Page 26 - ELITE PLUS MAGAZINE VOL10

The stron“These professions are among those allowed to work freely across ASEAN countries.Dr Boonruang dismisses the fear. “A ‘brain drain’ won’t happen, at least for now. Despite the free movement of labour, medical professionals will have to pass examinations in local languages and in English. And money is not the only factor. Doctors and those in the field usually prefer to work in a culture and language they are familiar with.”He sees the AEC as an opportunity as more tourists are expected to come to the region. Thai private hospitals already have world class accredita- tions, while charging less compared to rival countries such as Singapore.“The strong point of the Thai medical sector is value for money. Our doctors are world class, Thai hospitality is unmatched and our prices are very competitive.”Apart from medical treatment, Thailand has complementary “well- ness” services such as massage, spa, herbal treatment and holistic health treatments like yoga that are praised internationally as being high in quality and affordable.The backbone of the Thai medical industry is being solid and trustworthy, Dr Boonruang says. Currently 44 private hospitals have Joint Commis- sion International (JCI) accreditation, considered the gold standard in global health care. Choice is widening, since respected public hospitals such as Chulalongkorn University Hospital and Siriraj Hospital have started opening special clinics that offer faster and more convenient services, while still charging less than private hospitals.“The quality in both is equal because most doctors at JCI-approved private hospitals also work and teachg point of the Thai medical sector isvalue for money.Our doctors are world class, Thai hospitality is unmatched and our prices are verycompetitiv”e24 Elite+