Summary:
- Thailand experiences a 40% surge in Bangladeshi medical tourists over the past three months, driven by India’s visa restrictions and Thailand’s upcoming e-visa system launch on January 1, 2025.
- Major Thai hospitals report significant growth, with Bumrungrad International Hospital seeing a 67% increase in Bangladeshi patients, rising from 40 to 60 critical patients monthly.
- Thai hospitals are adapting to the influx by establishing dedicated help desks for Bangladeshi patients, offering comprehensive care packages despite marginally higher costs than Bangladesh.
- US Bangla Airlines has increased weekly flights from seven to nine, while credit card spending by Bangladeshis has shifted from India to Thailand and Singapore.
A growing number of Bangladeshi patients are choosing Thailand for medical treatment as India tightens visa restrictions, marking a significant shift in regional medical tourism patterns.
The number of Bangladeshis seeking medical visas for Thailand has increased by approximately 40 percent in the past two to three months, with major Thai hospitals reporting substantial growth in patient admissions.
Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok now receives around 60 critical patients monthly from Bangladesh, up from 40 patients previously – a 67 percent increase. Thai Medicure, an authorized referral partner for top Thai hospitals, has seen their monthly medical visa processing rise from 20 to 30 patients.
“Since September, about 30 percent more patients wished to travel to Thailand for medical treatment,” said Nazneen Akter Sristy, a senior executive at Thai Medicure’s office in Dhaka.
The surge comes as Thailand prepares to launch its global e-visa system on January 1, 2025, making the application process more accessible. The new system will allow applicants to receive visas via email within 10 days of application.
Key factors driving this shift include Thailand’s advanced healthcare infrastructure, compassionate patient care, and streamlined visa procedures. While treatment costs in Thailand are marginally higher than in Bangladesh, patients report superior quality of care and efficiency.
“Although treatment costs in the country were a little higher than that of even the best private hospitals in Bangladesh, the staff’s diligence and quality of care provided are worth it,” said Sabina Akter, a 42-year-old kidney disease patient who sought treatment at Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital.
The trend has also impacted travel patterns, with US Bangla Airlines increasing their weekly flights to Thailand from seven to nine due to growing demand. Credit card spending by Bangladeshi citizens in India has declined while rising in Thailand and Singapore, according to Bangladesh Bank data.
Leading Thai medical facilities like Bumrungrad International Hospital and Bangkok Hospital have established dedicated help desks for Bangladeshi patients, offering comprehensive care packages and specialized treatments ranging from cardiac care to organ transplants.
This shift in medical tourism patterns is expected to strengthen bilateral ties between Bangladesh and Thailand while providing Bangladeshi patients with an alternative destination for quality healthcare services.
Source: The Daily Star
