Chiang Rai Opens Expanded Health and Wellness Centre

Mae Fah Luang University Targets Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases

Mae Fah Luang University (MFU) in Chiang Rai has launched an upgraded wellness centre to combat rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in northern Thailand and the Greater Mekong Subregion.

Pol Lt Col Boontiwa Boonyuen, acting director of the MFU Wellness Center, said the facility prioritises early health screenings to improve prevention and health management before illnesses occur.

The centre started as a university department in 2018 under the vision of Adj Prof Vanchai Sirichana, MFU’s founder. It aims to lower healthcare costs for both the public and government, focusing on conditions like obesity, diabetes and hypertension.

These illnesses often show no symptoms at first but require costly treatments when untreated. The wellness centre works to detect risks early and promotes preventive care strategies, Boontiwa added.

The upgraded centre was funded by a government allocation of 450 million baht, with 194 million baht added for operations. Construction delays pushed final completion to April, but the centre has been serving patients since 2020.

Around 200–300 people visit daily, and over 70% seek help for NCDs. Services include dietary advice, fitness programs and swimming facilities. The centre offers personalised guidance on diet, exercise and lifestyle adjustments, with patients requiring advanced care referred to the MFU Medical Center Hospital or other facilities.

Additional amenities include a 150-hour yoga programme, senior-friendly services and health education initiatives. While primarily serving northern Thailand, the centre plans to expand outreach to neighbouring regions in the future.