The Medical Hub Board has agreed to set up a Thailand Wellness Economic Corridor (TWC) in the South as the nation focuses on post-pandemic economic recovery.
Deputy Minister of Public Health Sathit Pitutecha joined the Board in holding a press conference yesterday to follow up on Thailand's upcoming wellness projects.
They discussed establishing the TWC project to support growing medical, health and wellness tourism. This is expected to help boost the sluggish economy and elevate the nation's reputation as a premier destination for medical tourists.
The Board endorsed Songkhla as a subregional hub. Mr Sathit said the province was chosen due to its strong emergency medical services and accessibility.
It also discussed the Andaman Wellness Corridor (AWC) development plan, with Mr Sathit positioning AWC as a wellness centre for the world. Located in the Andaman coastal provinces, it will combine a medical centre, dental centre, spa, and other wellness services.
Investments in a number of mega-projects were also discussed at the conference.
These included the establishment of both Udonthani Green Medical Town (UGDMT), which aims to support all wellness businesses, and Indochina's "most trusted and accurate" cancer centre.
The committee said it plans to create a "super licence" process so firms can gain permits faster with just a single rather than multiple applications.
Thailand earns 80,000–120,000 baht on average from each medical or health and wellness tourist, Mr Sathit said, adding the projects will boost local employment.