Shaping the Future of Wellness BDMS Wellness Clinic Propels Thailand into the World’s Top 5
Shaping the Future of Wellness
BDMS Wellness Clinic Propels Thailand into the World’s Top 5,
Positioning the Country as a Global Wellness Hub
BDMS Wellness Clinic, Thailand’s preventive healthcare provider, led by Tanupol Virunhagarun, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of BDMS Wellness Clinic and BDMS Wellness Resort, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited, continues its mission to establish Thailand as the World’s "Wellness Hub." The clinic is calling for collective efforts under the #TeamThailand initiative, highlighting Thailand’s five key strengths: the country’s natural beauty, the charm of Thai cuisine and herbs, its unique hospitality, traditional Thai medicine, and its global reputation as a health and wellness hub. This initiative aligns with the growing global wellness industry, which is expanding at an average rate of 7.3% annually.
The Rising Trend of Wellness: A Global Movement
It is undeniable that wellness has become a booming trend worldwide. People, especially the younger generation, are prioritizing their well-being through exercise, healthy eating, and maintaining a work-life balance. Preventive healthcare has also gained significant popularity.
What factors contribute to this growth in wellness trends? BDMS Wellness Clinic explores the key drivers behind this movement.
Longer Lifespans Drive the Demand for Healthier Living
Advancements in medical science have extended human lifespans. Between 2000 and 2019, the global average lifespan increased from 66.8 years to 73.4 years — a rise of 6.6 years. However, the average health span, the period during which individuals remain in good health, is only 63.7 years. This means that most people experience nearly a decade of declining health before passing away.
As life expectancy rises, societies worldwide, including Thailand, are facing an aging population. Thailand has officially entered the "Aged Society" phase, where more than 20% of the population is aged 60 and above. This has driven a shift towards preventive healthcare, ensuring longevity with quality of life. A key factor fueling this movement is the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In 2022, NCDs accounted for 77% of total deaths in Thailand, with 380,400 deaths annually—an average of 44 deaths per hour.
Tanupol Virunhagarun, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of BDMS Wellness Clinic and BDMS Wellness Resort, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited, stated, “NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke, cancer, and other chronic illnesses not only cause suffering but also increase mortality risk during pandemics, as seen with COVID-19. For example, individuals with hypertension had double the risk of severe illness and death compared to healthy individuals. Those with heart disease or diabetes had three times the risk, stroke patients faced a fourfold increase, and obese individuals had the highest risk — up to seven times greater.”
He further emphasized, “Obesity is not just an appearance issue; it signifies long-term health risks. Currently, 48.3% of Thais are overweight or obese. Addressing obesity is crucial to preventing future health complications.”
The Wellness Industry: A Thriving Global Market with 7.3%
Annual Growth According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the wellness industry was valued at $6.3 trillion in 2023 and is projected to reach $9 trillion by 2028, growing at an annual rate of 7.3% — outpacing global GDP growth of 4.8%.
The top three fastest-growing sectors in wellness are Wellness Real Estate (15.8% annual growth), Mental Wellness (12.2%), and Wellness Tourism (10.2%). This reflects the increasing consumer focus on holistic well-being, integrating wellness into everyday life and travel. Businesses worldwide are rapidly adapting to meet this demand.
Wellness Tourism: Beyond Sightseeing
Wellness tourism is more than just visiting popular tourist destinations — it is a journey to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
GWI data shows that wellness tourism has grown significantly since 2012. In 2019, the global wellness tourism market was valued at $690 billion, growing 50% faster than the overall tourism industry. Although the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted travel in 2020, wellness tourism rebounded strongly, reaching $830 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $1.35 trillion by 2028, with an annual growth rate of 10.2%.
Thailand remains a top wellness tourism destination, attracting global travelers with its rich natural resources, diverse cuisine and herbal remedies, unique Thai hospitality, traditional Thai medicine, and cutting-edge medical technology. These factors position Thailand as a globally recognized Medical Hub.
In 2023, Thailand ranked 15th in the global wellness tourism market. Prior to COVID-19, Thailand held the 7th position in 2019, with a market value of $17 billion (approximately 610 billion THB). This highlights Thailand’s strong appeal as a premier wellness tourism destination.
Preventive Medicine and Personalized Healthcare: The Future of Wellness
With technological advancements, healthcare is shifting from a reactive model — treating illnesses — to a proactive approach focused on prevention and longevity. This evolution, known as Scientific Wellness, integrates evidence-based medical advancements to enhance overall well-being.
Preventive medicine and lifestyle medicine are key drivers of this shift, aiming to promote long-term health sustainability. Personalized medicine, an emerging field in wellness, tailors healthcare plans based on individual biological markers, such as blood tests, cellular health assessments, genetic predispositions, and hormonal balance. By identifying potential health risks early, individuals can adopt lifestyle changes for optimal well-being.
Personalized medicine also plays a crucial role in wellness tourism. Health assessments at a cellular level provide travelers with valuable insights into their well-being, encouraging repeat visits for long-term health monitoring. This trend strengthens Thailand’s position not only as a top wellness tourism destination but also as a leader in related sectors. Thailand ranks 16th globally in the spa industry, 18th in traditional and alternative medicine, and continues to grow in healthy food and weight management businesses.
By harnessing Thailand’s strengths and leveraging global wellness trends, BDMS Wellness Clinic is dedicated to propelling Thailand into the top five wellness destinations worldwide, reinforcing the country’s status as a premier global Wellness Hub.
BDMS Wellness Clinic and Its Commitment to Advancing the Wellness Hub Thailand Initiative
The growth of the health and wellness tourism industry, combined with Thailand’s unique strengths, has created a significant opportunity to position the country as the Wellness Destination of the World. BDMS Wellness Clinic recognizes this potential and is dedicated to driving Thailand toward becoming a sustainable and high-quality global wellness destination. This vision aligns with the government's Ignite Thailand policy, which aims to establish Thailand as a leading international health hub.
"BDMS Wellness Clinic is committed to playing a key role in positioning Thailand as the Wellness Destination of the World. We see Thailand’s vast potential — ranging from its rich natural resources, cultural heritage, cuisine, and herbal medicine, to world-class Thai hospitality and traditional medicine. When combined with cutting-edge medical technology, these elements reinforce Thailand’s readiness to offer comprehensive health and wellness services to people worldwide. Our goal is to position Thailand among the world’s top five health tourism destinations, making it a top-of-mind choice for wellness travelers globally.”
"However, to truly establish Thailand as a global wellness hub, we must work together as #TeamThailand. This requires collaboration across all sectors—government, private organizations, academics, local communities, and the Thai people. By uniting our efforts, we can enhance Thailand’s appeal as a world-class wellness tourism destination,” concluded Dr. Tanupol.
BDMS Wellness Clinic is proud to be a part of #TeamThailand, actively contributing to Thailand’s journey toward becoming the Wellness Destination of the World. Through its commitment to delivering personalized healthcare solutions, integrating preventive medicine, and utilizing cutting-edge medical technology, BDMS Wellness Clinic aims to promote sustainable health and well-being for people worldwide.
