On 30 October 2023, Mr. Puttipong Sirimat, Chiang Rai Governor presided over the opening ceremony of the Chiang Rai Wellness City Project at C4 auditorium, Mae Fah Luang University. Moreover, there was a signing ceremony of collaborative declaration between Chiang Rai province; Mae Fah Luang University; Chiang Rai Rajabhat University; Chiang Rai Provincial Agriculture and Cooperative Office; Chiang Rai Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports; Chiang Rai Provincial Health Office; Chiang Rai Provincial Administrative Organisation; Chiang Rai Municipality; Chiang Rai Chamber of Commerce; Tourism Council of Chiang Rai; Federation of Thai Industries Chiang Rai Chapter; Association of Northern Tourism Federation Chiang Rai; and Chiang Rai Hotels Association aiming to drive Chiang Rai to be the wellness city in the future.
Furthermore, there were a series of special events including the exhibition on wellness education wellness entrepreneur and wellness innovation as well as lectures on “Government’s roles in supporting Thailand Wellness Hub” presented by Kwanchai Wisitthanon, M.D., Deputy Director-General of Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine; “ Thailand’s opportunities to be the world’s wellness hub” by Mr. Krod Rojanastien, Consultant to President of Chiva-Som International Health Resort at Chiva-Som Hua Hin; “Thailand Wellness Tourism – Future trends and markets” by Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand; “Directions for driving Chiang Rai’s wellness” by dj. Prof. Dr. Vanchai Sirichana, Chairman of Mae Fah Luang University Council.
Chiang Rai Governor Puttipong Sirimat stated that the government has policy to develop Thailand into a medical hub at the global level. The geography and weather of Chiang Rai province make it a right place for health promotion and rehabilitation. Also, Chiang Rai is a home to the Medicinal Plant Innovation Center; the well-known alternative medicine; the various types of accommodation; good transportation infrastructure and many tourist attractions. With this signing ceremony, all related government and private organizations declared their intention to jointly propel Chiang Rai to Chiang Rai Wellness City which will lead Thailand to be a medical hub. The medical hub will not only enhance people’s health but also stimulate economic growth and tourism development.
