Exploring the Revival of Wellness and Health Tourism in Thailand by 2025
On September 17, 2025, the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuwait hosted "Rediscovering Health and Wellness Tourism in Thailand," an event aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries and establishing a more streamlined referral system for Kuwaiti patients to access world-class care.
The event underscored Kuwait's commitment to broadening cooperation to improve healthcare for its citizens and supports Kuwait's 2035 vision, which aims to transform Kuwait where the private sector leads the economy.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Uraiwan Courtaud, Chargée d'Affaires a.i. of the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuwait, emphasized the shared value of this cooperation. The event was attended by senior executives from various healthcare institutions in Kuwait, including Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Rasheed, a representative of the Ministry of Health, and Dr. Hisham Kelendar's assistant.
The event included a Business Showcase session, a Business Matching session, and a Networking Reception. During the Business Showcase session, representatives from Thailand and Kuwait shared their visions and outlined potential avenues for collaboration. The Business Matching session enabled representatives from both countries to discuss patient referral systems, medical personnel exchanges, and joint training initiatives.
Thailand has 62 hospitals accredited by the Joint Commission International, placing it among the top destinations worldwide for healthcare services. Eight leading private hospitals from Thailand participated in the event: Piyavate Hospital, World Medical Hospital, Praram 9 Hospital, Bangkok Hospital, Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, Chularat 3 International Hospital, Phyathai Hospital, and MedPark Hospital.
The event reaffirmed Thailand's position as a trusted destination for world-class healthcare and wellness services. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand welcomed over 3.5 million international patients annually. The event is a significant step toward further strengthening the long-standing friendship between Thailand and Kuwait, as both countries aim to enhance professional development through medical personnel exchanges and joint training.
The representative of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health who attended the event was Dr. Ahmed Al-Mutairi. Thailand's participation in this event underscores its commitment to improving healthcare services for citizens globally and strengthening relationships with key partners in the region. The event provided participants with a platform to strengthen professional ties and foster long-term partnerships, supporting Kuwait's vision for a private sector-led economy and improved healthcare services for its citizens.