Thailand is preparing to host Proud Asia 2007 - the first international trade exhibition and conference on the medical tourism, spa and wellness industries - to prove its clear potential to become the medical tourism hub and a leading spa centre in the Asia-Pacific.

The expo will gather exhibitors, buyers and experts at Impact Muang Thong Thani from September 27-30.

Co-organisers Production Management and Services and Impact Exhibition Management said last week that the event is expected to attract some 300 exhibitors and 15,000 visitors from Singapore, Taiwan, China, and Hong Kong, as well as participants from the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea, Australia, Japan, the United States and Canada.

"Thailand has distinct advantages in several key industries, among which are medical tourism, spa and wellness. We are proud to be the first to launch an exhibition catering to these major industries in the international market," said Natprapa Yokputtaraksa, managing director of Production Management and Services.

The event will feature innovative technologies that promote quality medical and spa services as well as those related to beauty and wellness. It will also have workshops, seminars and product demonstrations.

"The beauty business will keep growing as both men and women care about their looks," said Dr Thada Piamphongsan, president of the Thai Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Surgery, one of the event's supporters.

Thailand has more advantages than other countries in Asia when it comes to offering the best quality medical and beauty services but at cheaper rates, he said.

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, at least five million patients come to the country annually for medical treatment. Various plastic surgery clinics could attest that the number of both locals and foreigners undergoing dental and plastic surgeries, lasik and other physical enhancement procedures is increasing.

Thailand has also earned a reputation as an excellent location for spa services.

Apichai Jearadisak, president of the Thai Spa Association, reaffirmed the growing trend of spa service in Thailand, particularly the emergence of day spas.

"The growth of the spa business is a good sign that we can respond to customers' needs," Apichai said, adding that Proud Asia is an excellent venue where the international community can actually see the strides that Thailand has taken in medical tourism.

Proud Asia provides maximum exposure to exhibitors and the highest advantage to buyers and visitors in terms of rates and the opportunity to witness cutting-edge technologies and innovative products and services from the world's leading experts in the fields of medical tourism, spa and wellness, say the organisers.

Impact Convention Hall will provide the ideal venue to accommodate all participants, who are expecting proof of Thailand's ability to host such a big international event.

Extending its all-out support for Proud Asia in an effort to make the country the region's MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) hub is the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, through its director for exhibition, Vithaya Sintharapantorn.

"Proud Asia is definitely not just the usual exhibition event on beauty and healthcare pro-ducts and services we see here and in other countries. What makes this event extraordinary is the fact that we are going to have a grand showcase of the latest innovations of products and services in medical tourism, spa and wellness.

"Everybody will be here - the experts in medical tourism, the best spa and wellness providers and the most highly interested buyers," Vithaya said.

"The event promises to be a big one for both suppliers and buyers and the most important thing is that it will be held right here in Bangkok. This means that the Kingdom will again have the chance to prove to the international community that Thailand has sufficient MICE infrastruc-ture to be the best venue for this kind of trade exhibition and conference. Proud Asia is a huge event that will help the country achieve its goal of becoming a regional hub for the exhibitions and conventions business and the Mice market."

Proud Asia is also supported by the Tourism Ministry and the Thai Travel Association.