Government paves way for Thailand to become int'l health hub

BANGKOK, February 15 (TNA) - The government is sending signals for better services at hospitals, especially private ones, to increase national income and pave the way for Thailand to become an international hub of health services in the foreseeable future. Government Spokesman Major General Sansern Kaewkamnerd told journalists of the policy on February 14, noting that hospital improvements would be beneficial to both Thai and foreign patients, while also boosting national income and competitiveness, as the ASEAN Community (AC) would bring more visitors to the country. The government spokesman said 50 public and private hospitals in Thailand now meet the Joint Commission International (JCI) standards, the highest number in AC. The government spokesman pointed out there are also Thai spa and traditional massage parlors, as well as hot springs and herbal products that make Thailand unique. In 2014, the government spokesman acknowledged, foreigners made 1.2 million visits to Thailand to seek medical services, showing the highest traffic in the world. Besides, Thai private hospitals are now among the world's top ten hospitals and the government hopes more Thai hospitals should obtain accreditation from JCI in the future. According to the government spokesman, the government's policy on promoting further improvements of private hospitals target 172 facilities in 10 major Thai tourist destinations, including Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Surat Thani, Songkhla, Krabi, Ayutthaya, Phang-nga and Prachuap Khiri Khan Provinces and five provinces designated to be special economic zones (SEZs) along the border, namely Tak, Mukdahan, Sa Kaeo, Songkhla and Trat. (TNA)