Speedier visa processing could draw more patients

[george]

HEALTH CARE

Speedier visa processing could draw more patients

Thailand urged to emulate neighbours

Speeding up entry visas for companions accompanying foreign patients could further spur the earnings of the country's burgeoning health-care industry, according to the Export Promotion Department.

The move would help to promote the hospital business and increase the number of foreign patients to one million by 2005, from 600,000 recorded last year, the department said yesterday.

Thailand currently takes three days to process visas for companions who accompany seriously ill patients. Singapore and Malaysia take only three to four hours, the department said.

The government hopes to see at least 10% growth in foreign exchange earnings this year from the health-care sector, which earned around 40 billion baht last year.

The Export Promotion Department has also joined with the Thai Spa Association to upgrade standards to the levels set by the International Spa Association for an accreditation programme.

Intelligent Spa Co in Singapore has reported that only 50 of Thailand's 230 spas now met international standards.

Last year, 2.6 million foreign tourists spent US$85 million on spa services in Thailand.

The trend of the overall health-care business is promising, judging by the 471 exhibitors joining this year's Health & Beauty Show, up 30% from last year.

The event opened to trade visitors yesterday at Impact, Muang Thong Thani and will be open to the general public on Saturday and Sunday.

Source: Bangkok Post 2003-04-25

[dr_Pat_Pong]

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