Department of Health Service Support, Ministry of Health Introducing Thailand’s Medical Hub drives through exhibition booths at the APEC Health Week conference this August 22-26, showing the potential of Thai medicine and public health, excellent health services, massage, spa, and high quality health products responding to the balance of health and the economy and highlighting the role of VHV (Village Health Volunteer) in the control and prevention of COVID-19 in the community.
Dr. Thares Krasanaiyarawiwong, MD, Director-General of the Department of Health Service Support, Ministry of Public Health said that in holding the 12th APEC High-level Meeting on Public Health and the Economy and APEC Health Working Group Meeting (HWG 2/2022), or APEC Health Week, from August 22–26, 2022 at the Millennium Hilton Bangkok. After the COVID-19 outbreak, Thailand has placed great emphasis on sustainable economic recovery and balance in all aspects through the concept of bio-economy: circular economy and green economy (Bio-Circular-Green Economic Model: BCG). The Department of Health Service Support has organized an exhibition under the concept of "Thailand Global Healthcare Destination" to present Thailand’s drive towards becoming a medical hub and the potential of the medical industry to build the Thai economy after the COVID-19 outbreak, such as medical services with high potential and reputation that attract foreigners (Magnets), and industries that promote wellness and medical tourism, including wellness and medical retreats, for example massage therapy, reflexology, spa point, etc.
In addition, high quality products for health care (High Products Hub) from the government pharmaceutical organization are also presented at Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital and Khaolaor etc. Special health check-up packages are offered by leading private hospitals in the country. The role of Thai Public Health Volunteers (VHVs) in dealing with the spread of COVID-19 in the past was praised by the WHO as well as preparing Thailand to host the Specialized Expo 2028 Phuket, with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) participating in the exhibition.
Dr. Thares said that throughout the period of the meeting, the Ministry of Public Health, together with various agencies, would promote and support the distribution of health products, Thai herbal products and OTOP products, 4–5 stars (OTOP), at the Plaza King Power Rangnam and open a channel to distribute the health products online via the website https://www.thailandmedicalhub.net/. APEC attendees can purchase goods and health products in the exhibition area and claim tax refunds by cooperating with the preparation of the Vat Refund/Tax Refund system. The opening of the Fast Track Lane from Suvarnabhumi Airport, the Revenue Department, Customs Department, Immigration Office and other related agencies to facilitate the attendees of this high-level meeting on public health and the economy.
