By Our Staff Writer
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said it will step up its push into the medical and wellness tourism market in 2026, noting that travellers in this segment spend an average of 107,662 baht per person per trip – a little over 102 percent more than general tourists.
Photo courtesy: Freepik
TAT said Thailand’s strengths include world-class medical facilities, with 61 hospitals and clinics accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI). Treatment costs in the country are estimated to be 30–70 percent lower than in Western countries, and healthcare services are available nationwide, with more than 500 medical facilities across all regions.
Key source markets for treatment in Thailand include Middle Eastern countries such as Qatar, Oman and Kuwait, neighbouring countries such as Cambodia, and South Asian countries such as Bangladesh.
In 2024, Thailand’s ministry of public health’s steering committee approved the draft strategy for developing ‘Thailand as a Medical Hub (2025–2034)’. The plan aims to position Thailand as a medical hub and a global, fully integrated medical-industry centre, while driving sustainable growth in the health economy. It is built around three pillars: develop medical innovation and end-to-end healthcare services, expand cooperation with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and China, and promote a “Medical & Wellness Valley” to attract foreign investment.
