Working as a nutrition professional in Thailand

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Learn in-depth about the qualifications and associations in Thailand for Nutritionists and Dietitians, the dietary guidelines, and how they differ from Australian guidelines.

Qualifications & Associations

Step 1: Is your qualification recognised?

For Dietitians

As of Feb 2023, holders of any overseas dietetic qualifications are not recognised by law in Thailand.

The requirements of becoming a Registered Dietitian (RD) in Thailand are:

A graduate from accredited courses in Thailand with 900 hours of clinical placement.

and;

Passing a test to receive a Registered Dietitian license by the Ministry of Public Health.

As of Feb 2023, no regulatory bodies on nutritionists in Thailand can be found.

Step 2: Are there any professional associations that offer support?

Joining a country's professional association(s) is a good way to gain a better understanding of how things operate, as well as to build connections.

The membership requirements, procedures to become a member, and the benefits of joining Thai Dietetic Association are summarised below:*

Thai Dietetic Association

It is required to join the association to be accredited as Certified Dietitian of Thailand (CDT), the procedures are as follow:

1) Become a member for Thai Dietetic Association,

and;

2) Graduate from relevant courses with 900 hours of clinical placement and/or related work experience in clinical setting

and;

3) Pass the CDT Test by the Thai Dietetic Association and renew the CDT certificate every 5 years.

Eligibility

Full Member:

You are eligible to join the association as if you are:

1) Working or studying in a nutrition/dietetic related field.

2) Proof needs to be submitted and application will be considered accordingly.

3) Pay the membership fee.

Benefits

Thai Dietetics Association membership provides:

1) Meeting opportunities with dietitians from different locations.

2) Updates on nutrition guidelines.

3) Research grants.

4) Discounts for conference registration fee.

*The information was collected in February 2023, and is subject to change.

We had a chat with Ms. Varanya Techasukthavornr, who is a dietitian working in Thailand. She shares her insights on the benefits of joining the Thai Dietetic Association (TDA), her dietetics practice, social media practice and future trend of dietetics development in Thailand.

Please note, any information shared by the professionals are not representative of their respective organisations, and are based purely from their personal experiences and views.

Thai Dietitian Association (TDA) - Ms. Varanya Techasukthavornr

Member of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics/Dietitian Australia (DA)
Lecturer of Nutrition and Dietetics in Chulalongkorn University/Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD)
Msc of Dietetics, Deakin University

Understanding the Thailand Dietary Guidelines

There may be some differences between Australia's dietary guidelines and your intended country of practice.

Thailand's Nutrition Flag is shown below, along with the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE) as a comparison. Do take note of the key differences between the two guides!

Thailand Nutrition Flag

Key differences compared to AGHE

DAIRY group in AGHE → MILK in Thai nutrition flag
Discretionary foods and drinking water are not included in the infographic.
Legumes and beans are categorized as vegetables instead of meat and alternatives.

Thailand Dietary Guideline Information

Last date guideline was reviewed/updated:

2011

Date accessed:

02/2023

Language:

Infographic available bilingually (English & Thai)

Key evidence that influence the food recommendation:

WHO Preparation and use of foodbased dietary guides;
WHO/FAO Expert Consultation on Diet, Nutrition and the Prevention of Chronic Diseases
National survey for food consumption data and nutritional status of Thai people
Secondary data of the dietary record from updated research projects

Are there modified versions for certain major cultural groups?

None identified

Guiding Principles:

Eat a variety of foods from each of the 5 food groups and maintain proper weight
Eat adequate amount of rice or alternative carbohydrate sources
Eat plenty of vegetable and fruits regularly
Eat fish, lean meats, eggs, legumes and pulses regularly
Drink milk in appropriate quality and quantity for one’s age
Eat a diet containing appropriate amount of fat
Avoid sweet and salty food
Eat clean and safe food
Avoid or reduce the consumption of alcoholic beverages