In Thailand, hospitality is a way of life. An integral part of Thailand's culture, the art of caring is as much a part of the kingdom's ancient heritage as its beautiful beaches and awe-inspiring temples.
This unique Thai hospitality is evident throughout the country's service industries, placing them into a class of their own. Small wonder then that Thailand's healthcare and tourism sectors have enjoyed phenomenal growth in recent years, making the country one of Asia's top choices for quality medical treatment.
In Thailand, hospitality is a way of life. An integral part of Thailand's culture, the art of caring is as much a part of the kingdom's ancient heritage as its beautiful beaches and awe-inspiring temples.
This unique Thai hospitality is evident throughout the country's service industries, placing them into a class of their own. Small wonder then that Thailand's healthcare and tourism sectors have enjoyed phenomenal growth in recent years, making the country one of Asia's top choices for quality medical treatment.
ADVERTORIAL
With state-of-the-art facilities both in Bangkok and around the country, internationally accredited medical personnel, a convenient location, beautiful scenery and a balmy climate, Thailand is already a preferred healthcare destination for foreigners from overseas and neighboring countries.
The Thai Government has now taken this popularity a step further. In recent years, it has collaborated with the private sector to establish the country as a hub of medical excellence in Asia and the wellness capital of the region, while ongoing research and development seeks to share the wonders of Thai herbs internationally, with the ultimate aim of making Thailand Asia's healthcare center.
With the Ministry of Commerce's Department of Export Promotion working tirelessly to promote Thailand's healthcare services overseas, by the end of this year it is estimated that the number of international patients in Thai hospitals will pass the one million mark, an increase of more than 10% from 2004.
While the market quality of Thai wines has na.proved dramatically,
Khun Viravat may be the most committed winemaker in the country.
"This will all turn into 40,000 bottles next year," he said, proudly surveying vineyards planted on a 630-metre high plateau and watched over from a nearby hilltop by a Buddhist temple. Khun Viravat puts high hopes into his Shiraz rootstock imported from Israel's Jordan Valley. Thai growers have tried virtually every vine variety, but Shiraz, which may have originated in Iran in ancient times, seems to do particularly well in Thailand, along with chenin blanc from France's Loire Valley.
THAT NIGHT, AT THE HARVEST PARTY AND as 60 genuine grape pickers spread out over his estate, Khun Viravat unveiled "La Fleur", at 3,900 baht (US$102) a bottle the most expensive Thai wine ever. With only 1,100 bottles turned out, several invitees snapped up the Shiraz. "Medium bodied with a lovely bouquet and a long aftertaste," pronounced Mullen, who pens a weekly wine column for The Nation in Bangkok.
As fireworks burst overhead and guests soaked up the wine and an atmosphere reminiscent of French provincial festivals, the real work of wine production was beginning at the winery, a charming, Old World structure built right into a rocky hillside.
At its entrance, workers supervised byPeople travel to Thailand from across the globe to receive treatment for such complex diseases as cancer, chronic tendonitis, ortheo-arthritis and cardiovascular disease, among others. The country is also a favorite destination for elective operations such as hip, knee and other joint replacement, as well as for cosmetic surgery of all kinds.
Overseas patients are drawn to Thailand by a number of factors. First and foremost, there is no waiting list, since there are over 30 private hospitals accredited to serve foreigners. Secondly, the facilities and services are on par with, and in many cases, even better than those overseas, while costs are far less. Some hospitals, for example, even offer trans-satellite electro‑
cardiogram transmission while others the kind of service more commonly associated with five-star hotels, with an expert concierge, gourmet meals, a halal kitchen, prayer rooms, and even tour packages for the family.
But above all, it's the open arms of the Thai people and their unique art of caring that makes Thailand the place to be for world-class healthcare in Asia.
This unique Thai hospitality is evident throughout the country's service industries, placing them into a class of their own. Small wonder then that Thailand's healthcare and tourism sectors have enjoyed phenomenal growth in recent years, making the country one of Asia's top choices for quality medical treatment.
In Thailand, hospitality is a way of life. An integral part of Thailand's culture, the art of caring is as much a part of the kingdom's ancient heritage as its beautiful beaches and awe-inspiring temples.
This unique Thai hospitality is evident throughout the country's service industries, placing them into a class of their own. Small wonder then that Thailand's healthcare and tourism sectors have enjoyed phenomenal growth in recent years, making the country one of Asia's top choices for quality medical treatment.
ADVERTORIAL
With state-of-the-art facilities both in Bangkok and around the country, internationally accredited medical personnel, a convenient location, beautiful scenery and a balmy climate, Thailand is already a preferred healthcare destination for foreigners from overseas and neighboring countries.
The Thai Government has now taken this popularity a step further. In recent years, it has collaborated with the private sector to establish the country as a hub of medical excellence in Asia and the wellness capital of the region, while ongoing research and development seeks to share the wonders of Thai herbs internationally, with the ultimate aim of making Thailand Asia's healthcare center.
With the Ministry of Commerce's Department of Export Promotion working tirelessly to promote Thailand's healthcare services overseas, by the end of this year it is estimated that the number of international patients in Thai hospitals will pass the one million mark, an increase of more than 10% from 2004.
While the market quality of Thai wines has na.proved dramatically,
Khun Viravat may be the most committed winemaker in the country.
"This will all turn into 40,000 bottles next year," he said, proudly surveying vineyards planted on a 630-metre high plateau and watched over from a nearby hilltop by a Buddhist temple. Khun Viravat puts high hopes into his Shiraz rootstock imported from Israel's Jordan Valley. Thai growers have tried virtually every vine variety, but Shiraz, which may have originated in Iran in ancient times, seems to do particularly well in Thailand, along with chenin blanc from France's Loire Valley.
THAT NIGHT, AT THE HARVEST PARTY AND as 60 genuine grape pickers spread out over his estate, Khun Viravat unveiled "La Fleur", at 3,900 baht (US$102) a bottle the most expensive Thai wine ever. With only 1,100 bottles turned out, several invitees snapped up the Shiraz. "Medium bodied with a lovely bouquet and a long aftertaste," pronounced Mullen, who pens a weekly wine column for The Nation in Bangkok.
As fireworks burst overhead and guests soaked up the wine and an atmosphere reminiscent of French provincial festivals, the real work of wine production was beginning at the winery, a charming, Old World structure built right into a rocky hillside.
At its entrance, workers supervised byPeople travel to Thailand from across the globe to receive treatment for such complex diseases as cancer, chronic tendonitis, ortheo-arthritis and cardiovascular disease, among others. The country is also a favorite destination for elective operations such as hip, knee and other joint replacement, as well as for cosmetic surgery of all kinds.
Overseas patients are drawn to Thailand by a number of factors. First and foremost, there is no waiting list, since there are over 30 private hospitals accredited to serve foreigners. Secondly, the facilities and services are on par with, and in many cases, even better than those overseas, while costs are far less. Some hospitals, for example, even offer trans-satellite electro‑
cardiogram transmission while others the kind of service more commonly associated with five-star hotels, with an expert concierge, gourmet meals, a halal kitchen, prayer rooms, and even tour packages for the family.
But above all, it's the open arms of the Thai people and their unique art of caring that makes Thailand the place to be for world-class healthcare in Asia.