hospitals may be divided into three classes, according to the number of bed spaces which they provide, an indicator which reflects their ability to meet patient demand (figures 6). Large hospitals (more than 200 beds). These are clustered in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region and in regional centers which have sufficient concentrations of mid- to upper-level consumers. Currently, there are 34 large private hospitals in Thailand, representing around 10% of all private hospitals but with a capacity of 10,008 beds, they provide around 28.8% of all private hospital beds, reflecting the high potential of these hospitals to serve patients and to generate income. Medium hospitals (31-200 beds). There are 234 such hospitals (68.0% of the total) providing 23,439 bed spaces (67.4% of the total). Small hospitals (1-30 beds). There are 76 small hospitals in Thailand (22% of the total) offering 1,314 beds (3.8% of the total).