Thailand is the most popular medical tourism destination in Asia. Thailand’s medical tourism industry is rising, pushing other countries to the bottom of the list. Since the early 2000s, the number of medical tourists visiting Thailand has significantly increased. As a result, the country has risen to the top of the international medical tourism sector.

The following are the primary factors that have allowed Thailand to dominate this rapidly expanding market:

• Low cost of medical treatment
• High quality private medical center treatment
• A well-developed tourism industry

Thailand’s Healthcare System

Thailand has about 1,000 hospitals, with over 470 of them being private clinics. The country is proud to have Asia’s largest private hospital as well as Asia’s first hospital to earn ISO 9001 certification and JCI accreditation. The JCI has accredited 37 best hospitals in Thailand, all of which are private.

Private hospitals are a major driver of Thailand’s medical tourism economy. Thai doctors are drawn to multinational hospitals because they can earn up to 70% more than they would in government institutions.

Best Hospitals in Thailand for Foreign Patients

The Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok Hospital Group, and Samitivej Hospitals are at the top of the list of private hospitals. These hospitals are rapidly gaining international recognition. They are well-known clinics catering mostly to international patients and have been aggressively courting medical tourists since the early 2000s. Foreigners account for 30-50 percent of the patients in these hospitals, owing to the fact that they find the hospitals to be less expensive than in their home countries. However, because Thai salaries are low, most Thais consider the fees in these hospitals to be excessive.

Common Procedures Done by Medical Tourists in Thailand

Medical tourists come to Thailand for a variety of treatments. Nevertheless, the following are some of the most popular treatments:

• Cosmetic/Plastic Surgeries
• Dental Procedures
• Cardiac Treatments
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Infertility Treatment
• Bariatric Surgery
• Ophthalmology and Eye surgery

Advantages of Medical Tourism in Thailand

The following are the primary reasons why so many foreigners seek medical treatment in Thailand:

Low Cost of Medical Treatments

Treatment expenses in Thailand are a fraction of what they are in most Western nations. Treatment costs are typically 20-50%  less than comparable treatment in the West. This low cost allows medical tourists to save money for rest and even fun.

High-Quality Healthcare Services 

Thailand’s private sector has created a rising number of medical facilities that can be compared to the best hospitals in the world in recent years. Over 30 hospitals, as well as several dentistry and cosmetic clinics and other medical and alternative medicine institutes, serve medical tourists in the country. The number of JCI-accredited hospitals in Thailand is 8, and all the best hospitals in Thailand are licensed by the Ministry of Public Health.

Thailand’s doctors are similarly well-educated and trained. Many of them have professional credentials from the United States and/or Europe. In Bumrungrad hospital, 200 doctors are US board-certified, with another 400 having had their training in Western hospitals.

Highly Developed Tourism Infrastructure

Thailand is a wonderland of tempting beaches and breathtaking natural scenery, making it one of the world’s most popular vacation spots. The country boasts a rich culture and delicious cuisine, and the people are welcoming and accommodating to visitors. The status of Health Tourism in Thailand would not be as well established if these tourism strengths were not integrated into the medical service sector. As a significant tourist attraction, one of the most important components of the industry’s success is service. Thai people aim to provide the best service possible to visitors to their country. Foreigners, on the other hand, are pleased to receive the same level of service, whether in a hotel or a hospital.

Wellness: Future of Medical Tourism

Wellness tourism is one segment of Thailand’s medical tourism sector that is fast expanding. This market grew at an annual rate of 7% on average from 2013 to 2015, and the trend is expected to continue once borders open after COVID-19.

What is Wellness Tourism?

Wellness tourism refers to those who visit Thailand to improve their physical, mental, nutritional, emotional, and spiritual well-being. There are numerous activities that might be classified as wellness tourism, including:

• Nutrition
• Herbology
• Fitness and mind-body
• Personalized preventive care
• Thai traditional medicine
• Spas
• Meditation
• Yoga
• Beauty and anti-aging treatment
• Alternative medicine

The emergence of wellness tourism is widely attributed to people’s increasing prosperity and education levels around the world. Many individuals now recognize that adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential to living a long life. Furthermore, because the strains of modern life are often inevitable, individuals are looking for stress-relieving retreats. As a result, a rising number of medical tourists are opting to spend their time in spas and hotels rather than hospitals and clinics.