The Medical Tourism Wave Moves On

Expansion of Cheap Health care

Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Plc (BGH), a major investor in medical tourism packages in Thailand, is now looking further afield to hospital projects in neighbouring countries.  While cheap health care drives the market in medical tourism, Thailand has continued to attract major investments.  This is due to the first-class facilities that the country offers in addition to its cheap and affordable health care.

Medical Tourism - Thailand and Beyond

BGH, having spent an estimated two billion baht this year, has an eye on more overseas investments, next year, and is a powerful force in the expansion of medical tourism.  Thailand will soon be joined by Cambodia as the chosen destination for many thousands of Americans looking for a medical tourism package offering cheap health care.   Alongside interests in Thailand (Bangkok Hospital, Samitivej and BNH), BGH now has major shareholdings in other hospitals in the area.

Medical Tourism Package Expansion into Cambodia

BGH affiliate, Asia International Healthcare Co (AIH), deals with overseas investments, and its regional expansion plan started with a 30-bed facility in Cambodia's Siem Reap.  This hospital aims to service the medical requirements of tourists in nearby Angkor Wat.   BGH is also planning two medical facilities in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital; one is the expansion of an existing clinic on the outskirts of the city; the other is a 20,000 square-meter site near Phnom Penh International Airport.

Continuing Investment in Cheap Health Care

Cambodian projects due to start next year signal greater expansion of the medical tourism market. With projected revenue to increase by 25% next year, BGH vice-president for corporate finance, Wallop Adhikomprapa, says, "We are now looking at investing in small projects in the United Arab Emirates."

Source: Charoen Kittikanya, “BGH Look Abroad For Hospital Growth,” Bangkok Post, (Bangkok, Thailand), October 25, 2006