Thailand has strengthened its position as a leading global destination for medical tourism, with new data showing the country is now among the top three worldwide for international patients seeking treatment abroad. The surge has been driven largely by Russian travellers, who are increasingly choosing Thailand for elective procedures, preventative care and wellness treatments. Get today's headlines by email According to the Medical Tourism Overseas Q4 2025 report by Yango Ads, Thailand recorded an 8% year-on-year increase in medical-related search queries. The data highlights growing international interest in the kingdom’s healthcare services, reflecting the country’s reputation for combining modern medical infrastructure with established tourism appeal. Russian travellers have emerged as a major driver behind the rise in demand. The report indicates that this group now ranks Thailand as a primary destination for medical services abroad, particularly for elective treatments and preventative healthcare. The shift towards health-focused travel is most visible in demand for wellness services. Search queries from Russian users for destination spa treatments in Thailand increased by 45% compared with the previous year, accounting for 67% of all their medical tourism searches related to the country. Beyond spa and wellness experiences, clinical services are also seeing increased interest. Health diagnostics and dental services rank as the next most sought-after categories among medical tourists researching Thailand as a destination. The figures suggest a growing trend among travellers who combine holidays with healthcare services. Visitors are increasingly seeking medical check-ups, diagnostic testing or dental treatments while travelling, taking advantage of Thailand’s reputation for high-quality and cost-effective care. Medical tourism is also contributing to Thailand’s wider tourism performance. The country continues to attract strong interest from Russian travellers for leisure visits, maintaining a leading position in the regional travel market. Thailand currently ranks as the number one destination in Southeast Asia for Russian travellers, outperforming regional competitors such as Vietnam and Japan. The country’s popularity is partly attributed to its appeal as a warm-weather destination during the northern hemisphere’s winter months. Search data from the final quarter of 2025 showed overall travel-related search volumes for Thailand rising by 10%. This followed a significant 49% surge recorded in the third quarter of the year. The Nation reported that globally, Thailand now trails only major medical tourism, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates in terms of search interest, reinforcing its status as a major international centre for healthcare travel. The continued growth in search demand suggests the country’s combined wellness, tourism and healthcare offerings will remain a key attraction for international visitors. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 16 Mar 2026
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