The Possibility of Thai Medical Tourism at Lower Northern Thailand

Abstract

       Medical tourism is a new dimension in tourism development. The link between medical treatment and tourism creates aesthetic pleasure. Medical tourism is proposed to add economic value to tourism. Thai traditional medicine is a fundamental medical process that is easily accessible and accepted. It is linked to tourism along the travel routes for medical treatment. The interval and after having medical treatment which creates tourism which will increase the economic system of added value. The research objective is to analyze and research the market and behavior of medical and health tourism through the mechanism of alternative medicine and Thai traditional medicine in the lower northern region.  This data correction includes field trips, interviews and focus groups with a target group totaling 40 people who are involved in medical tourism situated in the lower northern region of Thailand including delegates from the Provincial Public Health Office, Provincial Agricultural Office, Industrial Office, Office of Tourism and Sports, Hospitals which supply traditional Thai medical treatment, Community Enterprise and entrepreneurs. The results show that the situations of Thai traditional medicine and alternative medicine trends increase significantly. However, the number of tourism attractions connected with Thai traditional medicine and alternative medicine are limited. The capability of service units are limited. Therefore, the management of the lower - northern medical tourism should create the differences of management by approaching the identity of local branding and facilitate the supply to tourists to enable them to understand Thai medicine