Middle-East Health Tourists To Get 90-Day Visas As Thailand Goes Medical Hub

[webfact]

Thailand woos Middle Eastern health tourists

Bangkok, Aug 7, 2012 (AFP) - Thailand will offer 90-day visas on arrival to citizens of six Middle Eastern countries for private health treatment in a bid to boost its status as a medical tourism hub, officials said Tuesday.

The visas will be available to nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates provided they can show proof of their medical appointment in Thailand.

"Thailand wants to be Asia's medical hub and in the past the length of stay was inconveniently short so the government decided to extend it to not more than 90 days" from 30 days currently, a government spokeswoman told reporters.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2012-08-07

[Jingthing]

Great. By why limit it to only those nationals with proof of medical booking?

[mahjongguy]

Great. By why limit it to only those nationals with proof of medical booking?

I guess because the specific purpose of this change is to boost medical tourism (only).

Note that some of these countries currently get visa waiver and some get visa on arrival.

[Jingthing]

Still doesn't make any sense to me. For example an American with the same medical tourism goal needing a 90 day stay would have a hassle under the current visa system!

[lopburi3]

I believe he was asking why not for all nationalities (90 days) with a medical appointment. Although I missed that on first read.

[biggunguy]

it could be abused...

you just have to make an appointment about 5 implants, and you will get a 3 months visa...

after arrival, you might change your mind...

or miss appointments, postpone them, because you might catch a food poisoning...

btw, who else goes here for medical treatment?

most europeans have a health insurance, which wouldnt cover thailand, and are used to very high standards anyway...

[Jingthing]

I believe he was asking why not for all nationalities (90 days) with a medical appointment. Although I missed that on first read.

Yes.

[Jingthing]

it could be abused...

you just have to make an appointment about 5 implants, and you will get a 3 months visa...

after arrival, you might change your mind...

or miss appointments, postpone them, because you might catch a food poisoning...

btw, who else goes here for medical treatment?

most europeans have a health insurance, which wouldnt cover thailand, and are used to very high standards anyway...

Anything can be abused.

I reject your other point. People come here for all kinds of things that aren't covered by their home country insurance, if they have any (many Americans don't). For example plastic surgery, stomach banding, etc.

[mahjongguy]

I believe he was asking why not for all nationalities (90 days) with a medical appointment. Although I missed that on first read.

I missed that too. Sorry, Jing.

A partial answer may be that some of those listed countries only got 15 days on VOA.

[mahjongguy]

Followup: I wonder how those people are going to get checked in for their flights. Their return flights will exceed the number of days shown in the airline databases.

[AyG]

btw, who else goes here for medical treatment?

most europeans have a health insurance, which wouldnt cover thailand, and are used to very high standards anyway...

Uh, no. Most Europeans don't have health insurance. They are provided with free (or virtually free) healthcare by their governments' social security schemes. However, some don't want to have to wait too long to be treated, and others want cosmetic procedures which are covered neither by social security, nor by private insurance. These individuals may want to (and indeed do) come to Thailand for their procedures.

[Notstupid30]

Umm I know it's a bit like this ?

Tourism numbers to Thailand are up. From January to May 2012 the number of international tourists to Thailand increased by 7.27% despite the global economic slow down. Visits from Britons increased by 12% in May 2012 compared to the same time in 2011. This strong performance cements Thailand's position as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, currently ranked 11th by the UN World Tourism Organisation.

Phuket is the most famous Thai isle. It is a mountainous island surrounded by golden sand beaches that are lapped by the warm waters of the Andaman Sea. Holidays in Phuket can include Thai cooking classes, a sunset dinner onboard a traditional Thai boat and a cruise in a long tail boat to Phang Nga Bay Marine Park. Phuket holidays offer exceptional value for the money.

Koh Samui off the east coast of Thailand offers a more relaxed pace of life than Phuket. There are temples and waterfalls to discover inland and a breathtakingly beautiful coast to explore. Koh Samui comes to life at night with a range of restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs offering a welcoming blend of Thai and international cultures. After the 2004 tsunami Koh Phi Phi has rebuilt itself to be even more beautiful and tourist friendly.

