Thailand Medical Tourism Guide: A Comprehensive Overview of Healthcare Services 2025

Executive Summary & Introduction

The Thailand medical tourism industry has established itself as a premier destination in Asia, attracting over 1.4 million international patients annually, with more than 60% coming specifically for treatment. As the leading medical tourism hub in Southeast Asia, Thailand is well-positioned to benefit from the industry’s global expansion, with the market projected to grow by 43%, reaching $16 billion by 2030, according to Bumrungrad International Hospital.

Thailand’s healthcare industry is renowned for its well-developed public health system, world-class safety standards (with 62 hospitals accredited by the US Joint Commission International), cutting-edge medical technology, highly trained professionals, and cost-effective services. The Universal Health Coverage Scheme, Social Security Fund, and government employee welfare programs ensure broad access to essential healthcare services for locals, while international patients benefit from premium care at competitive prices.

Following the COVID-19 crisis, both public and private sectors have recognized the importance of strengthening the healthcare industry in Thailand. The country is actively working toward becoming Asia’s leading Wellness & Healthcare hub by promoting medical innovations and advanced technologies in products and services. The hospital industry in Thailand aims to enhance accessibility to these services for both Thai citizens and international visitors.

Looking ahead, the Thailand healthcare industry will continue to address significant challenges, including demographic shifts toward an aging society, environmental changes, rising infectious diseases, and rapid technological advancements. Navigating these challenges will be crucial for Thailand’s continued growth as a global medical tourism leader.

Thailand’s robust pharmaceutical industry enhances its appeal as a medical tourism destination. As the third-largest pharmaceutical market in Southeast Asia with a value of approximately 212 billion Thai baht in 2023, the industry is projected to grow at 6.0-7.0% annually from 2025 to 2027. The country’s pharmaceutical sector features a blend of public institutions like the Government Pharmaceutical Organization, Thai-owned companies producing affordable generic medications, and multinational corporations bringing innovative treatments to the market. This pharmaceutical ecosystem supports Thailand’s world-class medical facilities with reliable medication supplies, contributing to the country’s reputation for high-quality, cost-effective healthcare services. For a detailed analysis of market trends, growth opportunities, and challenges in Thailand’s pharmaceutical sector, read our comprehensive industry overview.

Current State of Thailand’s Healthcare Infrastructure

According to Expatica, the hospital industry in Thailand comprises nearly 1,300 hospitals, 80% of which are public and operated by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH). The healthcare system is primarily divided into two sectors:

1. Public healthcare: Government-funded through taxes, allowing most of the population access to affordable medical services. The MOPH’s Department of Medical Services administers the system, overseeing public health services and government hospitals. The foundation is the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS), introduced in 2002, which provides individuals with access to a wide range of medical treatments at low personal costs.
2. Private healthcare: Renowned for premium services, facilities, and highly skilled medical staff. Many private hospitals in the Thailand medical tourism industry employ internationally trained doctors and multilingual personnel, ensuring tailored care for both local and international patients.

Additionally, community hospitals deliver primary healthcare, while non-profit health organizations (NGOs) like the Red Cross, Médecins Sans Frontières, and World Vision provide healthcare services to disadvantaged communities.

The Thailand healthcare industry is increasingly adopting digital technology, with data showing a more than 30% increase in telemedicine usage compared to 2023. This shift minimizes the need for in-person visits while improving accessibility and convenience for patients.

As of 2023, the healthcare industry in Thailand is ranked 31st on the Legatum Prosperity Index. Thailand is among the most successful health businesses in ASEAN alongside Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. According to Bangkok Biz News, the Thailand medical tourism industry continues to lead the region in the health and beauty sector, with market revenue reaching USD 24.4 billion (816,648 million baht) in 2023 and projections indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.3% from 2024 to 2032.

Key Specializations in Thai Medical Tourism

The Thailand medical tourism industry is known for cost-effective healthcare, but what truly makes it a top destination is the quality of service, exceptional Thai hospitality, and the affability that enhances the overall experience. Popular medical procedures include:

• Heart surgery
• Orthopedic surgery and joint replacement
• Dental treatments
• Cosmetic surgery
• Eye surgery
• Organ transplants
• Infertility treatments

According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), the healthcare industry in Thailand ranks 21st globally, with over 112,000 cosmetic surgeries performed. The most common procedures include eyelid surgery, breast augmentation, and rhinoplasty. Thai medical tourism for cosmetic surgery offers several advantages, including affordability, exceptional post-surgery follow-up care, and attractive deals.

