Allied Health (Thailand): Matching medical tourists with healthcare solutions
Thailand has long been recognised as a hub for tourism, but in recent years, a new form of tourism is gaining traction. With its world-class healthcare facilities, highly trained medical professionals, and affordable treatments, medical tourism is drawing more international visitors to the land of smiles.
Today, health-conscious nomads are not just visiting Thailand for its beaches, cuisine, and diverse cultural experiences. But if you want high-end quality medical care in the Kingdom, where do you begin?
The Thaiger sat down with Lt. Col. Dr. Chokchai Suwanakijboriharn M.D., the founder of Allied Health (Thailand). In this conversation, Dr Chokchai shared insights into the growing medical tourism industry in Thailand, and how Allied Health (Thailand) is spearheading efforts to bridge the gap between healthcare seekers and world-class medical providers.
The surging Thai medical tourism industry
Medical tourism has seen exponential growth in Thailand over the past decade. According to the Medical Tourism Association, Thailand ranks among the top medical tourism destinations in the world, offering dental work, cosmetic surgery, and complex treatments such as heart surgery and cancer care.
Of course, these treatments often come at a fraction of the cost compared to Western healthcare providers. However, according to Dr Chokchai, lower price points are not the only focus of Allied Health (Thailand).
“Some organisations focus on cost-effectiveness more than their standards. We need to have a balance; cost management is good, but we need to maintain a [high] standard.”
“People come in and comment that Thailand is very good, but they have had an experience with a service that was not so good. This is the reason why we set up the medical tourism agency company [Allied Health (Thailand)], so you don’t have to walk into a hospital you know nothing about.”
Allied Health (Thailand)’s unique approach
To ensure customers receive the best healthcare, treatments, and procedures, Allied Health (Thailand) places doctors at the forefront of their consultations.
By having medical specialists assess the hospitals and facilities, the customers will receive better information, says Dr Chokchai.
“We try to provide the academic knowledge to the customer first; you need to know how the treatments work.”
“They [the patients] need to have information about the efficiency, effectiveness of the treatment, the success rate, possible complications, and the length of stay in Thailand [required].
In addition, Allied Health (Thailand) considers the experience of the medical professionals they recommend to customers. Furthermore, during these preliminary investigations, hospitals are assessed for whether they possess the right qualifications, accreditations or licenses.
In Thailand, many hospitals and clinics possess accreditation from international bodies such as the Joint Commission International (JCI), ensuring their care meets rigorous global standards.
From the moment of inquiry, the Allied Health (Thailand) team works diligently to match you with the right healthcare provider based on your unique needs. This customer support is available on a 24/7 basis.
Your ‘one-stop’ medical tourism agency
Allied Health (Thailand), under the leadership of Lt. Col. Dr Suwanakijboriharn M.D., offers a seamless experience for medical tourists seeking healthcare solutions in Thailand. As a one-stop medical tourism agency and mediator, Allied Health (Thailand) takes the stress out of the process for international patients.
Dr Chokchai attributes his approach to all-inclusive medical tourism to his earlier career and experiences in the private sector.
“In the private [sector], they have a high standard of services. I learnt a lot about the standards of treatment and service facilities. “Standards” has two parts, medical standards and service standards. We need to all collaborate and serve the customer’s needs.”
Allied Health (Thailand) is not just about healthcare—it’s about providing all-inclusive experiences. By partnering with tourism and medical providers, they ensure patients have a comfortable and convenient stay, experiencing Thailand’s warm hospitality.
Once you select your intended travel dates, Allied Health (Thailand) organises a full itinerary with activities and transport. During these stages, specialists ensure your plans will not clash with your operations, treatments, or mandatory hospital stays.
According to Dr Chokchai, doctors-led wraparound support distinguishes Allied Health (Thailand) from competitors.
“We are different because if you need initial information about the treatment or healthcare, we can help. After that, if you have decided to come here, we will arrange everything.”
The complexities of gender reassignment surgery
Allied Health (Thailand)’s rigorous standards and attention to detail are clearly demonstrated by their approach to gender reassignment surgery.
While Dr Chokchai recognises gender reassignment may be controversial, he views it as another opportunity to match medical tourists with the highest standard of care.
However, Dr Chokchai also understands it is a highly complicated process.
“It’s a way of life, [but] if you need to have this procedure, you need to know many things.”
“First, you need psychological support, then second, you need to consult an endocrinologist for advice on hormone therapy and treatment.”
“Third, the surgery can be done in many ways. There are many methods for reassignment.”
During these phases, Allied Health (Thailand) provides tourists with a range of information, knowledge, and resources, to minimise anxiety and provide peace of mind.
For instance, Dr Chokchai shared how gender reassignment has drastically improved since its inception.
“20 years ago, gender reassignment surgery needed a long period of time, roughly 12 or 14 hours per operation.”
“Now, this technique is improved, the surgery went from taking 12 to 4 hours. The sensation of the organs will feel the same also.”
The future of medical tourism in Thailand
Medical tourists come from all walks of life to receive healthcare in Thailand. Dr. Chokchai shared that while Allied Health (Thailand) originally only served patients from Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam, to date, they have welcomed customers from as far as Australia and Pakistan.
The agency’s partnerships with leading hospitals, clinics and wellness facilities across Thailand help them match you with world-class healthcare.
As medical tourism grows, organisations like Allied Health (Thailand) will shape the industry’s future in Thailand.
Dr Chokchai doesn’t plan on slowing down.
“I love this kind of job. I connect to many people and help them find the best healthcare for them.”
For more information on Allied Health Thailand and their services, visit their website here.
