BDMS Wellness, a unit under Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Plc, has partnered with a Chinese company to focus on preventive medicine in a bid to attract Chinese travellers seeking healthcare in Thailand.
This partnership aims to increase Chinese tourists' awareness of preventive medicine as part of state efforts to improve wellness and healthcare businesses, paving the way for Thailand to become a regional medical hub, said Dr Tanupol Virunhagarun, chief executive of BDMS Wellness.
"Preventive health is a trend that continues to grow both in Thailand and globally. BDMS Wellness is looking to expand its preventive health services to support foreigners from high-potential markets," he said.
Dr Tanupol was speaking during a ceremony to sign a memorandum of understanding for a cooperation with FanHua Blue Plus Health Management, a Chinese specialist in financial and health management services, ranging from insurance protection to retirement planning and asset management.
BDMS Wellness has identified China and the Middle East as markets with high potential for the wellness and healthcare business, which could bolster Thailand's medical industry.
"People from these countries show great potential and their numbers are on the rise. Thailand is a destination for tourists and individuals seeking medical treatments," said Dr Tanupol.
Myanmar ranks first among nationalities seeking treatment at BDMS hospitals, followed by Cambodia.
Dr Tanupol said BDMS Wellness expects to pave the way for increased opportunities in medical treatment.
The company believes that if the government extends its visa-free policy to include wellness patients, it would aid the state's medical hub push, said Dr Tanupol.
In 2023, BDMS Wellness reported revenue of 102 billion baht and a profit of 14.4 billion baht. The revenue included the preventive medicine segment, which accounted for about 10 billion baht.
Thailand welcomes 2-3 million foreigners for medical treatment in its hospitals each year, while the number of Thais receiving treatment annually is around 12-13 million, he said.