Kanchanaburi aims to become a top health tourism destination with its new Wellness Association

The Kanchanaburi province, in collaboration with the Kanchanaburi Wellness Association, has combined their health-focused soft power efforts to establish Kanchanaburi: City of Health and Happiness. The meeting took place yesterday in the Khun Chang room at River Kwae Kanchanaburi Hotel, led by Yupha Naka Pannich, the province governor.

Key attendants included Abhichai Chai Chomphu, head of the provincial office, Ratchanee Phothisattaya, Kanchanaburi community development officer, Sommat Khomthanon, Kanchanaburi cultural officer, and representatives from the provincial health department with a bid to transform Kanchanaburi into a top health tourism destination.

Kanchanaburi is recognized for its natural resources, forested landscapes, heritage and societal riches, drawn from local wisdom, culture, ethnicity, and quality human resources. The province’s strategic vision entails a safe agricultural environment, quality tourism, and a gateway to the Western economy.

The emphasis on health tourism is informed by a Global Wellness Institute assessment, which projects a significant resurgence in health tourism in the coming years. The sector is expected to grow by an average of 20.9% annually, exceeding a total value of US$1 trillion by next year.

Wellness tourism growth in Asia is ranked highest globally, with a 33% increase. Thailand’s strength lies in its unique culture, traditions, Thai food, local wisdom, organic farming, and traditional Thai massage, which constitute a soft power that can boost the tourism sector.

Thailand is ranked 35th in the Global Soft Power Index 2022, produced by Brand Finance.

Kanchanaburi health tourism

Kanchanaburi boasts immense potential in health tourism, ranging from food and organic farming to local cuisines with fascinating stories. The province offers stress-relieving tourism spots, mental health relaxation, history, culture, Vara-aram temples, physical activities such as nature walks, boating, massages, herbal steaming, hot spring baths, Suukhonthabat therapy,

Waribabat therapy, herbal health and beauty products, Buddhist meditation practices, and forest bathing, among others.

A preliminary survey in Kanchanaburi revealed over 40 local health-related businesses in each district, ready to develop and provide health services, Thai wisdom and Thai plans, including homestays amidst nature, communities involved in natural and cultural activities, local food, and nature-oriented tourism reported KhaoSod.

Given these resources, health-related businesses consulted and decided to establish the Kanchanaburi Wellness Association with 42 founding members from wellness businesses.

Nathisani Teng Thiang serves as the president of the Kanchanaburi Wellness Association to promote Kanchanaburi as a city of health and happiness.

This proposal was presented to Kanchanaburi province, led by the provincial governor, Lieutenant Colonel Thospol Chai Kommin, who delegated the provincial commerce to support and advise in conjunction with relevant government agencies in the future.

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