Phuket to promote health tourism

PHUKET TOWN: “Come to Phuket for your health” will be the catchy slogan for a new strategy aimed at attracting tourists who need medical or dental care to come to Phuket. Thailand’s inexpensive surgery is to be used as the lure to make the island a center for health care, in addition to its traditional beach, diving and golf attractions. All the island’s hospitals and travel agents, as well as airlines and government agencies are supporting the campaign, a seminar heard yesterday at the Royal Phuket City Hotel. Phuket Town Mayor Phummisak Hongsyok said, “I would like travelers and long-term visitors to enjoy the same good health care as residents do.” The Director of Bangkok Phuket Hospital, Dr Surapong Lukhanumanjao, said Phuket’s reputation for world-class hotels, golf courses and diving would be enhanced by the added attractions of quality operations, health checks, dental care and cosmetic surgery which, with herbal and holistic treatment, would make Phuket a “rejuvenation paradise”.