Thailand, Southeast Asia's largest player in medical tourism, should benefit from industry growth globally, with the region's market expected to expand 43% to US$16 billion by 2030, according to Bumrungrad International Hospital.
Nipat Kulabkaw, co-chief executive of the hospital group, said despite the economic slowdown, the global medical tourism market is projected to grow 20% annually from $103 billion to $284 billion in 2032.
"Patients from other Southeast Asian countries and the Middle East have increased following the pandemic," he told a Thailand Focus 2024 event hosted by the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
Dr Nipat said Thailand's advantages in medical tourism include world-class safety standards and medical expertise, as 62 Thai hospitals are certified by the US's Joint Commission International.
In addition, Thailand has ample natural resources for tourism, affordable cost of services, advanced medical technology, and an international standard of patient care. Thai hospitality has also played an important role in creating impressive patient experiences, he said.
"The trend in healthcare has changed from treatment to prevention, which is cheaper. If you take good care of your health and study in advance possible diseases, you would find 10-12.5% of us have cancer cells. Then you can work to prevent these illnesses," said Dr Nipat.
Artificial intelligence technology helps doctors diagnose and provide treatment accurately, which benefits patients, he said. Creating a digital healthcare network by collaborating with partners from both government and private hospitals and universities would be beneficial, said Dr Nipat.
"Bumrungrad serves patients travelling to Thailand for the treatment of serious illnesses, such as cancer and brain or heart surgery," he said.
Southeast Asia, including Thailand, represents around half of the hospital group's total patients, with the remainder coming mostly from the Middle East, Ethiopia and Kenya.
Bumrungrad sees growing opportunities for patients arriving from Myanmar, Cambodia, Bangladesh and China who prefer a short-distance trip for medical treatment, said Dr Nipat.
"Thailand is a leader in both medical tourism and health-related services. Medical is an important source of income for Thailand. Together with Thai hospitality, there is ample opportunity to develop the industry further with cooperation and support from the government," he said.
Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, deputy governor for international marketing in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said the number of tourists from the Middle East continues to surge.
Tourists from Middle Eastern markets, especially Saudi Arabia, like to travel from July to August, which is a school break in that region and the hot weather makes Thailand a popular destination, he said.
Flights from the Middle East have increased this year and are expected to continue into next year. Twelve airlines providing a total of 200 flights from the Middle East touch down in Thailand every week.
