For a number of years there have been just a couple of established medical centers offering so-called anti-aging therapies. Most well-known is probably the Vitalife Wellness Center at Bumrungrad Hospital. There is also the TRIA Integrative Wellness Center at Piyavate Hospital.

There is an independent anti-aging center located in its own facility rather than at a major private hospital called Q Medical Center Asoke that specializes in anti-aging treatment. Established three years ago, it claims to be enjoying an annual growth rate of five to 10 percent and expect an even larger growth rate next year. Q Medical charges less than the centers located at the large hospitals so expects to attract more of Bangkok’s upper-middle class population. For example, competing centers charge around 50,000 baht for an anti-aging checkup while Q Medical charges only 15,000, making places like Bumrungrad’s Vitalife within reach of mainly wealthier Thais.

So what are these so-called “anti-aging” therapies? Well, in addition to comprehensive physical exams and diet/nutrition assessments, the most popular treatments are skin care, making up 70% of Q Medical’s patients. Another popular treatment is chelation therapy which is a popular detox therapy.

This niche market for medical treatment attracts mostly local Thais in Bangkok but there is a significant percentage of foreign medical tourists as well. Inbound medical tourism, however, is received largely by the major hospitals like Bumrungrad and Bangkok Hospital. Promoters of the centers point to the need to expand marketing and education about anti-aging therapies and what is available in a range of prices.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 27th, 2011 at 10:03 am and is filed under Anti-aging Therapy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.