Thai Herbal Marketing Guidelines for the Elderly: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

This academic article aimed to present the opportunities and challenges in marketing Thai herbs among the elderly as an attractive customer group for business development because the elderly are interested in health care and the use of natural methods to treat and prevent diseases. Marketing planning will help businesses related to Thai herbs to be more successful in the future. Communication factors in providing information about Thai herbs along with their health benefits enhance customers to understand and accept the products. Creating age-friendly herbal products and conducting more related researches on the elderly market in your area will help understand the needs and satisfaction of your customer segment. The development process of Thai herbal products includes market exploration and research, herbal selection, analysis and testing, formulation design and development, production, quality control, monitoring and evaluation. Knowledge about Thai herbs can be accessed through textbooks of Thai herbs, medical and research institutes, government websites, radio and television and online communities. Herbs that are good for the elderly include: ginger, paniculata, cinnamon, centella leaves, lemongrass, celery and reishi. For the economic benefits, Thai herbs help generate export revenues for the country. Regarding academic and social aspects, Thai herbs are used to solve the health problems of communities and make Thai people proud of their culture and values of Thainess. Thus, the marketing of Thai herbs among the elderly is considered as an opportunity and a challenge in marketing planning and product development to satisfy customers’ needs most appropriately and safely under the requirements and regulations of the relevant legal authorities.