries via online platform.
The Second Dialogue Between Historic and Cultural Cities of Lancang-Mekong Countries was ornagised under the theme of ‘win-win cooperation for common development’ by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) in collaboration of Henan Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries from 13 - 15 December 2022 both onsite in Zhengzhou city, Henan, China both and online platform. This Dialogue is a project under the framework of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, which aims to build a multi-level and wide platform for local exchanges in the Lancang-Mekong countries as well as to deepen regional cooperation through cultural exchanges.
Officials and representatives from China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam attended the meeting to discuss three main topics including 1. Creative Integration of Local Culture and Tourism for Poverty Reduction, 2. Cultural Heritage Protection and Exchanges and Mutual Learning Among Civilizations, and 3. Cooperation on Traditional Medicine and Public Health.
In the opening ceremony, there were remarks given by the guests of honour: Mr. Li Xikui, Vice President of Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC); H.E. Mr. Arthayudh Srisamoot, Ambassador of Thailand to the People's Republic of China; and Mr. Liang Jieyi, President of Henan Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.
Dr. Chakree Wattanasiri stated in his speech that one of the programmes which integrates traditional medicine in the Thai public health system is the Post Stroke Rehabilitation Programme, in which the patients can be treated without cost under the Universal Coverage Scheme. In brief, the programme mainly focuses on acupuncture or acupuncture with electrical stimulation for improving the recovery of each system in the body of the stroke patients according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Moreover, the Royal Court Massage of Thai Traditional Medicine is also used to help stimulate and reduce the stiffness of the patient’s muscle. Patients with certain conditions who had a stroke attack in the past six months are eligible for this programme. The programme has proven to help patients recover faster and many patients are very satisfied with their improving results. The Institute of Thai Chinese Medicine of Mae Fah Luang University is one of the main providers of these services for the people in Chiang Rai province and from all over the country.
Altogether, this meeting was a meaningful chance for MFU to share our best practices and promote exchanges and cooperation with Lancang-Mekong countries in the fields of culture, tourism, economy, trade, public health and sustainable development.
