Back in 2004, the Royal Thai Government established a strategy for Thailand to become Asia's medical hub. Today in 2009, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Department of Export Promotion (DEP) estimate about two million tourists are expected to take advantage of Thailand's health care services this year, an annual growth rate of 14% for the sector, ahead of the country's GDP.
According to a report by "Research and Markets," Thailand cared for the highest number of international tourists compared to any other country in Asia. Thailand provides world-class standards, where you can "enjoy prompt attention, immaculate comfort, the services of highly professional staff, and friendly faces" (Tourism Authority of Thailand). Health care costs in Thailand are about 1/5 of what you would pay in the United States or Europe, making it even more impressive that in 2008, foreign patients generated an estimated $6 billion USD for Thailand. An international medical journal claims the Royal Thai Government has prepared a plan that aims to double this revenue by 2014.
A major international accounting and consulting firm estimated that 1.5 million Americans traveled abroad for medical treatment in 2008 and forecasted an annual market expansion of 20% globally going forward to 2012. Thailand is ready to meet this growing demand, offering a full range of top quality medical services at affordable prices.