Source : http://travelbiznews...st-destinations

Please see inside the link for the International tourist arrivals by country of destination

1 France 76.80 million 2 United States 60.88 million 3 China 55.67 million 4 Spain 52.68 million 5 Italy 43.63 million 6 United Kingdom 28.13 million 7 Turkey 27.00 million 8 Germany 26.88 million 9 Malaysia 24.58 million 10 Mexico 22.40 million

It seems EU Places are doing really well and no suprise really when you look at value on the tour packages more closer to home and on top of that you have all inclusive deals happening ? but still some places EU are screaming for help with the bailout not also easy to to trust these govermeant agents who deal with tourim these days .. Plus you also have to think about exchange rate here and it's not like what it use to be say like back in 2005

Then you look at this ? for some ideas ?

Top Dental Tourism Destinations in the World 2012/08/06

1. Thailand 2.Philippines 3. Dubai 4. Turkey 5.Czech Republic 6. Poland 7. Hungary 8. Spain 9. Mexico 10. Costa Rica

Source http://country.ezine...372f171b74.html

Why spend that sort of money when you have say Dubai or Turkey more closer to Home to you plus they speak Arabic ?

Then you have this ?

Dubai Healthcare City Expansion for Medical Tourism

Dubai In a push to promote medical tourism in the emirate, Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) will open specialised centres for oncology, genetic disorders and diabetes as well as close the gap in services by adding facilities like rehab, paediatrics and integrated medicine.

Recently Gulf News reported that the DHCC’s plan to position itself as the medical hub for international and regional patients was spurred by increase in the number of patients visiting Dubai for treatment and more investment coming into the city.

According to the research firm Business Monitor International, health tourism in the UAE is growing at 15 per cent annually.

Last year, the DHCC recorded a sharp growth in medical tourism with over 502,000 patients in 2011 including 15 per cent medical tourists compared to 10 per cent of a total of 412,000 patients in 2010. It estimates that medical tourism in the emirate will generate Dh6.1 billion by the end of 2012. In a media statement, Dr Ayesha Abdullah, Managing Director of DHCC said that the UAE has strongly established itself as one of the top destinations for medical tourism in the Middle East with Dubai driving the demand for global standard healthcare services, against cost-competitive destinations such as Thailand and India.

Speaking of the potential for further growth, Dr Ayesha said, that Dubai is strategically positioned itself as a leading provider of top-quality care in diverse areas with a focus on niche services. The DHCC seeks to provide high-end tertiary care so that it remains at the forefront among the regional players.

She said, “Medical travellers have come to Dubai for cosmetic procedures, dental treatment and even hip-replacements. The UAE and particularly Dubai offers quality healthcare solutions that largely measure up against cost-competitive destinations. The figures show that a cardiac bypass costing around $130,000 in the US can be had for $44,000 in the UAE.”

She explained that medical tourists select Dubai due to its shorter waiting times and high quality of medical care. “Dubai Healthcare City offers affordable options for specialty care that are at par with international standards of quality and success rates. With its strategic location, quality of care and accessibility, the DHCC is well equipped to become a leading medical travel destination in the UAE.”

She added, we have also seen a growing trend in patients choosing complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Currently, the DHCC is home to 12 CAM medical centres, more than 50 CAM-licensed professionals who offer treatment in 14 areas, including homeopathy, Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, Unani medicine, osteopathy, therapeutic massage, naturopathy, guided imagery, Tai Chi, Pilates, chiropractic and yoga.

Source http://gulfnews.com/...urism-1.1045764

Then on top of this you have to look at India, Japan Taiwan Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, China plus the EU are all having good ranks for tourism health care treatment and on top of this speak the native language of the person seeking treatment too ?

Found this also 35 pages of crap ?

Message from

Her Excellency Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra

Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand

The general elections held in Thailand on 3 July 2011 marked the beginning of a new chapter

in the Kingdom’s efforts to achieve reconciliation and greater democratisation. The enthusiasm shown

by the Thai people whose participation in the electoral process produced the highest voter turnout in

the Kingdom’s history is testament that participatory democracy continues to mature in Thailand.

Having attained a clear and strong mandate, the Government is fully committed to promoting

reconciliation and the rule of law as well as improving the well-being of the Thai people. As we move

forward, Thailand will work closely with our friends around the world to strengthen existing

partnerships as well as forge new ones, cementing our reputation as one of Asia’s most vibrant trade

and investment hubs as well as the world’s favourite holiday destination.

