Thailand has become one of the most popular destinations among tourists from the Middle East, particularly Iran, as they look for healthcare and medical services that promise international standards but lower costs than Western countries.

The Thai Trade Centre in Tehran reported that the number of Iranians applying for entry visas had soared 61.3 per cent to 17,487 in the first quarter.

Commercial counsellor Nopadol Thongmee said last week that visitors from the Middle East were satisfied with Thai hospitality services.

"Thailand is a top-three destination among Iranians for their holiday choice," he said.

Many leading local hospitals have upgraded their services to meet international standards in support of the government's policy of promoting Thailand as a medical and healthcare hub in Asia.

The wellness services have a great potential to draw more high-end patients from Iran, he said.

Iranian visitors last year spent an average of Bt4,000 per day per person and stayed at least five

days a trip, generating a total of Bt835 million for the tourism industry.

Service businesses such as spas and Thai traditional massage parlours as well as retail businesses like Thai restaurants enjoy good custom from Iranians.

To attract more Iranians, the service sector should conduct market research into customer demands to develop their service quality, Nopadol said.

Tourism Authority of Thailand statistics showed that the top

three countries on the international arrivals list at Bangkok

airports last year were mainly in East Asia. Japan led with 1.24 million tourists followed by China with 843,342 and South Korea with 784,721.

However, travellers from the Middle East and South Africa surged 32.76 per cent and 23.15 per cent respectively.

Meanwhile, the Thai Trade Centre in Santiago, Chile reported that Thailand logged a trade deficit with the country of US$45.5 million (Bt1.6 billion)

in the first two months of this

year.

Two-way trade skyrocketed by 149.5 per cent to $87 million. Thailand's exports to Chile jumped 72.1 per cent to $38.1

million, compared with the same period last year. Imports also soared by 214 per cent to $83.9 million.

Imports from Chile have increased sharply due to rising demand for ore and metal, copper, paper, wood, leather goods, and fresh and frozen seafood products.

Next month Commerce Minister Krirk-krai Jirapaet will lead a trade mission to Latin American markets, including Chile and Peru.

Major exports to Chile were pickup trucks, auto parts, electric appliances, plastic products, processed food and garments.

The interim government has suspended free trade negotia-tions with Chile due to a policy shift.

A successful free trade agreement would benefit both sides. Thailand could become a gateway for Chile to Southeast Asian countries while Chile could also assist the Kingdom in penetrating the Latin American market.

Petchanet Pratruangkrai

The Nation