Patients have access to some of the country’s best cosmetic surgery hospitals, such as Yanhee International Hospital and the Plastic Surgery Center at Bumrungrad International Hospital. The top hospitals for cosmetic and plastic surgery in the Thailand healthcare industry are Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited, ensuring treatments adhere to global safety and quality standards.

Market Analysis and Statistics

According to the Medical Tourism Index (MTI) 2020-2021 Global Destination report, the Thailand medical tourism industry ranks among the top 5 out of 46 countries, based on factors such as Destination Attractiveness and Medical Tourism Cost.

Data from the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) highlights the rapid growth of the global wellness market, revealing a significant opportunity for the Thailand healthcare industry. The market has expanded from US$4.6 trillion in 2020 to $6.3 trillion in 2023, with projections indicating it will reach $9 trillion by 2028.

The Thai medical tourism market is forecasted to surpass its pre-COVID levels from 2019, with growth driven by:

• Major health and wellness trends
• Expansion of the silver economy
• Rising middle class
• Increasing global purchasing power

As Thailand moves toward becoming an aging society, the proportion of its population aged 60 and older is projected to make up about 20% of the total population. This demographic shift is driving growing demand for healthcare services that cater to the elderly, along with significant investments in medical infrastructure and the expansion of both public and private healthcare networks within the hospital industry in Thailand.

Market Research Opportunities in Thai Medical Tourism

The dynamic nature of the Thailand medical tourism industry creates significant demand for specialized market research services. Companies looking to enter or expand in this market require comprehensive data analysis and insights across multiple dimensions:

Key Research Areas

• Patient Journey Analysis: Understanding decision-making processes from destination selection to post-treatment feedback in the Thai medical tourism sector
• Competitive Intelligence: Detailed analysis of service providers, pricing strategies, and market positioning within the healthcare industry in Thailand
• Market Entry Studies: Assessment of regulatory requirements, partnership opportunities, and operational considerations for the hospital industry in Thailand
• Consumer Behavior Research: Analysis of patient preferences, treatment selection patterns, and factors influencing hospital choice in the Thailand healthcare industry

Our Expertise

Our firm specializes in healthcare market research within Southeast Asia, with particular expertise in the Thailand medical tourism industry. Recent projects include:

• Case Study 1: Blood disorders study for a global pharmaceutical company planning to launch a new treatment in Thailand
• Case Study 2: Medical nutrition research in the healthcare industry in Thailand
• Case Study 3: Osteoporosis and oncology study focusing on treatment decision-making processes

Research Methodology

We employ a mixed-method approach combining:

• Primary research with patients, healthcare providers, and hospital industry stakeholders
• Secondary data analysis from government sources and Thailand healthcare industry reports
• Real-time market monitoring and trend analysis for the Thailand medical tourism industry
• Advanced analytics for patient flow prediction and market sizing in Thai medical tourism

For detailed information about our research services or to discuss your specific needs, contact our healthcare research team at Iconic Research.

Competitive Advantages

The Thailand medical tourism industry is recognized for its remarkable affordability. For example, in 2023, cardiac surgery costs range between $15,000 and $35,000, considerably lower than in Western countries, where the same procedures can cost $70,000 to $200,000.

Hip and knee replacements in the hospital industry in Thailand typically cost between $7,000 and $15,000, often representing 50-70% savings compared to Western nations. This affordability, combined with tailored treatment options, fast service, reduced waiting times, and the opportunity to recover in a beautiful country known for its warm hospitality, makes Thai medical tourism increasingly attractive for international patients.

Key Players in the Market

Bumrungrad International Hospital

Located in Bangkok, Bumrungrad International is one of Southeast Asia’s largest private multispecialty hospitals in the Thailand medical tourism industry. The hospital’s heart failure program was awarded the Disease-Specific Care Certification by the Joint Commission International (JCI) in 2022. It ranks 130th among the best hospitals in the world.

