Spas still attractive to foreigners despite currency movement

Clearly, foreign tourists seeking medical services shrug off higher costs due to fluctuating exchange rates. They need quality and medical professionalism. In fact, medical costs in Thailand are not much different from those of other countries in the region, and doctors’ fees are quite a bit cheaper. 

Wilaiwan Tawitsri, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said the outlook for medical tourism remained optimistic, with a growing number of foreigners using such services. She attributed its growth to the country’s medical progress and professionalism and the choices available to patients. However, Thailand has been weak in advertising and public relations to lure medical tourists.

Last year, 2.4 million foreigners arrived for medical services, spending Bt140 billion. In 2015, the number of foreign tourists for this purpose is expected to increase to 3 million, with total spending of Bt300 billion. 

Plastic surgery, which takes three to four days, costs about Bt100,000 per trip, while a two-day skin treatment costs Bt500,000 per trip. These costs are for the hospital or clinic charges only and do not include what these visitors spend on accommodation, food, and travel programmes. The TAT this year will hold a “Medical and Wellness Familiarisation Trip” in Bangkok from August 12-18. This is the second such event; last year, it enjoyed a big reception from buyers and sellers, reflecting Thailand as a regional medical and spa destination.

Last year, the TAT polled 22 buyers involved in medical tourism from the United States, Scandinavia, countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Australia. The respondents were found to have little knowledge about this service in Thailand and also were not confident in the potential of Thai medical teams. Also, previous campaigns had focused on a low-price strategy, creating worries about service quality.

This year, buyers and sellers are being more selective on service standardisation. There will be buyers from Australia, the Middle East, Russia, the United States, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and China. Sellers will be experienced medical and spa operators. The aim of the familiarisation trip is to attract wealthier tourists from overseas. 

China is considered an especially big market for medical tourism. A lot of affluent Chinese are seeking treatments overseas. Last year, numerous Chinese travelled to Switzerland and Singapore for anti-ageing and cell therapy, spending an average of Bt2 million per trip.