A client is treated with 'fon leb' massage, inspired by a unique Lanna dance, to help cure trigger finger during the awarded tourism product showcase at the Thailand Tourism Festival. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)
Thailand is positioning itself as a leading destination for wellness and longevity in Asia within three years, combining modern medical technology, world-class tourism and traditional Thai medicine.Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat announced the government's ambitious plan to transform the nation's medical and wellness sector into a major health economy, citing strong infrastructure development as a key driver of growth.
The announcement comes ahead of the 2026 Global Wellness Summit, scheduled for Nov 10-13 in Phuket. The event, marking its 20th anniversary, gathers more than 600 participants, including business leaders, doctors, academics, investors, tech innovators and policymakers.
The government expects the summit to generate at least 300 million baht in economic value, reinforcing Thailand's role in the global wellness industry.
Cathy Feliciano-Chon, co-chair of the summit, said Thailand's wellness industry is expanding, alongside global growth trends.
