Healthcare Tourism in Thailand: Pain ahead?

摘要

Medical tourism in Asia is currently generating US 1.3 billion dollar in revenue and is expected to grow to US 4.4 billion dollar by 2012, growing at a CAGR of 19%. The major countries competing for medical tourists in Asia are Thailand, Singapore, India and Malaysia. The main attraction for seeking medical treatment in these countries includes lower costs, quality treatment, and less waiting periods. Thailand has presented itself as a leader in medical tourism in this region with more than a millionpatient visits in 2005, generating revenues of US 615 million dollar. Till the recent military coup, Thailand had an edge over other countries in the region in attracting medical tourists. The country is a highly popular tourist haven. It has a relatively low-cost of living, a very friendly and tourist friendly culture, and a relaxing environment for recuperating patients. For that reason, Thai land's medical tourism services are focused on treatment areas that are more popular amongst vacationers such as cosmetic surgery, dentistry, LASIK and general medical check.