While the recent floods have affected the livelihood of a large number of people as well as

some industrial and agricultural land, the Kingdom’s economic fundamentals remain strong. The

Government has attended to the people’s immediate needs and embarked on a long-term strategy for

rehabilitation and reconstruction, including that of a comprehensive water management system. By

seizing this opportunity to make Thailand more disaster-resistant, I am confident that Thailand will

remain resilient and emerge in an even stronger position to bolster its robust economy, providing new

opportunities and continuing on its path towards sustainable growth and development.

Despite the various challenges faced, Thailand is expected to see a fast recovery due to a

growing domestic market based upon a rising middle class, an open and flexible approach to trade and

investment, a strategic location with extensive infrastructure and easy access to regional markets, a

service-oriented culture and a quality workforce supplying creativity and dedication. The Government

will enhance these fundamentals and will implement responsible and solutions-based, pro-growth

policies, designed to raise our level of competitiveness as well as the people’s standard of living,

complementing the common objective of the ten ASEAN Member States to build a vibrant Community

by 2015, turning the region into a single market and production base that is more integrated and

connected.

Finally, I trust that you will find this information package useful and that you will have the

opportunity to “Experience Thailand” for yourself soon.

http://www.thaiembas...5714-361329.pdf

[PattayaPhom]

Great. By why limit it to only those nationals with proof of medical booking?

Because it would widely be open to mass abuse the same as ED visas are now.

[webfact]

Thailand eases visa restrictions for Arab medical tourists

BANGKOK: -- Thailand on Tuesday eased visa rules for citizensof six Middle Eastern countries to boost the kingdom's position as a medical hub.

The cabinet approved a policy to allow 90-day visas on arrival forpeople seeking medical services from Bahrain, Kuwait, Omar, Qatar,Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

They may be accompanied by up to four relatives.

Currently, visas on arrival are only good for 15 to 30 days.

Thailand draws tens of thousands of medical tourists each year,attracted by its cheap but professional hospitals and staff.

-- The Nation 2012-08-08

[endure]

btw, who else goes here for medical treatment?

most europeans have a health insurance, which wouldnt cover thailand, and are used to very high standards anyway...

Uh, no. Most Europeans don't have health insurance. They are provided with free (or virtually free) healthcare by their governments' social security schemes.

Most Europeans DO have health insurance which is usually provided by their government's social security schemes. It is NOT free - it's free at the point of delivery which is a different thing altogether.

[AyG]

btw, who else goes here for medical treatment?

most europeans have a health insurance, which wouldnt cover thailand, and are used to very high standards anyway...

Uh, no. Most Europeans don't have health insurance. They are provided with free (or virtually free) healthcare by their governments' social security schemes.

Most Europeans DO have health insurance which is usually provided by their government's social security schemes. It is NOT free - it's free at the point of delivery which is a different thing altogether.

You seem to be missing the main point: there can be long delays in receiving healthcare in Europe, and many people don't wish to wait wait months or even years for a hip replacement, or whatever, when they're living in agony, and cosmetic procedures are not covered, so there is a demand for private treatment. Consequently, it's reasonable to expect there to be a demand from Europeans for medical treatment in Thailand.

And the social security scheme is not insurance. With insurance you have to pay an insurance premium to receive treatment - don't pay, no treatment. With social security schemes you get treatment whether you've paid or not. Children don't pay (nor do parents on their behalves), yet they receive treatment. Unemployed people don't pay, but they receive treatment. Partners who don't work receive treatment. Migrants from Europe receive free treatment - whether working or not. Even illegal immigrants are entitled to some free medical treatment. With insurance there's a direct link between the money paid and the services received; with social security there isn't.

[davejones]

it could be abused...

you just have to make an appointment about 5 implants, and you will get a 3 months visa...

after arrival, you might change your mind...

or miss appointments, postpone them, because you might catch a food poisoning...

btw, who else goes here for medical treatment?

most europeans have a health insurance, which wouldnt cover thailand, and are used to very high standards anyway...

