The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is set to launch its “E-Marketing Campaign for Medical Tourism in Thailand” along with the website www.thailandmedtourism.com. This initiative aims to enhance Thailand’s reputation as a global center of excellence for medical tourism, featuring over 340 medical providers, including hospitals and clinics, along with their accreditation and standards. TAT governor Suraphon Svetasreni noted that the campaign is expected to boost the number of medical tourists and increase their average stay in locations like Samui, benefiting the wider tourism industry.
Three marketing campaigns will be rolled out starting this month. The first, a “Medical Tourism Blogger Contest,” will be launched in October, inviting bloggers to promote medical tourism in Thailand, with prizes valued over USD 25,000. In November, TAT will introduce the “Healthy Beauty Holiday in Thailand,” offering exclusive rates for various medical treatments, in partnership with Royal Orchid Plus (ROP), which will provide bonus mileage points for bookings. Lastly, the “You are in Good Hands” campaign will begin in December, focusing on the credibility and safety of Thailand’s medical services.
Thailand Eyes Global Recognition as a Leading Medical Tourism Hub
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is striving to establish the country as a leading medical tourism hub, aiming for a top-five position in the Medical Tourism Index. Currently ranked 17th, TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn noted that the leading countries are Canada, Singapore, Japan, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Looking forward to 2037, Thailand expects to welcome 3.8 million medical tourists, contributing 200 billion baht to the economy as part of its 20-Year National Strategy (2018-2037). Medical tourists, who represented 38% of all visitors from Asia in 2017, tend to spend two to three times more than regular tourists.
To attract these high-spending travelers, TAT has implemented a strategic plan focused on enhancing treatment quality, leveraging skilled healthcare professionals, and utilizing advanced technology. Sisadiwat Cheewaratanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, emphasized Thailand’s competitive advantages, such as affordable healthcare and a lower cost of living. He also noted that 59 Thai private hospitals have received accreditation from the US-based Joint Commission International (JCI). Sisadiwat urged for accelerated international promotional efforts to ensure the sustained growth of Thailand’s medical tourism sector.
