Quality vital for healthcare, spas
The health and spa industries, which are being promoted as having the country's greatest business potential, have been urged to maintain high quality to achieve projected growth of 10-15 per cent this year.
Export Promotion Department director-general Rachane Potjanasuntorn said yesterday that the sectors were growing, especially private hospitals, which are expanding their networks nationwide and abroad. "Maintaining quality and services is very important for these businesses. It will allow users to recognise Thai brands," he said. Last year, the number of foreigners entering Thailand for medical treatment reached 1.4 million, up 15 per cent on the previous year. They generated business worth Bt36 billion. The spa industry is also a rising star. Foreigners accounted for 80 per cent of 3.6 million customers last year. The business had revenue of Bt4 billion. The department will hold a healthcare, spa and beauty fair from November 7-11 to showcase Thailand's integrated services. Naparat Srilapan, vice president of the Thai Spa Association, said the government should encourage more spas with 100-per-cent Thai ownership. He said Thai investors lacked capital to start businesses and most leading spa operators were joint ventures. In addition, he said, the government should support the establishment of training schools to increase the number of spa experts. Currently, there are only about 50 schools, mainly located in Bangkok. Naparat said a marketing strategy should focus on customers from Japan and the Middle East. The market for spa and health products is expected to grow by 20-30 per cent this year.
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