Expanding health horizons and promoting international collaboration, Tanupol Virunhagarun, M.D., (widely known as "Dr Amp") delivered a keynote address at the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Shanghai, highlighting Thailand’s vision to become a global wellness hub.
Under the theme “Wellness Hub Thailand: The Future of Global Wellness”, Dr Tanupol’s presentation aimed to strengthen strategic partnerships in preventive healthcare, showcase Thailand’s leadership in wellness tourism, and build lasting health networks between Thailand and the People's Republic of China. The event, organised to mark the upcoming 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, was attended by Ms Prinat Apirat, Consul General at the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Shanghai, along with executives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand and leading Chinese tourism agencies.
Ms Prinat opened the event by emphasising Thailand’s growing strength and opportunity to lead the global wellness tourism sector. She stressed that expanding cooperation in wellness would deepen the bilateral relationship and help promote sustainable development in both nations.
Taking the stage, Dr Tanupol shared his insights into the evolution of preventive healthcare, advocating for a shift from reactive medical models towards holistic, proactive strategies designed to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being. He underscored Thailand’s unique potential, combining world-class healthcare with traditional Thai wellness practices, warm hospitality, and natural beauty to create a compelling offering for global visitors.
The New Health Landscape: Addressing an Aging Society and Non-Communicable Diseases
During his address, Dr Tanupol highlighted the challenges facing healthcare systems worldwide, particularly in aging societies such as China. Advances in medical technology have extended human lifespans—global average life expectancy rose from 66.8 years in 2000 to 73.4 years in 2019. However, the global average "health span," or years lived in good health, lags behind at just 63.7 years. This gap means many spend nearly a decade suffering from illness at the end of life.
In China, where approximately 20% of the population is now over 60, the growing burden of age-related diseases is placing immense pressure on healthcare infrastructure. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as stroke, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes have become the leading causes of death, accounting for around 90% of mortalities annually. Dr Tanupol noted that in 2022 alone, NCDs caused over nine million deaths in China—an average of 1,034 deaths per hour.
Obesity has also emerged as a critical public health issue, with around 39% of China’s population, equivalent to over 549 million people, classified as obese in 2022. Obesity significantly increases vulnerability to other illnesses and was a major risk factor during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Tanupol pointed out that individuals with obesity faced a sevenfold higher risk of fatal outcomes from COVID-19 compared to the general population.
Advancing Scientific Wellness: Dr Amp’s Vision for the Future
Recognising these urgent challenges, Dr Tanupol advocated for a new approach centred on "Scientific Wellness" and Lifestyle Medicine. Rather than waiting for disease to occur, he stressed the importance of early detection, preventive care, and holistic lifestyle adjustments to extend healthy life years and improve quality of life.
“Thailand is uniquely positioned to lead this shift," Dr Tanupol said. "We have the medical expertise, the cultural heritage of healing, and the natural environment to offer a truly world-class wellness experience."
He cited recent data from the Global Wellness Institute showing that Thailand’s wellness economy grew by 28.4% between 2022 and 2023, reaching a value of USD 40.54 billion (approximately THB 1.4 trillion). Wellness tourism alone surged by 119.5%, valued at approximately THB 415 billion, making Thailand the second-fastest-growing wellness tourism destination globally after China.
“These figures do more than reflect economic success. They prove Thailand’s potential and readiness to become a true leader in global wellness,” he added.
Thailand’s competitive advantages include not only its advanced healthcare system but also its abundance of natural resources, nutritious cuisine, traditional Thai medicine, and a longstanding culture of warm, attentive service. Dr Tanupol noted that these strengths offer a unique blend of modern science and ancient wisdom—critical for meeting the growing global demand for holistic wellness solutions.
Building Global Health Networks: Strengthening Thailand–China Ties
The Shanghai Health Talk also served as a platform for forging deeper connections between Thailand and China in the health and wellness sectors. Dr Tanupol emphasised the importance of international collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and mutual support in promoting preventive health strategies and expanding wellness tourism opportunities.
“This collaboration marks an important milestone in our enduring relationship with China,” he said. “It reflects our shared commitment to improving the quality of life for our people and to positioning wellness as a bridge that unites our nations.”
Dr Tanupol’s vision is clear: to continue building Thailand’s reputation as a centre for world-class preventive healthcare and wellness tourism, creating benefits not only for visitors but also for local communities and future generations.
As a prominent advocate of proactive healthcare innovation, he remains committed to supporting #TeamThailand initiatives, expanding global health partnerships, and ensuring that Thailand’s wellness leadership continues to flourish on the world stage.