An increasing number of Bangladeshi patients are choosing to travel to Thailand for medical treatment, drawn by better healthcare options and easier access, especially as India has begun limiting visa issuances for Bangladeshi nationals. In addition, Thailand’s compassionate healthcare staff and straightforward e-visa application process have contributed to the growing influx of medical tourists.
A recent study on medical travel to Thailand, conducted by Muhammad Mahboob Ali from the University of Dhaka and Dr. Anita Medhekar from Central Queensland University, highlights that many Bangladeshi patients perceive Thailand as offering higher-quality medical care, making it a preferred destination for treatment.
Over the past few months, there has been a notable 40 percent increase in the number of Bangladeshis seeking medical visas for Thailand, according to agencies that assist with visa processing and hospital appointments. This shift is largely due to the difficulties in obtaining Indian visas, as seen with the case of 42-year-old Sabina Akter, who, after being denied a visa to India, turned to Thailand for life-saving kidney disease treatment. She received full support from Thai Medicure, which helped her obtain a visa and schedule consultations at Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital in Bangkok.
While treatment costs in Thailand may be slightly higher than at top private hospitals in Bangladesh, many patients, like Sabina, find the quality of care and the compassion of the staff make it worthwhile. Hospitals such as Samitivej and Bumrungrad International have become popular choices, offering not only advanced medical treatments but also a sense of comfort and efficiency.
The trend has been further supported by the easier visa process in Thailand, with e-visas now available within 10 days. Since the introduction of the e-visa, the number of medical visa applications has risen sharply. Local agencies, like Thai Medicure, report processing up to 30 visas a month, a significant increase from the average of 20 before October.
Increased demand for medical visas has also led to a rise in the number of flights from Bangladesh to Thailand, with US Bangla Airlines adding extra flights to accommodate the growing flow of patients. The shift in patient preferences is clear, as medical visa applications and credit card spending by Bangladeshis in Thailand have surged, while spending in India has dropped due to the new visa restrictions.
