Dr.Pornchai Danvivathana is Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Sultanate of Oman
Thailand has become a well-known medical tourism destination, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the public and private sectors in response to the rising demand for medical treatment.
Over the years, medical tourism has proven to be a lucrative business for a number of countries in Asia as it generates a lot of income for all stakeholders in tourism and its related industries. In order to remain competitive in these services sector, Thailand has relaxed its immigration law to promote medical tourism, and at the same time to facilitate treatment of premium quality, including tourist attractions, for patients coming to Thailand.
Taking effect on January 5 this year, the new regulations allow nationals from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), to stay in Thailand for medical treatment up to a period of 90 days without a visa. A tourist-cum-patient falling into this category may be accompanied with no more than three individuals of GCC nationals (i.e. parents, children, spouse or maid), who will likewise enjoy a 90-days visa exemption.
It should be noted that those wishing to get the benefit of the 90-days visa exemption shall present certain documents required for their eligibility. Nationals from South Korea, Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Peru are also eligible for the present scheme due to the respective agreements on a 90-day visa exemption concluded between Thailand and those countries.
Other than medical tourism, Thailand has gained a lot of recognition in spa and wellness. The government agencies concerned have worked with all stakeholders in Thailand to set appropriate standards and criteria for Thai masseurs and masseuses and for businessmen who are offering Thai spa and/or wellness within the country and abroad.
In this regard, Thai herbal medicine may be infused with massage and spa to offer tourists and the local people the best quality of services of this kind. Extra-entrepreneurial skills, as well as integrity and accountability, to run the business are additional elements Thailand has taken steps to enhance for meeting international standards.
To put it simply, Omani people and other GCC nationals, except Saudi nationals, who can apply for a visa on arrival for a stay of 15 days, may go to Thailand and are eligible to the 30-days visa exemption as usual. They may now enjoy the 90-days visa exemption, if proof of medical purpose is presented at the airport.
I would like to underline that Thailand has more to offer to non-Thai visitors, in addition to hospitality and friendship it has never failed to provide. Communication and travel as a result of medical tourism could be the prevailing avenue to promote people-to-people connectivity, thus strengthening ties between Oman and Thailand in the years to come.!
Dr.Pornchai Danvivathana is Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Sultanate of Oman.
source: http://www.timesofoman.com / Home / by Dr. Pornchai Danvivathana / Friday, February 22nd, 2013
