Medical tourism in Thailand rebounds with travel revival

A Thai masseuse working during the APEC summit in Bangkok recently. Medical tourism in Thailand, which includes both healthcare and wellness services, is a fast-growing sector. — AFP

Bangkok Dusit Medical Services, Asia’s largest hospital operator outside of China, says medical tourism has been in the revival stage in Thailand for the past few months and will continue to expand in part because of lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic.

One learning point has been that the government must be more responsive to health-care providers, according to BDMS CEO Poramaporn Prasarttong-Osoth. Another is more awareness among the public about the value of preventative measures regarding health, such as check-ups, genetic tests and improved diet, she said.