About two million visitors are expected to take advantage of some of the world’s best medical treatment services and facilities in Thailand in 2009, according to estimates by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Department of Export Promotion (DEP).

Thailand boasts some of the world’s best health and wellness centres offering high standards of both preventive and curative treatment.There are 30 hospitals in Thailand which are now ready to service foreign patients nationwide. Some of the better-known ones among them are the Bangkok Medical Centre, Phyathai Hospital, Samitivej Hospital, Rama 9 Hospital, and Bumrungrad Hospital.

The cost of getting a medical check-up in Thailand is a fraction of what it costs in more developed countries, and most of the hospitals are staffed with overseas-trained doctors. They also have teams of multi-lingual interpreters to help out patients coming from all parts of the world.

The quality of in-patient accommodation is also being upgraded with a complete range of accommodation facilities to meet the needs and budgets of all patients, from standard rooms to royal suites. These rooms are equipped with cable television with a wide range of channels including foreign-language programming, and guest sofa-beds for the convenience of friends and family who would like to stay along with the patient (this is categorically not allowed in Western hospitals).

Rooms also have their own microwave oven, fridge, personal safe, and Internet access. Another hospital has also made arrangements to take care of visa extensions in case an over-stay is necessary.

In addition, selected hospital and medical centres also offer assistance with international and Thai health insurance; liaison service for embassies, international institutions and organizations; assistance on preferential room rates at local hotels; catering of special diets, including Western, Japanese and Muslim food; international and local evacuation and repatriation services; and free consultation and medical advice through the Internet.

Thailand also excels in the quality and diversity of its spa offerings.

Thai spas really do have it all with variety and value framed in a perfect blend of Western leisure concepts and traditional Asian well-being therapies. Value for money is an added plus, and a harmonious blend of cultural heritage and destination diversity makes Thailand an infinitely attractive spa destination.

Foreign Visitors Seeking Medical Treatment in Thailand

Source: Department of Export and Dr. Suraphong Ampanwong, Chief Medical & International Business Officer, Phyathai Hospital.