Medical Tourism Thailand – Tourism Authority of Thailand, medical travel information on overseas surgery, treatment, healthcare providers, international
Medical tourism within Thailand has increased dramatically over recent years. If we look back over the previous five years alone we can see an almost four fold increase in medical tourists arriving in Thailand. In 2005 there were around 500,000 medical visitors seeking treatment in Thailand, by 2009, this number had increased to approximately 1,400,000. This is a large increase by any standard and there are good reasons for it. Firstly, Thailand is able to offer highly competitive prices for treatment in comparison to most developed nations. Secondly, the quality of hospitals and trained personnel is of a standard similar to those seen throughout the very best hospitals worldwide. Thirdly, and possibly most importantly, Thailand is well placed in being able to offer a wide range of tourist attractions and resort choices. It is possibly this last factor that has helped to drive the industry forward as potential medical tourists seek to combine their scheduled treatments with an exotic holiday.
Helping to further develop the medical tourist industry within Thailand have been the incredible investments and developments made by the private hospital sector. Looking to benefit from the growing trend of visitors, private hospitals have invested heavily in buildings, state of the art equipment and staff. Leading the way in attracting visiting patients have been hospitals like Bumgrungrad International Hospital and the Bangkok Hospital Group. These hospitals attract as many as half of their patients from outside of Thailand. If we look at the country distribution of medical visitors, important markets include; Europe, Japan, America, Bangladesh and Myanmar. This combined market accounts for approximately 25% of the total. Arab states, incredibly total almost 60% of the total market. So why are Arabs, in ever increasing numbers seeking medical treatment from outside of their home country?
Unlike many other countries, surprisingly cost is not necessarily one of the primary reasons. If we take the example of the U.A.E., who staggeringly account for over 40% of Thailand's medical tourists , many of the country's inhabitants can be considered as wealthy by any measure. Clearly, this group of people is unlikely to visit Thailand, for medical treatments, on cost considerations alone. Reasons cited for seeking treatment outside of the UAE include a loss of faith in local services, with many complaining that the overall quality of local service is not up to standard. Also, visitors see a visit to Thailand, for medical treatment, as an ideal opportunity for a vacation in a liberal environment with extensive leisure options available.
Arabs have a history of seeking medical treatment from outside of their own country, but what has changed is that since the mainland terrorist attacks on the USA in 2001, they are now more reluctant to seek medical treatment from western countries. This is principally since they sadly and all too frequently feel, particularly in America, a sense of hostility towards them. When arranging, in some cases life saving surgery, it is obvious that a more relaxed and welcoming environment is far more likely to induce both a quicker recovery and a more positive experience. In this regard Thailand has very much been the one to gain. In response to this influx of Arabs patients, hospitals in Thailand have been quick to respond and have made extensive efforts to further grow this lucrative market sector. Hospitals like The Bumrungrad International Hospital have already furnished their facilities to the very highest of standards. Additionally, with Arab speaking staff, a choice of halal food, numerous prayer rooms and even strategically placed compasses pointing to MECCA, everything has been done, and continues to be done, to ensure a very comfortable stay for the Arab visitor.
With the huge revenues involved from medical visitors to Thailand from Arab countries, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) have targeted this specific group, and are currently engaged in a wide range of promotional activities, in an attempt to further expand the market. The TAT has very ambitious plans to grow this sector, but the U.A.E. is not going to give up without a fight. Currently under construction, and due to be completed this year, is the huge and costly development of Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC). If this new initiative is enough to slow down and ultimately reverse the flow of patients from the U.A.E. remains to be seen.
Medical tourism continues to show strong growth around the world as costs of healthcare, and often waiting times, in developed countries also continue to rise. Potential health care recipients are turning outside their own countries, in ever increasing numbers, and Thailand is one of the main countries to benefit from this trend. Thailand, considered by many to be the global leader in providing healthcare for medical tourists, has seen robust growth in this market over the last ten years. Widely used estimates suggest that the number of medical tourists has risen from 500,000 in 2001 to over 1.4 million in 2009. Most of this increase was achieved in the last five years and is currently generating an income to Thailand of around $2 billion. The most important markets for the industry in Thailand are the Middle East and Europe. With The Middle East accounting for over 50% of this total, the Tourism Authority of Thailand is currently involved in setting up several initiatives to further develop this market.
The number of hospitals and clinics to choose from in Thailand, along with treatments provided, is extensive. Further, patients can choose to undergo their surgeries from any one of the hospitals located in the world class destinations of; Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Some of the most popular procedures include; cardiac surgery, orthopedic surgery, cosmetic surgery and dental care. The actual cost savings on these procedures can be huge. For example, the cost of a heart bypass or valve replacement, can typical cost between $130,000 to $160,000 in a developed country. In contrast, the same surgery, performed to the same standard, would cost around $10,000 in Thailand.
Thailand has long been a favorite medical tourist destination for a number of reasons. Firstly, the actual facilities and equipment available is world class. Historically, Thailand was the first nation in the region to receive ISO 9001 accreditation for one of its hospitals, and with significant investments made by the medical industry, many other hospitals have now achieved similar status. Equally as important, the training of the medical staff is commonly to the same standard as the West. Thai doctors not only undergo a first class education within their won country, but additionally, often undertake specialist training, usually either in the United States or Europe. Of course, along with state of the art facilities, well trained staff, and huge discounts available compared to their native countries, medical tourists are also attracted to Thailand for its many attractions as a world class tourist destination.
Thailand has long remained one of the top holiday destinations worldwide and for a recuperating patient has potentially much to offer. There are beautiful exotic beaches, large areas of National Park, splendid historical and cultural attractions, excellent cuisine and equally first rate shopping. Another lure for potential visitors are the many wonderful spas available throughout the country, which provide the perfect way to relax and recover, before returning home. Additionally to this, if staying in Bangkok, a visitor can enjoy the excitement and international facilities of a city, again voted World’s Best City by Travel and Leisure magazine. Regardless of the what medical treatment is required, it‘s easy to see why ever increasing numbers are attracted to Thailand, as a way of reducing medical costs, whilst receiving world class treatment, combined with being able to enjoy the many attractions Thailand has to offer.