Thai medicine in its present form developed
within the context of the Buddhist community
and was practiced by monks and nuns. Nuad is
mentioned in a 17th century medical scripture
written on palm leaves. Medical texts were considered
to be of the utmost importance and
received a veneration similar to that accorded religious
texts. Many old texts were retained in the
old royal capital of Ayutthia. In 1767, Ayutthia
was overrun and destroyed by Burmese invaders
from the north. Included in the destruction were
most of the important old medical texts. Most
of the official records of religious, spiritual, and
governmental importance to the Thai people were
destroyed as well