“Wellness Center” Advances Thailand’s Health and Medical Tourism to Global Level

     As the world advances into technology, tourism grows and people's focus on health issues increases. For Thailand, the government is pushing and promoting health tourism through the Wellness Center - a holistic health care center. It offers services for both physical and mental well-being. Clients have the opportunity to learn both theoretical and practical aspects of wellness, including sight, taste, smell, sound, and touch. The Center focuses on improving the wellness of individuals, their loved ones, or families through advice, consultation, or services related to health promotion, disease prevention, or the rehabilitation of physical and mental states.

     According to The Global Wellness Economy: Thailand report in September 2022, Thailand has potential in health tourism that should be promoted and developed. Thailand is a leading destination for wellness tourism, ranking 15th in the world and generating approximately 4.7 billion US dollars in revenue in 2020. It draws about 6.5 million tourist visits annually and provides employment in the tourism industry to about 530,000 people. This aligns with the growth in medical tourism, which has seen a significant increase in medical services and health care businesses in 2023.

      Consequently, the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with the Provincial Public Health Office and entrepreneurs, as well as related agencies, are pushing forward a project to promote diverse and distinctive high-potential tourism formats. The aim is to establish Wellness Centers nationwide. Currently, health tourism destinations are being evaluated to become Wellness Centers to upgrade service standards and consistently build confidence among tourists.

As of April 2023, there are a total of 87 Wellness Centers, including:

1. 1. 29 Wellness Centers of tourist accommodation type
   2. 15 Wellness Centers of restaurant type
   3. 8 Wellness Centers of health massage type
   4. 14 Wellness Centers of health spa type
   5. 21 Wellness Centers of hospital type

     For businesses wishing to be certified as Wellness Centers, they can contact the Provincial Public Health Office and the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, or visit the website here for information on the evaluation criteria for Wellness Centers, or call 0 2591 7007, extension 260.

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