I'm from the UK and would prefer to come here and pay for medical treatment than stay in the UK and get sub-standard treatment for free. I waited over 2 years for an MRI scan on my knee. I gave up waiting and moved to Thailand. Many people in the UK pay for medical treatment and it's cheaper to fly to Thailand than get treatment in the UK. You'll get better treatment in Thailand and be seen more quickly. Service is Thailand is way better than the UK. I'm comparing places like Bumrungrad not the free Thai hospitals.

[bill014]

So, let's get this straight. An Arab can come here for medical treatment and bring 4 relatives with him/her. What are they, extra nurses? I tried to get my mother out here on a 90 day visa and had to go through the convoluted process of going to the Thai Consulate in Cardiff and proving her income. She's 81 years old!! Situation normal. You can only be rascist if you're white.

[overherebc]

Maybe the perception that middle east visitors are seen as being usually very wealthy and bringing 4 relatives adds to to the overall spending while in Thailand

[Jingthing]

This policy does seem discriminatory. Heck, it IS discriminatory. They are explicitly seeking the business from the specific countries. We can only hope the program is a huge success and someone gets the bright idea that medically based 90 day visas should be much more widely offered.

[samran]

Geez, the sense of entitlement on this thread is amazing. Racist I hear...well only when it doesn't benefit you!

Most people here with western passports can travel pretty freely to most parts of the world - is that racist?

Many here get priveledged access to each others countries via the European Union, North American Free Trade Agreement, The Australian- New Zealand Common Economic Relations agreement.

But when a bunch of Arabs (and lets be frank, that is what is giving people the shIts here) get 90 days and you blokes only get 30, well, it is RACIST.

I have to shake my head sometimes.

[Jingthing]

Geez, the sense of entitlement on this thread is amazing. Racist I hear...well only when it doesn't benefit you!

Most people here with western passports can travel pretty freely to most parts of the world - is that racist?

Many here get priveledged access to each others countries via the European Union, North American Free Trade Agreement, The Australian- New Zealand Common Economic Relations agreement.

But when a bunch of Arabs (and lets be frank, that is what is giving people the shIts here) get 90 days and you blokes only get 30, well, it is RACIST.

I have to shake my head sometimes.

I didn't say racist. All I know is plenty of Americans and many other nationalities would like the convenience of this option and now have to hassle with tourist visas when actually this idea of a medical 90 day visa would be much better for them. Not questioning any government's right to be discriminatory on visas. Just saying this policy appears on the face of it kind of irrational. If they want more medical tourism business, why be so stingy with this medical visa option?

Again if you were talking about my comment and read discriminatory as racist, you read that totally WRONG.

[brit1984]

I think it is a good policy and it is sensible to limit it rather than creating another ED visa type loophole. If it was literally open to everyone who booked a hospital appointment, it would be very open to abuse.

Obviously a more objective method (e.g. 100k USD deposit or some sort of proof of high income) would be fairer than the Arabs-only rule but I assume this method makes it easy to get the system up-and-running, and then they can make it more sophisticated in the future if it proves popular.

Sent from iPhone; please forgive any typos or violations of forum rules

[Jingthing]

I don't buy that. If the worry is abuse, those named nationals could abuse it too.

[samran]

Geez, the sense of entitlement on this thread is amazing. Racist I hear...well only when it doesn't benefit you!

Most people here with western passports can travel pretty freely to most parts of the world - is that racist?

Many here get priveledged access to each others countries via the European Union, North American Free Trade Agreement, The Australian- New Zealand Common Economic Relations agreement.

But when a bunch of Arabs (and lets be frank, that is what is giving people the shIts here) get 90 days and you blokes only get 30, well, it is RACIST.

I have to shake my head sometimes.

I didn't say racist. All I know is plenty of Americans and many other nationalities would like the convenience of this option and now have to hassle with tourist visas when actually this idea of a medical 90 day visa would be much better for them. Not questioning any government's right to be discriminatory on visas. Just saying this policy appears on the face of it kind of irrational. If they want more medical tourism business, why be so stingy with this medical visa option?

Again if you were talking about my comment and read discriminatory as racist, you read that totally WRONG.

Bill04 before you implied it. And you have it a big fat 'like'.

So I'll call it as I read it.

