MFU Advances Wellness-Based Healthcare System, Aiming to become a GMS Wellness Hub

On 10 April 2026, the Wellness Center of Mae Fah Luang University (MFU) hosted an academic seminar titled "Raising Awareness of Integrated Health Behavior Promotion" under the "NCD-Free Community" project, welcoming over 300 participants.  

The opening ceremony was presided by Prof. Dr. Vanchai Sirichana, Chairperson of the University Council and Founding President of Mae Fah Luang University.  Dr.Tawatchai Jaikamwang, Acting Director of MFU Wellness Center, delivered a report outlining the seminar's objective: encouraging the public to adopt the 3E2R framework (Eating, Exercise, and Emotion management, combined with Reduced smoking and alcohol consumption) to proactively lower long-term Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) risk.

The event featured keynote lectures by leading national experts, including "NCDs: A Preventable Challenge in Thailand's Health System," by Professor Clinical Emeritus Dr. Udom Kachinthorn, former President of Mahidol University; and "The Ministry of Public Health's Role in Driving NCD Prevention through the Wellness Concept," by Dr. Thewan Thaneerat, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine. 

Asst. Prof. Dr. Matchima Naradisorn, President of MFU, delivered a special lecture on "The Role of Mae Fah Luang University in Promoting and Developing Thailand's Wellness Health System." She outlined the necessary transition from a treatment-focused "Sickcare" approach toward a prevention-centered "Healthcare" system. This vision aligns with Thailand’s National Strategies on health tourism and human capital development, as well as Strategic Pillar 4 of MFU's 5th University Development Plan (2022–2026).

MFU actively drives its wellness mission through five strategic pillars: 

• Workforce Development: MFU offers 27 health science programmes across all degree levels, spanning the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine, and Integrative Medicine. Since 2007, the university has produced more than 7,833 graduates in health sciences, with an additional 742 students currently enrolled in these fields for the academic year 2025.
• Research and Innovation: Guided by the FMFC strategy (Innovative Farmers, Traditional Medicines, Healthy Foods, and Cosmetics), MFU has produced over 5,403 Scopus-indexed publications and holds 434 intellectual property registrations. Notably, research on herbal medicine and elderly care has generated an impressive Social Return on Investment (SROI) of 3.28x and 3.67x, respectively.
• Preventive Health Services: Operating under the Promotion–Prevention–Prediction (3P) framework, MFU delivers comprehensive care encompassing PM2.5 crisis response, elderly care, NCD screening, cross-border community health screening in northern Lao PDR, and post-flood rehabilitation in Chiang Rai. Between 2018 and 2025, cumulative preventive health service visits reached 187,015 out of more than 2.17 million total health service visits. 
• Wellness Industry and Product Development: MFU has developed products across four categories: herbal medicine, health food, cosmetics, and natural products. More than 11 herbal medicine formulations have been registered, with certifications such as GMP-PIC/S, ASEAN GMP, ISO/IEC 17025:2017, and Thai FDA approval. The university also supports regional entrepreneurs through an innovation incubator and an SME advisory clinic.
• Economy and Tourism Integration: In collaboration with Chiang Rai Province, MFU is developing the Chiang Rai Wellness City and the "Mae Chan Chill & Heal" route, connecting the MFU Wellness Center with health tourism destinations in the area. Furthermore, cultural economy initiatives such as "Creative Chiang Saen" and the "Mae Kham Sop Poen Village" promote local wisdom in herbal medicine, traditional Lanna massage, and healthy food. 

MFU is also partnering with the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) to position Chiang Rai within the UNESCO Creative Cities for sustainable tourism.

"Mae Fah Luang University is committed to transforming Thailand's healthcare system from treating illness to building sustainable health. Ny leveraging the natural resources and local wisdom of Upper Northern Thailand as a foundation, we connect research, health services, and tourism to create both health and economic value for communities across the region," stated the MFU President.

The seminar concluded with a panel discussion titled "Lessons Learned: Good Health, Away from NCDs," which brought together experts from regional public health and medical sectors. Attendees also engaged with health and wellness booths operated by more than 10 MFU units, offering basic health screenings and holistic health consultations.

The event stands as a strong testament to MFU’s mission as a leading university in ASEAN, striving for a sustainable future and the enduring well-being of the Greater Mekong Subregion.