According to reports voiced at a recent Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) seminar in Qatar Thailand currently holds a 38% stake in the world’s medical tourism market, the largest of any country in the globe.
Qatar, the 5th of October 2010: Dr. Surapong Ambhanwong (Phayathai Hospital Chief Medical & International Business Officer) explained that the passage of international patients was currently producing an estimated 920,000 travellers to the Kingdom of Thailand annually, making it the number one destination for medical tourists.
Speaking at the inaugural Medical Health and Wellness Roadshow in Doha, Qatar, Dr. Ambhanwong explained that the scope of procedures being undertaken in Thailand was wide, covering areas such as plastic surgery, joint replacement, cancer treatment, open heart surgery and dental care.
“Many also visit Thailand to seek professional advice for a better quality of life, through Thailand’s many alternative medical centres and hospitals, to help control and reduce the threat of diabetes, cholesterol, obesity and blood pressure,” he said.
The roadshow, organised in conjunction with the TAT, was aimed at promoting Thailand’s expertise and specialisation in providing cutting-edge medical care throughout the world and in particular focusing on the Gulf States.
The initiative will see representatives from Thailand’s leading hospitals and wellness centers visit the Middle East to meet directly with industry professionals and medical travel consultants as well as regional government administrators.
Present at the roadshow, TAT director Pramoth Supyen revealed that Middle Eastern travel to Thailand was constantly on the rise, whether seeking medical care or leisure travel. He stated that the TAT was now focusing its aims on further promoting tourism in the region based on the success of initial cooperation with region governments.
“Thailand proves an attractive option as a medical destination due to the country’s well established industry to provide high quality, cost effective treatment of international standards,” he said “the medical industry has proven itself with the added advantage of providing far superior nursing care, as well as the unique Thai approach and attention to personal care”.
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