Slowdown seen hitting hospitals in second half

The hospital business in Thailand looks set to bear the brunt of the sluggish economy in the second half of this year, fuelled by global economic uncertainties, says Bangkok Hospital, a private hospital under Bangkok Dusit Medical Services.

- LAMONPHET APISITNIRAN

Geopolitical conflicts, including the tensions in the Middle East caused by the Israel-Iran war, and worries over the impact of US President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs and the subsequent trade war will affect the global economy, which will deal a further blow to the Thai economy, said Kriengkrai Hengrussamee, director of Bangkok Hospital.

The Thai economy is decelerating, causing people to be more cautious about spending money.

"The country’s hospital sector is expected to encounter a negative impact of the stagnant economy more clearly from July," said Dr Kriengkrai.