Thailand Hua Hin’s medical tourism hub adds anti-ageing, long Covid treatment
Source：The Nation Newspaper
From：Taiwan Trade Center, Bangkok
Update Time：2022/09/22
Hua Hin’s bid for a spot among the world’s top five medical/wellness destinations got a booster on Saturday with the launch of a new clinic targeting high-end tourists.
Chevala Wellness Hua Hin opened in collaboration with InterContinental Resort at the coastal resort’s Bluport Mall.
It offers wellness and beauty programmes designed by a team of specialists led by Dr Ratkawin Jitawatanarat, an American Board of Hematology, oncology and anti-ageing specialist. The programmes include meals and accommodation at the resort.
The global wellness economy is projected to grow 9.9 per cent per year, reaching nearly US$7 trillion in 2025 as the world rebounds from Covid-19.
According to the Public Health Ministry, medical tourism now makes up 15 per cent of Thailand’s tourism markets, trailing nature, food, and cultural tourism.
Spending on Thai medical tourism is also growing 25-27 per cent per year, driven by tourists from the Middle East, South Asia, Europe, and the US.
The launch of Chevala also aligns with the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s campaign to make the country the “Medical and Wellness Resort of the World” by 2024.
“Chevala was developed because we realised that Thailand has never had a fully integrated evidence-based medical wellness centre that provides a truly comprehensive body and mind healing experience by medical specialists,” said Dr Ratkawin, its chief medical director.
“Apart from the medical programmes, we also offer hearty chef-prepared meals and exercise courses with certified trainers for an all-inclusive health programme.”
Ratkawin sees great potential for Thailand’s health and wellness sectors, as more tourists fly in to seek treatments.
“Not only is Thailand home to internationally recognised expertise and state-of-the-art facilities, but it also offers competitive service prices, stunning nature, and beautiful cultural attractions. The country is already among Asia’s top 10 medical hubs,” she said.
She also noted Hua Hin’s reputation as a top beach resort, with Prachuap Khiri Khan province attracting 3.6 million local and international tourists in the first five months (January-May) of this year.
“The province also ranked among Thailand’s top three destinations, generating revenue of 12.352 billion baht. We believe this partnership is a stepping stone for Thailand’s journey toward becoming a world-class wellness destination. The project is part of our contribution to Thailand’s economic recovery through wellness tourism.”
Chevala is targeting InterContinental Hua Hin Resort customers as well as non-guests with five services: Long Covid recovery programme, anti-ageing programme, immunity booster, detox, and cardiovascular strengthening programme.
Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/