Bangkok hospitals see rise in international patients

Bangkok private hospitals have reported a surge in medical tourists since Thailand lifted Covid-19 travel controls in June.

Panacee Hospital has stated that foreigners are returning for treatment. This increase is driven by patients from Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Vietnam who have high purchasing power and are seeking the advanced medical technologies that Thailand has to offer. The hospital expects the number of Chinese medical tourists to increase once China reopens.

Foreign tourists are also arriving for alternative hospital treatments such as traditional herbal remedies and natural therapy. Vimut Hospital has expanded its alternative medicine and physical check-up programmes, conducted staff training, and recruited interpreters to manage the increasing numbers of foreign patients. The interpreter team is fluent in English, Chinese and other languages, while a coordinating team is on hand to help foreign patients with visas, documentation and insurance. The hospital has also been drawing more customers from other provinces.