Bangkok Hospital  ---  Bumrungrad Hospital

While spas and meditation are designed to help prevent health problems, a huge business is being generated amongst those who already nave problems, and need treatment. Many Thai hospitals and medical centers, which have recently been listed on The Stock Exchange of Thailand to raise funds for investment in equipment and construction, see a formidable revenue stream in attracting clients for medical check-ups.

At present, the cost of getting a medical check-up in Thailand is a fraction of what it costs in more developed countries. Language problems notwithstanding, a number of major Thai hospitals have learned the ropes of the travel business and are marketing themselves to also regular participants at international trade shows, like ITB in Berlin and the Arabian Travel Mart.

At Thailand 's more than 400 private hospitals, standards are high and costs are extremely competitive. Little surprise then that large numbers of visitors decide to undergo surgery in the Kingdom as part of their stay.

Whether you are after plastic surgery, Lasik eye treatment or major heart surgery, you can rely on round the-clock, quality service in Bangkok and the min provincial cities and tourist centers, Seeking care on holiday is a trouble-free experience.

Doctors and specialists can swiftly obtain patient records by satellite. Hospitals employ staff fluent in English and who have overseas training. Demand for their services from he middle East has also led to the hiring of Arabic-speaking personnel.

Indeed, the whole business of linkage between the hospitals and the travel industry took a step forward when Thai Airways International ( THAI ) began packaging medical check-ups as part of its Royal Orchid Holidays programme.