ID :
374369
Mon, 07/13/2015 - 14:53
Auther :

Thailand lays out strategies on medical hub, health tourism

NONTHABURI, THAILAND, July 13 (TNA) - The Thai government, through the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, is developing strategies to turn Thailand into a medical hub and a medical tourism center in the region. Thai Public Health Minister Dr. Rajata Rajatanavin and Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, thus, led their staff to discuss the strategies at the Ministry of Public Health in Bangkok's neighboring Nonthaburi Province on Monday. Dr. Rajata then told journalists that the strategies cover the promotion and the development of Thailand's potential on health and medical services and the traditional Thai medicine, as well as upgrade of local hospitals to meet the international standard, health care for international tourists with immediate illnesses, effective surveillance to control communicable diseases and extended stays for medical clients. Dr. Rajata noted that the visa extension, from 30 to 90 days, will be first granted to visitors from Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the measure may be later expanded to visitors from other countries. The tourism and sports minister told reporters, meanwhile, that medical services and health tourism are the best selling point; so, Thailand's competitiveness in the areas should be further enhanced for sustainable growth, urging authorities and relevant business operators to cooperate in the field. The minister also suggested that Thai herbal products be further developed, while the standards of local food, toilets and fresh markets be maintained. (TNA)

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