Seeking care from traditional healers (mor boraan) : traditional practices in Southern Thailand

Traditional healers care for people in their own localities at low cost, and their work can increase access to primary care for people in rural areas in particular. In this chapter, we discuss qualitative ethnographic research using participant observation and in-depth interviews that was carried out with 18 traditional healers and 23 customers. The findings provided in-depth understanding of traditional approaches to consulting and renumerating traditional healers. The options available for remuneration are shown to be an important part of the traditional therapeutic system. The main aims of remuneration are to maintain a close relationship between traditional healers and their patients, and to preserve traditional cultural practices. Remuneration is not solely about payment for treatment, even though in Southern Thailand payment of money rather than payment in kind has become the norm. Although patients seek help for different ailments, the traditional practice in all cases is for payment to be made at the first visit and also after treatment is completed and the patient has been healed. We conclude that, in seeking care from traditional healers, payment is a means of honouring traditional healers and their place in Thai culture, and ensuring that traditional healing remains part of the Thai health care system.