Factors affecting the attractiveness of Thailand medical tourism, poised to be a top of mind medical destination.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Globalization enables people to travel across the globe to access medical care services wherever convenient. Thailand is one of the most renowned medical tourism destinations in the world where comprehensive range of medical therapies are offered by public and private hospitals. Despite the competitive environment among the industry rivals e.g. Singapore, Malaysia and India, therefore, what would be the factors affecting the attractiveness of Thailand medical tourism, poised to be top of mind medical destination. The research utilized the qualitative approach using the in-depth interview. The interview was conducted at various private hospitals in Bangkok metropolitan area with 15 local and internationals respondents who are the patient themselves and executives who engaged in medical tourism promotion. The study revealed that “Physician Training” was considered as the most attractive factor when making decision for medical treatment purpose. Cost effectiveness is less involved in the decision making process when dealing with life and death. Therefore, industry partners should be more specific on the medical travellers’ primary concerns to compete in the emerging global medical tourism industry.