Making health care affordable for Thais
16-Nov-16, Bangkok Post
Even though positioning Thailand as a medical hub of ASEAN has brought about rising income in the healthcare industry from inbound medical tourism, the downside of this trend has been more obvious in recent years.
%20Weerawong%20Wongpreedee_Bangkok%20Post.jpg "Making health care affordable for Thais (c) Weerawong Wongpreedee Bangkok Post")
Image: Weerawong Wongpreedee / Bangkok Post
The internationalisation of a number of private hospitals, mainly catering to the needs of international patients, means higher fees for medical treatment, care and services. The trend has has triggered a wave of copycat hikes among private hospitals, the majority of whose customers are Thais.
The copycat increases are placing an unexpected financial burden on both middle-class Thais, who in the past found treatment and care at average private hospitals affordable, and at state-run hospitals.