This is the first time long-distance natural-therapy study has been available in Thailand.

ACNT is one the most respected colleges of natural medicine and beauty in Australia with 25 years' experience, while the Chiva-Som Academy is part of Chiva-Som International Health Resorts.

Danny Bielik, managing director of ACNT, said the study would be based in Bangkok at the academy. The college offers five courses: naturopathy, nutrition, homeopathy, herbal medicine and aromatherapy.

The programmes will be offered under the "ACNT at Chiva-Som Academy'' brand.

"As a form of self-study, each student will take a minimum of one month, and up to four years as a maximum. The cost will begin at Bt28,000 per course," he said.

The college aims to get 40-50 local students in the first year of operation. The general qualifications required are high-school graduation with good English skills.

Bielik added that Thailand was one of the growing markets for the college. In Australia there are 2,500 international natural-therapy students, of which 1,200 are using the distance system.

"People are now concerned over health as we have students from many countries, including Britain, the United States, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia," he said.

Joy Menzies, managing director of Chiva-Som International Health Resorts, said the operator planned to open a new spa project in Phetchabun province by the end of 2008.

The project will feature a spa village, spa academy, residential areas and health club.

The operator also plans to expand overseas by looking for possible business partners. The targeted destinations include the United States, Europe and Asia.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation