New visa rules for medical tourists in Thailand

The Ministry of Interior has approved 90-day visas for medical tourists from Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam.

The Ministry of Interior has approved 90-day visas for medical tourists from Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam, each with a maximum of three companions.

This second phase of the medical visa scheme, only applies to medical tourists going to places approved by the Ministry of Public Health. This means up to 130 hospitals and clinics can provide confirmation letters to visitors seeking medical treatment.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports seeks to promote Thailand as a destination for medical and wellness tourism.

One problem is the lack of doctors. Thailand’s private hospitals are attempting to recruit state hospital doctors with attractive remuneration packages.