[Jingthing]

Geez, the sense of entitlement on this thread is amazing. Racist I hear...well only when it doesn't benefit you!

Most people here with western passports can travel pretty freely to most parts of the world - is that racist?

Many here get priveledged access to each others countries via the European Union, North American Free Trade Agreement, The Australian- New Zealand Common Economic Relations agreement.

But when a bunch of Arabs (and lets be frank, that is what is giving people the shIts here) get 90 days and you blokes only get 30, well, it is RACIST.

I have to shake my head sometimes.

I didn't say racist. All I know is plenty of Americans and many other nationalities would like the convenience of this option and now have to hassle with tourist visas when actually this idea of a medical 90 day visa would be much better for them. Not questioning any government's right to be discriminatory on visas. Just saying this policy appears on the face of it kind of irrational. If they want more medical tourism business, why be so stingy with this medical visa option?

Again if you were talking about my comment and read discriminatory as racist, you read that totally WRONG.

Bill04 before you implied it. And you have it a big fat 'like'.

So I'll call it as I read it.

Too separate issues, dude. I agree with the sentiment that not only whites can be racist and I also think Thai society is massively racist. Racism exists in ALL countries and Thailand is so very much NOT an exception. But this visa policy decision about these countries I think is based on MONEY and not race. The perception must be those nationals are fat pickings. I am arguing there are fat money pickings for medical tourism in many other countries, and by liberalizing the medical visa policy, those nationals are low hanging money fruit as well. In any case, I think Thailand is shooting themselves in the foot with this. Indeed more Americans for example will choose more convenient countries for their medical tourism spending so lost money for Thailand.

[overherebc]

The vast majority of people who wish to vist Thailand can apply for double or triple entry (tourist) visas in their own country. If they, the overseas visitor, want to use this option of a 90 day medical visa, how do they confirm that the hospital they are going to book with is the best one for the job. Maybe you believe advertising but I don't. I won't even book my car into a garage for a service without looking at the place beforehand.

You cannot blame anyone for trying to make some money, we all try to do it.

If you want to come from the UK or the USA for medical treatmeant here get a multi entry visa at the Thai embassy in your own country, I'm sure they will be sympathetic to your needs, then come here, pick the best place for you and get the job done.

If you have the cash you will be welcomed with open arms.

[Jingthing]

Oh please! Double entry tourist visa? If you're in for some major medical work do you fancy a rough ride visa run when recovering from major surgery? No, not everyone needs 90 days for their medical care here, but some people do. All I'm saying is that this 90 day medical visa is a great idea. For the patients and for Thailand. So I am indeed questioning why so limited.

[Lebo]

Maybe the perception that middle east visitors are seen as being usually very wealthy and bringing 4 relatives adds to to the overall spending while in Thailand

They might be percieved as being wealthy, but the wealthy in all the countries listed for the 90 day visa have no trouble receiving high level care in their own countries. Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates all have world class medical facilities. And it wont stimulate the economy in a manner that will have much impact. The people will come, stay in a cheap hotel, eat arab food at Suk and soi 3 served by an arab illegal alien in a restraunt operated by an arab illegal alien.

________

Seems unfair that everyone cant get a 90 day visa for medical reasons. The whole thing seem a bad idea to me. And 90 days on arrival..just seems stupid. To easy to BS.

[emilyb]

Great. By why limit it to only those nationals with proof of medical booking?

Because it would widely be open to mass abuse the same as ED visas are now.

In the ED Visa world, everyone gets money and then the students and schools conspire to not provide or take advantage of the paid-for learning. In the medical visa world, what happens is that the hospitals or agencies spend time arranging a visa for the person, the person arrives in Thailand and then never comes for the procedure - no one makes money. If you know any Middle Easterners working in the field they'll be the first to tell you this because it causes them major headaches.

The reason they're opening it up is that, overall, it's still profitable for the big hospitals like Bumrungrad to waste time on fake applicants, because the genuine applicants who do come spend a very large amount of money. And, of course, over time they get better at weeding out the scammers (pretty much anyone who applies with some bizarrely obscure chronic condition that conveniently sounds like it will take a long time to treat). It's more of a problem for the agencies and for the hospitals that are new to dealing with tourists from the region.