March 10, 2006
BANGKOK (AFP) - Thailand's top private hospital, the Bumrungrad International Hospital, and a leading Asian travel agency said Friday they had forged a tie up to boost medical tourism in the kingdom.
Bumrungrad, one of the most popular medical tourism destinations in Asia, attracts more than 400,000 foreign patients each year.
Under the pact with Diethelm Travel Asia, a leading Asian tour operator, Bumrungrad patients can enjoy tours in the kingdom.
Medical tourism is popular in Thailand as Bumrungrad has already tied up with flag carrier Thai Airways International to offer foreign patients package tours combining medical treatment with sightseeing.
Tourism accounts for six percent of Thailand's gross domestic product and the government forecast some 13.6 million foreign tourists would visit the kingdom in 2006.