On June 30, 2025, the Wellness Service Center and Medical Innovation District of Khon Kaen University (KKU) held an academic seminar under the theme “Wellness Complex: An Alternative or a Lifeline for Thailand?” and officially launched the Wellness Directory online platform. The event was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, President of KKU, along with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chonlatit Pongskul, Director of the Wellness Service Center and Medical Innovation District, and a panel of experts from both the public and private sectors. The seminar attracted a large number of wellness entrepreneurs and interested participants and was held at the Mongkudpetch 1 Room, 2nd Floor, Kosa Hotel, Khon Kaen.

The objective of the event was to discuss the potential of the wellness industry in driving Thailand’s economy, and to introduce the Wellness Directory — a digital platform serving as a centralized hub of wellness-related businesses across Upper Northeastern Thailand.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chonlatit Pongskul, Director of the Wellness Service Center and Medical Innovation District, highlighted two main points. First was the launch of the Functional Wellness Directory, envisioned as a “digital phonebook” of the wellness sector. At present, wellness product and service data are scattered and difficult to access.

“We’ve consolidated information on products, services, infrastructure, transportation systems, regulators, and consumer needs into a single system. Currently, there are around 40,000 entrepreneurs in our database covering Upper Isan. Businesses can update their own profiles, upload images, and adjust service descriptions. The system features dashboards and maps, enabling users to easily search for businesses and view certification details. In the future, the platform will promote integration among providers, consumers, and inter-business collaborations.”

The second key topic was the development of a Wellness Complex, which is more than just infrastructure. It comprises four main components: (1) service locations and physical infrastructure such as hospitals, massage parlors, and elderly care centers, (2) a connected ecosystem that links businesses and transport systems, (3) human resources and innovation centers with skilled personnel and sustainable development, and (4) smart city features that ensure convenience, safety, and supportive systems for wellness service users.

“Our goal is to position Khon Kaen as a Healthy or Wellness City, attracting wellness investors, clients, and foreign visitors — especially retirees and digital nomads — by showing that the city is safe, affordable, and well-equipped with health services. This is about building a sustainable health economy, not just holding one-off events,” he added.

The Wellness Directory covers seven service and infrastructure categories. Entrepreneurs are grouped into two major categories: (1) producers — such as those in supplements and herbal products, and (2) service providers — including spas, massage services, beauty clinics, wellness hotels, elderly care centers, and healthy restaurants. For the food sector in Khon Kaen, the aim is to standardize with the Sanitation Accountability Network (SAN), ensuring that certified providers are listed and trusted on the platform.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, President of KKU, stated that the initiative aligns with Thailand’s 20-Year National Strategy and Khon Kaen’s provincial development plan, which emphasizes health. KKU has been entrusted by the Department of Health Service Support to oversee the Upper Isan region.

“Data plays a crucial role in decision-making for both public and private sectors. Wellness industries differ by location. A comprehensive database helps in effective planning and development. Wellness is a national strategic sector expected to stimulate economic growth. Khon Kaen is ready, with support from the governor, government agencies, private sector, and strong experts.”

The seminar also included panel discussions on “Thailand Wellness Tourism” by experts from the Tourism Council of Thailand and the Udon Thani Chamber of Commerce, as well as sessions on “Wellness for Senior Living”, “Healthy and Functional Food”, and “SAN Food Standards”, offering a well-rounded view of the wellness industry.

Interested businesses can register or browse the platform at:

🔗 https://wellness.kku.ac.th/portal/default.aspx

📞 Or contact the KKU Wellness Service Center and Medical Innovation District at 043-202143.