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BDMS Wellness Clinic and Global Wellness Institute (GWI) Continue Partnership
Renewed partnership highlights Thailand on GWI’s Geography of Wellness with fresh insights into the country’s evolving wellness economy
Miami, FL – March 13, 2024 –The Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the leading nonprofit dedicated to research and education in the global wellness industry, today announced that BDMS Wellness Clinic has extended its partnership into a second year, making detailed, dedicated research on Thailand’s position within the $5.6T wellness economy available to all.
According to GWI’s recently updated Wellness Economy Monitor, Thailand’s wellness economy is currently valued at $34.6B, and it ranks 24th globally (out of 218 countries worldwide) and 9th regionally (out of 45 Asia-Pacific countries). Visit Thailand’s dedicated Geography of Wellness page for a more detailed analysis of where Thailand fits within all 11 sectors of the wellness economy.
“The global wellness economy is not just growing: it’s thriving, with innumerable, innovative wellness businesses and services being introduced daily from every corner of the globe,” said Susie Ellis, GWI chair and CEO. “GWI’s Geography of Wellness platform was developed to help organizations like BDMS educate stakeholders within their own country about the myriad opportunities that arise when health and wellness are interwoven across industries and sectors.”
“Partnering with GWI aligns with BDMS Wellness Clinic’s mission to amplify our impact by empowering our community with knowledge and encouraging both business and government leaders to weave wellness into the fabric of their businesses,” said Dr. Tanupol Virunhagarun, chief executive officer of BDMS Wellness Clinic.
BDMS Wellness Clinic is the flagship wellness center of Thailand’s largest private healthcare network, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS), and operates on the simple philosophy that prevention is better than cure. The clinic uses advanced science and technology to help physicians predict future health issues and prevent disease, while also enhancing mental and physical performance. According to GWI findings, the trend of obesity is rapidly growing in Thailand, reaching 47.8% of the population. BDMS Wellness also plays an important role in driving education and implementing new wellness techniques that combine genetics, hormones, and metabolic rates to promote genuine healthy weight management, rather than just following the trend of weight loss.
Furthermore, the company is poised to unveil Thailand’s most extensive mixed-use wellness development—a fusion of a wellness hotel, retail space, residences and clinic. “We plan to use the intelligence gleaned from GWI’s data, coupled with the extensive networking opportunities within GWI’s global community as a way to bring our vision to successful fruition,” continued Dr. Tanupol.
Like many others across Asia, Thailand’s wellness economy experienced a significant contraction in 2020, shrinking by 31.6% due to the pandemic’s impact on the tourism sector. However, there was a robust resurgence in 2021 and 2022, characterized by an average annual growth rate of 8.5%. This rebound has been led by the tourism industry, which grew to $7.8B in 2022, a 36% annual growth rate from 2020 to 2022, closely followed by spas and thermal springs, sectors that had a 21% and 18% annual growth rate from 2020 to 2022, respectively.
Wellness Tourism in Thailand
Thailand has strong potential for wellness tourism, ranking 15th globally and 4th in the Asia-Pacific region in 2022. A closer examination of the wellness tourism sector, which GWI forecasts to grow at an annual rate of 16.6% globally through 2027, reveals that wellness tourists are increasing their expenditure in Thailand. On average, international wellness travelers spent $2,501 per trip in 2022, up significantly from $1,978 per trip in 2020, indicating a more value-driven and investment-heavy approach to wellness travel in the country.
Thailand thrives as a premier wellness destination, blending its rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty with a multifaceted wellness experience. Here, wellness extends from spiritual Buddhist practices to the vigor of Muay Thai, and from wholesome Thai cuisine to an array of fitness options. Renowned for holistic retreats and medical wellness, the country is a sanctuary for those seeking comprehensive and affordable care—from traditional therapies like Thai massage to advanced medical checkups and specialized retreats targeting wellness from the cardiovascular to genetic levels. Offering high-quality services at competitive prices, Thailand stands out as the go-to haven for health and wellness enthusiasts worldwide.
For a more detailed analysis, download the new dedicated Global Wellness Economy: Thailand report.
About the Global Wellness Institute
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI), a nonprofit 501(c)(3), is considered the leading global research and educational resource for the global wellness industry and is known for introducing major industry initiatives and regional events that bring together leaders to chart the future. GWI positively impacts global health and wellness by educating public institutions, businesses and individuals on how they can work to prevent disease, reduce stress and enhance overall quality of life. Its mission is to empower wellness worldwide.
BDMS Wellness Clinic
As Thailand’s largest private healthcare network, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) provides advanced medical-based wellness services at the flagship wellness center, BDMS Wellness Clinic. Building on 50 years of tertiary-level medical experience from its network of 58 hospitals, BDMS group is extending its strengths and medical expertise to help consumers improve their wellness.
