NEW YORK, NY -- 11/05/09 --
Back in 2004, the Royal Thai Government
established a strategy for Thailand to become Asia's medical hub. Today in
2009, the Tourism Authority of
Thailand (TAT) and the Department of Export Promotion (DEP) estimate
about two million tourists are expected to take advantage of Thailand's
health care services this year, an annual growth rate of 14% for the
sector, ahead of the country's GDP.
According to a report by "Research and Markets," Thailand cared for the
highest number of international tourists compared to any other country in
Asia. Thailand provides world-class standards, where you can "enjoy prompt
attention, immaculate comfort, the services of highly professional staff,
and friendly faces" (Tourism Authority of Thailand). Health care costs in
Thailand are about 1/5 of what you would pay in the United States or
Europe, making it even more impressive that in 2008, foreign patients
generated an estimated $6 billion USD for Thailand. An international
medical journal claims the Royal Thai Government has prepared a plan that
aims to double this revenue by 2014.
A major international accounting and consulting firm estimated that 1.5
million Americans traveled abroad for medical treatment in 2008 and
forecasted an annual market expansion of 20% globally going forward to
2012. Thailand is ready to meet this growing demand, offering a full range
of top quality medical services at affordable prices.
People are visiting Thailand for procedures ranging from general check-ups
or more routine maintenance, like dental, to cosmetic surgery and
angioplasty. Medical tourists can undergo and recover from many of these
non-invasive procedures during a normal two-week holiday in Thailand. In
Josef Woodman's (CEO of Healthy Travel Media) new guidebook that was
released on Monday, "Patients Beyond Borders: Thailand Edition," it
features an in-depth overview of Thailand's international hospitals,
selected health travel agents, nearby recovery and guest accommodations,
spas, and area travel information so visitors know where to go in Thailand
to get their world-class medical treatments.
Thailand's exponential growth into becoming the medical hub in Asia is also
creating considerable opportunities in related fields. With advancements in
the medical device sector -- in order to meet the demands of health care
facilities needing new and upgraded medical machinery and devices -- and
investments in research and clinical trials of advanced medicine and stem
cell treatments, Thailand's health care industry is continuing to grow in
leaps and bounds.
About the Tourism Authority of Thailand
The Tourism Authority of
Thailand (TAT) was established in 1960 by the Royal Thai Government to
be specifically responsible for tourism promotion. In 1965, TAT opened its
first overseas office in New York. Since then, TAT has established 21
offices in different parts of the world including the Los Angeles office.
TAT aims to provide the best Thailand traveling information to the public
and media members as well as work closely with our travel partners to
develop new deals and packages.
Contact:
Megan Patrick
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Email Contact
212-432-0433
