Bangkok: Thailand has secured the second position in the world in the 2026 global medical tourism destination rankings, attributed to its strengths in diverse medical treatments, expert medical personnel and technology, and tourism infrastructure conducive to recovery.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that Thailand has been ranked as the 2nd best medical tourism destination in the world for 2026 by Travel and Tour World (TTW), a global travel media outlet from New York, USA. This reflects international confidence in the potential of Thailand's public health system, which the government continues to promote towards becoming a Medical and Wellness Hub.
The Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office stated that in the Top 50 Medical Tourism Destinations in the World for 2026 ranking, Thailand was ranked 2nd globally, after Turkey. The top ten were India (3rd), Mexico (4th), South Korea (5th), Malaysia (6th), Costa Rica (7th), Singapore (8th), the United Arab Emirates (9th), and Colombia (10th). This reflects Thailand's continued leadership in medical tourism and its recognition as one of the most prestigious countries in Asia.
Ms. Lalida stated that TTW noted Thailand has strengths in diverse medical treatments, including cosmetic surgery, dentistry, cardiology, orthopedics, infertility treatment, cancer, preventive medicine, and wellness services. Combined with JCI-accredited hospitals, highly skilled medical personnel, cutting-edge medical technology, advanced diagnostic centers, multilingual patient care, telemedicine services, and dedicated international patient care centers, Thailand has become a popular destination for patients worldwide.
Furthermore, the report states that Thailand has cities with potential to support medical tourism across all regions, including Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Hua Hin, Khon Kaen, Hat Yai, Udon Thani, and Nakhon Ratchasima, which can provide comprehensive services for patients and tourists, encompassing treatment, rehabilitation, and tourism.
The deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office stated that the ranking was based on several key factors, including the reliability of treatment, the expertise of medical personnel, advanced medical technology, competitive treatment costs, reasonable waiting times, and tourism infrastructure conducive to recovery. These are all strengths that Thailand has continuously developed under the government's policies.
"Being ranked as the world's second-ranked medical tourism destination is another achievement that reflects the potential of Thailand's public health system and international confidence. The government will continue to develop the quality of medical and health services, coupled with promoting tourism, investment, and job creation, to propel Thailand towards becoming a sustainable global Medical and Wellness Hub," Ms. Lalida said.