Date: 16 Jan 03

Thailand's Health Ministry launched a plan to attract more tourists searching for inexpensive health care as well as the country's beautifully natural attractions. The campaign of medical care during the vacation in Thailand has been a tentative campaign for several years, and gained a great success. Many Western tourists are now bound for Bangkok, combining their vacations at Thailand's many island and beaches with affordable, high-quality medical care.

The medical tourism is expected to bring in at least 80 billion baht (US$1.86 billion) in foreign exchange this year, Minister of Health Ministry said.

While the initial campaign focused on Bangkok hospitals, the ministry is turning its attention to hospitals in the northern city like Chiang Mai and the southern resort town of Phuket.

The plan will be highlighted with three services: general heath care, cosmetic surgery and treatment for specific illness, and will be completed in three months. The government expects the revenues of medical tourism to help subsidizing a program which allows Thai citizens to get access to medical care service at only 30 baht per hospital visit.

Return to: Bangkok Travel News