Wellness tourism the way forward

Private sector wants eased regulations to position Thailand as a top destination for health and medical services, writes Molpasorn Shoowong

- Molpasorn Shoowong

As the government promotes the wellness and medical tourism segment, the private sector is calling for eased regulations and a focus on well-being to position Thailand as a top destination for these services.

Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, vice-president of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), said wellness and medical tourism aligns with the government's goal of increasing tourism spending and persuading guests to stay longer.

In Phuket, some foreign tourists attend Muay Thai classes for months or weeks to lose weight, while other markets opt for personalised medicine and vitamin supplements with a doctor's consultation.

Given the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s new theme of “Healing is the New Luxury”, he said the definition of wellness is evolving to cover mental healing, healthy eating as a medicine and relaxing at hot springs.

“Thailand should promote itself as a destination for transformation, where tourists can find meaningful new experiences and have healthy detoxes during vacations here,” said Mr Bhummikitti.

Artirat Charukitpipat, chief executive of Bumrungrad International Hospital, said Thailand has been a medical tourism destination for quite some time thanks to international standards for healthcare, specialised doctors and Thai hospitality that can draw foreign tourists.