Thailand, the tropical paradise with a reputation as a place to party, is starting to develop another reputation as a low-cost option for foreigners looking to get clean.

While the country’s fun-in-the-sun reputation has attracted more than 200 million visitors over the past decade, Thailand in recent years has become one of the world’s top medical tourism destinations. Along with reasonably priced medical options, its warm climate and relatively cheap food and accommodation makes it a prime destination for those seeking alcohol or drug recovery at hospitals or rehab centres.

The opioid epidemic in North America, the heroin crisis in Europe and methamphetamine use in Australia have led to waves of addicts seeking help. With months-long waiting lists in their own countries, tourists find Thailand’s rehab centres a very attractive option.

“Most of our clients come from overseas,” said Adrian Crump, chairman of The Cabin Addiction Services Group, Thailand’s largest Western-style luxury rehabilitation centre.

Even Thailand’s temples are offering rehab services.

About two hours north of Bangkok at the foot of the mountains in Saraburi province, the golden roof of Wat Thamkrabok stands out among the lush forest that surrounds it. The temple runs a 15-day drug rehabilitation programme, during which patients expel liquids through all orifices by vomiting, sweating and excreting. There is no cost for treatment. Patients must pay for food and transport and vow never to do drugs again.

“You can’t underestimate drugs,” said Vice Abbot Phra Ajarn Vichit Akkajitto. “That’s why we must have them take a vow and never break it. The vow will make them stronger.”

The monks and nuns are in charge of growing, collecting and cooking the herbs in the temple’s homemade medicines, and assigning chores to patients. While many patients return home, some foreigners have been ordained and stayed on at the monastery.

Other options are more in keeping with Thailand’s reputation for lush resorts.

On the outskirts of Chiang Mai is The Cabin. Its 120 residences each have private pools, outdoor dining areas, gyms and clinics with mountain views. The Cabin has attracted patients from more than 60 countries. They have rolled out separate programmes for the LGBT community and young male clients.

It is the country’s most expensive in-patient facility, but still far more reasonable than US counterparts such as the Betty Ford Center or The Meadows, which charge up to $67,750 and $54,300 respectively. The Cabin starts at $15,900 for a month’s stay.

“Personally, I don’t think that treatment can justify charging $50,000 a month,” said Martin Peters, director of Lanna Rehab, another clinic in Chiang Mai.

Lanna Rehab, a 24-bed luxury in-patient centre hidden away behind large rice paddy fields, promotes its price point. The centre was formerly a resort. Lanna’s co-founders, Martin Peters and Darren Lockie, greet their clients by name and ask about their progress as they walk out of their morning group therapy session.

Admittance to Lanna Rehab is less expensive than at The Cabin. Most clients pay cash for their stays -- and most say it is less expensive than what they would pay in their own countries even where insurance might cover some of the cost. The Cabin will accept international insurance policies, though insured clients are rare.

“Thailand has a good reputation for rehab space,” said Lockie, also Lanna Rehab’s managing director. “I think there’s a good opportunity for Thailand to establish itself as the rehab hub of Asia, or the world.”