Thailand plans to introduce a new medical treatment visa on 1 January 2023 to solidify its position as an international medical hub.
Deputy government spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana said on Tuesday November 15 that the new type of visa was tentatively scheduled for January 1 next year, with the relevant government agencies ready for its rollout.
See also: Thailand relies on medical tourism to restore health to the travel industry
The government on Tuesday approved a proposal by the Ministry of Public Health to reduce fees for medical treatment visa applicants in the Non-MT category from 6,000 baht to 5,000 baht (162.33 to 135.27 euros).
The new visa will allow for multiple entries and will be valid for one year.
The visa holder will be able to stay in the country for 90 days.
Three people who are close relatives are also eligible.
The other conditions are as follows:
- Patients requiring additional medical care must report to immigration authorities every 90 days.
- Applicants must have at least 800,000 baht (21,644.76 euros) to cover expenses in Thailand.
- Accident and Covid-19 insurance policies with a minimum coverage of USD 100,000 (3 million baht) are required.
Ms Tipanan said the new visa is in line with the government’s policy to make the country a medical hub and promote medical tourism.
He clarified that tourists applying for this visa must have medical conditions that Thai hospitals can treat that require medical treatment for more than 90 days.
These include antiaging and regenerative medical treatments, coronary heart disease, cancer, dental care and cosmetic surgery.
Thailand currently allows tourists to seek treatment if they apply for a tourist visa or a non-immigrant visa.
The exemption applies to visitors from six Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates), China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.
All these permits are valid for one entry only.
In November last year, the government approved this type of visa in principle.
See: Thailand Approves New Medical Treatment Visa
All relevant agencies, including the ministries of public health, foreign affairs, tourism and sport, as well as the immigration office, have been tasked with working out the details for final approval.
Source : Bangkok Post
