A Study of Factors Influencing the Development of Herbal Product Manufacturing Facilities in Songkhla Province

Abstract

This research aimed to study the compliance with the Good Manufacturing Practice for Herbal Products (GMP 2021) and the factors influencing the development of herbal product manufacturing facilities in Songkhla Province. A descriptive research approach was employed, collecting data from 14 licensed herbal product manufacturing sites and conducting interviews with their representatives.

The evaluation results revealed an overall average GMP compliance score of 58.94%. The highest scoring category was “Hygiene and Sanitation” (81.87%), while the lowest was “Complaints and Product Recall” (21.07%). Key factors affecting facility development included investment and budget constraints—particularly the high cost of facility upgrades (85.70%), moderate understanding of GMP 2021 requirements, a shortage of skilled personnel, and limitations regarding product standards and registration. The main motivations for improving production sites were the desire to upgrade facilities and legal enforcement. Most manufacturers indicated that they primarily needed government support in marketing and access to funding.

The study suggests that in-depth government support should include training, consultation, access to financing sources, and the adaptation of GMP criteria to be more suitable for small-scale manufacturers. This would enhance the development of safe and high-quality herbal product manufacturing in Thailand