Private hospitals to be developed in major tourist destinations in Thailand
The Thai Government will promote and develop the quality of private hospitals in major tourist destinations and special economic zones.
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The special economic zones are located in five provinces sharing borders with neighboring countries. They include Tak, Mukdahan, Sa Kaeo, Songkhla, and Trat. They are intended to create production bases connecting with ASEAN countries and to develop border towns.
According to Major General Sansern, a total of 172 private hospitals in both major tourist destinations and special economic zones will get a major boost, so that more hospitals will meet the standards set by the Joint Commission International and Hospital Accreditation of Thailand.
He stated that 50 hospitals in Thailand have been recognized by the Joint Commission International. The number is the highest in ASEAN. Thailand is also well-known for spas, traditional massage, herbal products, and hot springs, which contribute to its healthcare services and wellness. In 2014, foreign visitors traveled to Thailand 1.2 million times for medical services. A Thai private hospital was listed among the top ten hospitals in the world for medical tourism by the Medical Travel Quality Alliance.
The Government is pushing for developing Thailand as a medical hub in order to upgrade the quality of life of Thai people and to offer health services for foreign visitors. Another objective is to enhance the competitiveness of Thailand’s health services in this region and the world.
Major General Sansern said that the Prime Minister had urged the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to accelerate the promotion of medical tourism and the development of Thailand into a medical and wellness tourism hub. Members of the private sector have also been invited to take part in this project.
Modern facilities and equipment, as well as internationally qualified doctors, nurses, and technical staff, have enabled Thailand to promote itself as a first-class destination for those who are seeking top-quality medical treatment at a reasonable cost.
Many visitors have chosen Thailand as their destination for the combination of the health-care and spa experience with leisure activities, such as golfing, diving, and nature trekking. Excellent medical facilities have enabled Thailand’s hospitals to provide world-standard medical services and to meet rapidly growing demand in the global market.