Thai medical services come under spotlight at 8th Thailand Exhibition at Expo Centre Sharjah

The exhibition was opened by HE Dr. Adisai Dobharamik, Thailand's Minister of Commerce along with HE Sheikh Tariq Bin Faisal Al Qassimi, Chairman, Sharjah Economic Development. This is the government's first bid to push health tourism in the Middle East. A major 5-private hospitals delegation is present at the show which is headed by Dr. Surapong Ambhanwong, President Advisory Board & Foreign Affairs, Thailand's Private Hospital Association.

"Thailand has been recognised as a first class centre in international healthcare facilities in Asia Pacific making it an ideal destination for health tourism. In 2001 there were 557,200 international patients that came for treatment this figure increased to 630,000 in 2002 a growth of 13%," said the minister.

Statistics showed that more than 20,000 patients were from the Middle East primarily from the UAE, Oman and Kuwait. Also, Asia's first internationally accredited hospital, Bumrungrad, which is exhibiting at the show has a signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Dubai Police department to send its officers and their families for annual medical care.

There are already plans to set up a representative office of the Private Hospital Association to promote Thailand's medical facilities.

"We are in the process of setting up an office here to promote our world class medical and health care facilities in the Middle East. Not only are we an ideal tourist destination but our traditional hospitality helps us to provide the best care to patients," said Dr. Ambhanwong.

"Thailand is well known for its age-old herbal and medical massages, spas and holistic treatments this coupled with our modern and latest medical technology complemented with internationally trained and experienced doctors we are able to provide the patient with a complete package including rehabilitation and rejuvenation.

There are more than 600 hospitals and 400 medical facilities in Thailand. Most of the international patients come for cardiovascular treatments, respiratory diseases and cosmetic surgery.

Dr. Ambhanwong reiterated the minister's sentiments saying that Thailand was an ideal health tourism destination.

Other exhibits at the Thailand Exhibition include Auto parts and accessories, fashion, computers, handicrafts, toys, hardware and construction material, furniture and packaging products.

The exhibition is organised by the Department of Export Promotion of Thailand in association with the Thai Trade Centre in Dubai.

Also, present at the opening was Mr. Mubarak Balaswad, Director General, Expo Centre Sharjah welcomed the decision by the Thai Private Hospital Association to set up a representative office in the UAE.

"Expo Centre Sharjah welcomes your decision and will provide whatever support it can to help set up the offices. The move is also in the right direction and will benefit patients looking for world class treatment at much affordable prices."

Visitors to the show can enter a daily business card draw to win an air ticket to Bangkok, with a three nights stay at one of the top hotels. In addition to this the winner will also get an executive check-up with one of the country's best private hospitals.

The four-day show is open to trade visitors daily from 10am to 1pm and 4.30pm to 9.30pm except on Tuesday (30th) when the afternoon session will be made open to public and run from 4.30pm to 8.30pm.