Wellness

Thailand Plans $131 Million Phuket Medical Hub to Boost Tourism

  • Health and wellness project will cater to foreigners and Thais
  • Expanding Phuket’s medical facilities can expand island’s lure
Patrons at a bar in Phuket.Photographer: Andre Malerba/Bloomberg

Thailand’s government approved development of a 5 billion baht ($131 million) international medical hub in Phuket, with the aim of expanding health- and wellness-related tourism on the country’s largest island.

Construction of the Andaman International Health Center will start next year and be completed by 2027, deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Traisoranakul told a press briefing in Bangkok on Tuesday. The project will include a full-service hospital for local and foreign patients as well as a research facility and training center for medical professionals, she said.