In a landmark move to enhance bilateral cooperation in healthcare and wellness, the Royal Thai Embassy in Riyadh recently hosted a high-profile seminar titled “Wellness Hub Thailand: The Future of Global Wellness.” The event, held under the patronage of H.E. Mr. Darm Boontham, Ambassador of Thailand to Saudi Arabia, spotlighted Thailand’s growing role as a global wellness leader and aligned closely with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s strategic Vision 2030 agenda.
At the heart of the seminar was Tanupol Virunhagarun, M.D., better known as “Dr. Amp,” Chief Executive Officer of BDMS Wellness Clinic and BDMS Wellness Resort, under Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited (BDMS). Dr. Tanupol led the Thai delegation, sharing insights into Thailand’s holistic healthcare expertise, grounded in the concept of Scientific Wellness — an integrative, preventive model that supports long-term health and vitality.
The seminar represented a significant step toward building a cross-border health and wellness network between Thailand and Saudi Arabia. Participants included healthcare experts, business leaders, and government representatives from both countries, reflecting a shared vision for health innovation and wellness investment. This collaboration reinforces Thailand’s positioning as a hub for global wellness tourism and a valuable partner in helping Saudi Arabia achieve its national development goals.
Scientific Wellness: A Global Health Solution
Dr. Tanupol’s keynote focused on the importance of shifting healthcare paradigms — from reactive treatment to proactive prevention. The concept of Scientific Wellness, central to Thailand’s healthcare innovation, integrates personalised diagnostics, lifestyle interventions, and holistic care. It addresses a growing international concern: the widening gap between life expectancy and health span.
“People are living longer, but they are not necessarily living healthier,” Dr. Tanupol explained. “Scientific Wellness helps bridge this gap by focusing on prevention, early detection, and lifestyle optimisation. It’s not just about adding years to life, but life to years.”
Addressing Saudi Arabia’s Health Challenges
Saudi Arabia, like many countries undergoing rapid modernisation, faces a mounting burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. According to the World Health Organization, over 73% of all deaths in Saudi Arabia are caused by NCDs. More concerning is the fact that Saudis are living, on average, 10 years of their lives with chronic illnesses before passing away — a trend mirrored globally.
With more than 25 million Saudi citizens affected by overweight or obesity, the need for transformative public health solutions has become urgent. Dr. Tanupol underscored that these health issues not only threaten individual well-being but also place significant pressure on national healthcare systems.
“Health span should be a national priority,” he said. “Our collaboration is not just about tourism or business—it’s about helping people live better, healthier lives.”
A Shared Vision: Wellness Hub Thailand and Saudi Vision 2030
The seminar’s theme aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and improve citizens’ quality of life by investing in healthcare, wellness, and sustainable development. Thailand’s Wellness Hub Thailand initiative is a natural complement to this goal, showcasing a model that blends traditional healing wisdom, natural environments, and advanced medical science.
Ambassador Darm emphasised the importance of strengthening ties between Thailand and Saudi Arabia across key sectors: “This partnership reflects the deepening relationship between our nations, particularly in health, tourism, and innovation. We look forward to greater cooperation in building sustainable, people-focused systems.”
Thai Wellness: A Global Soft Power
Thailand’s global reputation for wellness is rooted in its rich cultural heritage, tropical landscapes, and renowned hospitality. Traditional Thai medicine, Thai herbal remedies, and Thai massage have earned global acclaim for their therapeutic effects and holistic benefits. These time-honoured practices, combined with modern medical expertise and international standards, make Thailand uniquely positioned to meet the rising demand for wellness-driven travel.
In recent years, Thailand has also invested heavily in healthcare infrastructure and medical innovation. World-class hospitals, state-of-the-art diagnostic centres, and a highly skilled medical workforce now support a wide spectrum of integrative wellness services — from precision diagnostics and anti-aging treatments to mental well-being and regenerative medicine.
Promoting Team Thailand on the Global Stage
A core component of Thailand’s wellness diplomacy is the promotion of #TeamThailand — a strategic public-private coalition that advances Thai soft power globally. Dr. Tanupol’s role as a wellness ambassador represents this vision. His leadership and dedication to scientific wellness reflect a broader strategy to elevate Thailand’s reputation, not just as a tourist destination, but as a global health and well-being leader.
“Thailand is not just a place to visit,” Dr. Tanupol noted. “It’s a place to heal, to thrive, and to transform your life.”
Building the Foundation for a Sustainable Future
Beyond tourism, the collaboration between Thailand and Saudi Arabia in the wellness sector is expected to have long-term benefits. Joint academic exchanges, knowledge sharing, and investment in wellness research and innovation are already being explored. These initiatives will help both countries tackle common health challenges while creating sustainable economic opportunities.
The event concluded with renewed commitment from both sides to deepen cooperation. Follow-up activities, including collaborative workshops, business matching, and bilateral research initiatives, are being planned under the framework of the Thailand–Saudi Arabia wellness partnership.
A Model for Global Health Partnerships
As global health priorities shift toward prevention, mental well-being, and sustainable living, partnerships like the one between Thailand and Saudi Arabia offer a model for other nations. Through a combination of visionary leadership, cultural richness, and medical excellence, Thailand is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global wellness.
In the words of Dr. Tanupol: “Our goal is to create a world where health is not defined by hospitals and diseases, but by vitality, balance, and joy. And Thailand is ready to lead that change.”
