Thailand ‘aims for 2 million medical tourists’

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Thailand is fast emerging as one of the most popular hotspots for medical tourism, it has been claimed.

Dr Pichet Rodchareon of the Bangkok Plastic Surgery Clinic has stated that, according to Board of Investment figures, there were 1.4 million medical tourists in 2006 and the country is aiming for two million by 2010.

Dr Suraphong Amphanwong, health service and business committee chairman of the Thailand Chamber of Commerce Association and foreign activity consultative chairman of the Private Hospital Association, remarked in a press conference that this can be achieved with the help of the government.

"With efficiency of private hospital service at present in Thailand and our relative success in this industry versus our competitors, the country will be much distinguished in this business," Dr Amphanwong added.

According to the Opportunities in Thailand Tourism Industry (2007-09) report by industry research firm RNCOS, sectors such as cosmetic dentistry, pharmacology and reconstructive and cosmetic surgery are experiencing "rapid growth" in medical tourism.

Price is one of the most important factors for people going abroad for procedures such as cosmetic dentistry, stated Dr Rodchareon, adding that the quality of Thai doctors, the opportunity to combine the procedure with a holiday and the aftercare services are all additional benefits.ADNFCR-1374-ID-18456225-ADNFCR

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