Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand — Monday, 2 March 2026
Suranaree University of Technology (SUT), under Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of the Republic of India. The partnership aims to strengthen international cooperation in Naturopathy & Yoga and Ayurveda, with focus on academic collaboration, scientific validation of traditional medicine systems, human capital development, and regional ecosystem building, for preventive health.
MoU Signing Ceremony
- Date & time: Monday, 2 March 2026 | 1:00–4:00 PM
- Venue: Suranaree Hall, Surasammanakhan Building, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima
- Signatories: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sittichai Seangatith, Acting Rector of SUT, and Shri Amarendra Singh, Director of NIN
- Witnesses: representatives from SUT, NIN/Ministry of AYUSH, CH2 World Foundation, and partners
The ceremony was honored by the presence of representatives of the Ministry of AYUSH, including Shri Nishant Mehra (Officer on Special Duty), reflecting the shared commitment of Thailand and India to collaborative, people-centered health innovation.
Strategic Significance for Thailand and India
The MoU supports the mutual strategic priorities of both countries: Thailand’s national agenda to strengthen the medical and wellness economy under the Medical Hub direction, and India’s global leadership in AYUSH systems through international academic collaboration, standards, and evidence-building. Through this partnership, SUT and NIN will jointly advance integrative wellness models that are safe, measurable, and scalable—benefiting citizens, practitioners, and the wider health economy.
The collaboration aligns with global efforts highlighted at the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, which emphasizes strengthening evidence, safety standards, regulatory pathways, and responsible integration of traditional and complementary medicine into modern healthcare systems.
Korat as a Pilot ‘Wellness Corridor’
Building on Nakhon Ratchasima’s ongoing initiatives—including the Korat Wellness Corridor and the development of medical and health innovation zones—the partnership will help position Korat as a pilot province for integrative wellness and traditional healing. SUT will leverage its SUT Wellness Academy and local networks to create an evidence-governed ‘healing corridor’ linking urban Korat with Pak Chong/Khao Yai and Wang Nam Khiao, and connecting community assets and wellness operators through standardized training, research, and quality frameworks.
Key Areas of Collaboration
- Joint Research: Conduct collaborative research and comparative studies to strengthen the scientific evidence base of Naturopathy, Yoga, and Ayurveda.
- Service Standards & Safety Governance: Develop internationally aligned guidelines and operational standards with emphasis on safety, quality, and effectiveness of services and practice protocols, for integrative wellness and traditional healing.
- Curriculum and Certification Programs : Co-develop competency-based training pathways to strengthen Thailand’s wellness workforce.
- Academic Chairs & Mobility : Promote exchange of faculty, researchers, and students, and explore establishing specialist academic Chairs in Naturopathy, Yoga, and Ayurveda at SUT.
- Wellness & Healing Space (Feasibility Study): Explore establishing a modern integrative wellness facility at SUT, subject to separate project agreements and funding arrangements, such as, nature-based therapies, yoga therapy, sound-based relaxation, hydro/mud routines, detox support, meditation spaces, and research laboratories.
About SUT
Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) is a public autonomous university committed to research, innovation, and regional development. Through its wellness and health innovation initiatives, SUT works with public and private partners to advance manpower, evidence-based wellness, and socio-economic impact in Nakhon Ratchasima and Thailand.
About NIN / Ministry of AYUSH
The National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN) is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of the Republic of India. NIN supports education, research, and the advancement of naturopathy and yoga, contributing to international collaboration and evidence-building for AYUSH systems.
cr: photo