Visa exemptions for Gulf States' patients

By Digital Media

BANGKOK, Feb 5 – Medical patients from six Gulf States who seek medical treatment in Thailand will be exempted from visa requirements and allowed to stay in the kingdom for a maximum 90 days, the public health minister announced today.

Dr Pradit Sintavanarong said the relaxed regulations are applicable to the patient’s family members and escorts, limited to four persons, in an attempt to promote Thailand as the region’s medical hub.

Six countries under the new regulation are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Patients entitled to the leniency must produce appointment letter issued by a Thai hospital, financial statement and other relevant documents. Present immigration rules allow the six Gulf citizens a maximum stay of 30 days. The scheme will be expanded to nine Southeast Asian countries, the Scandinavian nations, Japan, Russia and China in the future.

He said Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will announce the new regulations and the government’s medical hub strategy on Feb 22 with a strong belief that Thailand’s competitive edge will be boosted globally.

International patients made over two million trips to Thailand for medical treatment last year, generating revenue of Bt121.6 billion, he said, adding that 18 per cent of the foreigners sought medical checkups, 14 per cent received beauty surgery, 14 per cent dental care and treatment, 11 per cent bone surgery and 7 per cent heart surgery.

Twenty-four hospitals in Thailand are internationally recognised and pass the international standard regulation imposed by the United States, he said, adding that 11 others were approved for their standards on specialised treatment for heart disease, breast cancer, stroke and kidney disease. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-02-05

If the PM is issuing the statement on Feb 22nd why is the good doctor stealing her thunder now? Perhaps with the influx of medical tourism the hospitals can afford to pay the nurses...

why would anyone from them gulf states with great medical facilities ever want to come to Thailand haha hubba hubba hubba

Well if you have used major hospitals in Thailand during the last decade do not believe you would be asking that question - it is now a good part of the business for leading hospitals in Bangkok. As I understand many of there governments send and pay for treatment here.

why would anyone from them gulf states with great medical facilities ever want to come to Thailand haha hubba hubba hubba

Surprising but several Emerati friends bring their families here for a holiday - and always have medical check ups. Some others send their aged parents for treatment here. The medical standards in UAE and KSA seem excellent. But lots of Doctors are from the Indian sub-continent. and my Arab friends all think Thai Doctors/Dentists and hospitals are better. They all get free vip treatement at home, but are willing to pay private here, and travel, which demonstrates the value they believe is added.

why would anyone from them gulf states with great medical facilities ever want to come to Thailand haha hubba hubba hubba

Thailand actually has internationally recognized, high quality medical facilities and skilled doctors. Just walk into any major international hospital in Bangkok and you'll see people from dozens of different countries.

Curious why Thailand would make this special exception only for the gulf states -- probably in return for a better deal on imported oil.

why would anyone from them gulf states with great medical facilities ever want to come to Thailand haha hubba hubba hubba

Thailand actually has internationally recognized, high quality medical facilities and skilled doctors. Just walk into any major international hospital in Bangkok and you'll see people from dozens of different countries.

Curious why Thailand would make this special exception only for the gulf states -- probably in return for a better deal on imported oil.

Nope - but they know the people from the GCC countries have a very high disposable income.