Bangkok Hospital

Located in Bangkok, this is one of the first private hospitals in the healthcare industry in Thailand and a well-known tertiary care facility specializing in cancer and cardiology. It has been recognized as one of the best hospitals in Thailand for consecutive years (2023 and 2024) and has received JCI accreditation for various programs, including Traumatic Brain Injury, Total Knee Replacement, and Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Vejthani Hospital

Located in Bangkok, this hospital in the Thailand healthcare industry is famously known as ‘The King of Bones’ for its exceptional orthopedic care. It has earned numerous awards and is accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI) and holds the Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA) for medical tourism.

Regulatory Framework

Recognizing the potential of the Thailand medical tourism industry for economic recovery, the Thai government has made it a priority sector. In 2023, Thai medical tourism revenue was projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels. Several initiatives support this growth, including a new medical treatment visa allowing foreign visitors to stay for 90 days, compared to the usual 60 days for single-entry tourist visas.

The Thailand Vision aims to elevate the country to become a global hub for the medical industry, a key policy under the 20-year national strategy. The strategy for the Medical Hub by the Department of Health Service Support (DPHSS) includes:

1. Strategy 1: Improving competitive capabilities in medical, wellness, service, and academic sectors
2. Strategy 2: Creating an ecosystem to support integrated medical services within the healthcare industry in Thailand
3. Strategy 3: Public relations and marketing for Thai medical tourism

Challenges and Solutions

The Thailand medical tourism industry offers affordable medical treatments and accommodation, with savings of up to 70-80% on overall medical expenses compared to countries like the United States, Europe, Australia, and Oceania.

However, countries like Turkey, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and Singapore are also developing leading medical centers, creating strong competition. To maintain its position, the hospital industry in Thailand must continue to innovate and enhance its offerings.

Language barriers remain a significant challenge, as many patients struggle to communicate effectively with doctors. Improving multilingual support and enhancing communication tools for international patients can help bridge this gap and enhance the overall patient experience in the Thai medical tourism sector.

Future Outlook and Trends

The digital healthcare industry in Asia is expected to grow by up to 100 billion US dollars in 2025, presenting significant opportunities for the Thailand medical tourism industry. Both public and private health organizations increasingly recognize the importance of digital transformation to improve access to healthcare services.

Telemedicine usage in the hospital industry in Thailand has surged by over 30% compared to 2023. Hospitals are embracing innovative digital technologies through online platforms and mobile applications:

• Siriraj Hospital has integrated AI technology for initial illness screenings and diagnoses
• Platforms like Medlinker and ClouDr enhance service delivery
• The mobile app Raksa offers enhanced telemedicine services, enabling patients to access healthcare through voice and video calls

Practical Guide for Medical Tourists

Patients planning medical treatment in the Thailand medical tourism industry should prepare:

• Passport (valid for the duration of the trip)
• Medical history or referral letter from a previous hospital
• Details of current medications and known allergies
• Blood test results and X-rays (if available)
• Surgical history or pathology reports

Visa Requirements for Medical Travelers

Foreign patients seeking treatment in the healthcare industry in Thailand may need:

• Passport or travel document
• Recent photograph (taken within the last six months)
• Proof of current location
• Travel booking confirmation
• Proof of accommodation in Thailand
• Letter of appointment from the hospital or medical center

Patients should check the relevant embassy/consulate-general website for specific visa requirements and additional documentation for Thai medical tourism visits.

It is advisable to schedule virtual or in-person consultations with medical professionals to discuss treatment options, costs, and potential outcomes. Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical coverage and emergency assistance is also recommended.

Conclusion

The Thailand medical tourism industry continues to evolve toward its goal of becoming a leading global medical hub. Two key factors driving this development are the country’s aging population, which has spurred growth in medical services, and the impact of COVID-19 on the economy and healthcare industry.

Both government and private sectors in the hospital industry in Thailand have joined forces to enhance the medical industry, focusing on improving domestic healthcare accessibility while driving economic growth. The continued development of the Thailand healthcare industry and Thai medical tourism sector shows great promise, positioning Thailand as a global leader in healthcare services.

• Healthcare Industry