Recognising the impact of drugs on society, Thonburi Healthcare Group (THG) has established the "Horizon Rehab Center," providing consultation and rehabilitation services for various addictions, including drugs, alcohol, gambling, social media, and video games. The group also organised a seminar with exclusive discussions to position Thailand as a treatment centre for drug addicts.
Addiction problems, such as illegal drugs, alcohol, social media, video games, and gambling, have become toxic, significantly affecting the potential of the population, almost reaching epidemic proportions. Apart from deteriorating addicts' physical health, these issues also impact mental health, leading to depression, household economic problems, and social life disruptions, ultimately affecting the country's development.
For this reason, Thonburi Healthcare Group PCL (THG) through Thonburi Wellbeing Co., Ltd., established the "Horizon Rehab Center" to serve as a learning and counselling hub for patients with all types of addictions, including those with psychiatric symptoms. The centre aims to collaborate closely with patients' families to ensure effective treatment, as drug and social problems continue to escalate.
In addition to their role in treatment, THG has been organising valuable activities, including the forum "Addiction Issues & Thailand's Youth," aimed at raising awareness among young people about the dangers and impacts of addiction, as well as teaching coping strategies for drug problems and digital addiction.
Recently, on July 21-22, 2023, THG hosted the event "Road Show The Horizon Open House 2023" at Jin Wellbeing County, Pathum Thani. Esteemed speakers, such as Dr. Sarayuth Boonchaipanitwattana, Director of the Princess Mother National Institute on Drug Abuse Treatment (PMNIDAT); Dr. Tanatip Suppradit, Chief Executive Officer of Thonburi Healthcare Group PCL (THG); Dr. Anggoon Patarakorn, Advisory Level, Princess Mother National Institute on Drug Abuse Treatment (PMNIDAT), Department of Medical Services; Mr. Craig Gagnon, Clinical Director of Horizon Rehab Center; and Ms. Chutima Sririt, Deputy Hospital Director of Thonburi Burana Hospital and Project Director of the Drug Rehabilitation Center, Thonburi Burana Hospital, among others, were in attendance. They shared the vision to effectively manage, treat, and rehabilitate patients with addictions, including those with psychiatric symptoms.
"The main goal of organising 'Road Show The Horizon Open House 2023' is to support Thailand's healthcare policy and internationally accepted treatment solutions for patients with all types of addictions. We aim for all stakeholders to share their opinions and collaborate in finding ways and medical equipment to provide care for patients with addictive behaviours, people with psychiatric symptoms, and those suffering from depression. These are significant challenges for Thai society that require urgent solutions, and medical efforts must align in the same direction," expressed Mr. Timothy Emen Lertsmitivanta, CEO of Thonburi Wellbeing Co., Ltd.
A brainstorming session titled "Pushing Thailand to be the Center of Treatment for Patients with Addictions" was held, and the CEO of Thonburi Wellbeing Co., Ltd. emphasised its significance in creating a new image for Thailand, especially in terms of health tourism for the future.
Mr. Timothy expressed that addiction issues are not unique to Thailand; many countries face similar challenges with drugs, gambling, and digital obsession, leading to physical and mental health issues, including depression. Effective treatment is crucial to help patients return to their normal lives as quickly as possible. Thus, THG's Horizon Rehab Center is ready to provide treatment options, following medical standards with the highest level of
security, under the supervision of Thonburi Burana Hospital. The centre caters to all types of addictions, ranging from drug addicts, such as heroin, cocaine, marijuana, alcoholism, and gambling, to those addicted to social media and video games.
Dr. Sarayuth Boonchaipanitwattana, Director of PMNIDAT, reiterated the Department of Medical Services' policy that drug addicts and users should be treated as patients, not criminals. According to the new drug code on December 9, 2021, drug addicts must undergo treatment and rehabilitation with the Ministry of Public Health as the main host, along with cooperation from other agencies, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health and the Department of Medical Services, to play a major role in treating and rehabilitating drug addicts.
Cooperating with private hospitals will provide more treatment options, especially for patients with severe drug addiction requiring long-term rehabilitation or those with psychiatric symptoms that may need additional services beyond what government hospitals can offer due to bed limitations. While government hospitals have opened wards for these patients, private hospitals can offer comfort, privacy, and flexible treatment options in line with the Department of Medical Services' guidelines.
Furthermore, PMNIDAT has introduced homeward or home treatment after the Covid-19 pandemic. Over 300 patients have participated in the project, providing another treatment option and managing hospital bed availability. Patients entering the program undergo evaluation by doctors and specialists. If hospitalisation is necessary, flexible methods are used to reduce the length of stay before assessing symptoms and continuing treatment at home.
For such treatment programs, patients' relatives are informed about every step, and communication technology enables monitoring of patients' conditions by doctors, specialists, nurses, and psychiatrists at all stages. The patient-centred approach aims to save time and costs, allowing patients to reduce travel time to the hospital, benefitting both the patients and their relatives, while fostering a drug-free society.
The establishment of the "Horizon Rehab Center" by Thonburi Wellbeing Co., Ltd. reflects THG Group's commitment and vision to participate in caring for people of all ages in various dimensions, guided by the principle of "Citizen ethics" (Code of Conduct). This principle serves as a guideline for the company to grow sustainably alongside all stakeholders in various sectors.
