Owing to critical differences in the prices and ready accessibility of medical services in the West and
the Middle East today, there has been a rapid rise in foreign demand for medical treatment in
Thailand. Thailand attracts medical tourists because it offers high quality and readily accessible
medical services at affordable rates, while enabling patients to combine treatment with vacationing.
This explorative study focuses on some key sociological issues at the core of the development process
of the Thai medical tourism sector: the commodification of Thai medicine; the emergence and growth
of foreign-oriented medical services; the creation of “hotel-spitals,” business-like hospitals,
combining high-class medical and hospitality services for a foreign clientele; the linkage between
foreigner-oriented medical establishments and the tourism industry; and the consequences of the
development of the medical tourism sector on the Thai medical system. The directions of future
development of the sector are outlined as a conclusion.