"Dr. Amp" participated in the Health Talk Lecture to expand international health cooperation and promote the role of health tourism in Thailand at the Consulate General in Shanghai, China.

"Dr. Amp" participated in the Health Talk lecture

Expanding international health cooperation and promoting the role of

Thailand Health Tourism at the Consulate General in Shanghai, China

Bangkok, Thailand – 28 April 2025 – Healthy without borders! Bangkok Dusit Medical Public Company Limited was honored by the Consulate General in Shanghai. The People's Republic of China participated in the Health Talk under the theme "Wellness Hub Thailand: The Future of Global Wellness" to promote the concept of holistic healthcare and showcase Thailand's potential as a global health hub or "Wellness Hub Thailand" to expand international health cooperation. Strengthen strategic health networks and drive Thailand's role in the health tourism industry on the global stage. Ms. Prainat Apirat, Consul General of the Consulate General in Shanghai, and Mr. Jirawat Liangkham. Deputy Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Shanghai, as well as guests from the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Shanghai. Guests from well-known tourism agencies in China. And guests from luxury hotels in China were honored to attend the event.

Promoting Thai-Chinese cooperation in health tourism Extending the opportunity to receive the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations

To promote cooperation between Thailand and the People's Republic of China in the field of health tourism in a concrete way. The Consulate General in Shanghai has organized a special event with the aim of exchanging knowledge and enhancing understanding of holistic healthcare, as well as modern tourism concepts that focus on good physical, mental and spiritual well-being, as well as promoting a balanced lifestyle, which are all at the heart of the concept of "Wellness Tourism" that is in line with the long-term approach to disease prevention and sustainable improvement of the quality of life.

On this occasion, Ms. Prainat Apirat, Consul General in Shanghai, gave the opening speech, emphasizing Thailand's potential and the opportunity to become a health tourism destination for people around the world, including the Chinese population.

At the event, Dr. Tanupol Wirulahakarun or "Dr. Amp" Chairman of the Board of Directors of BDMS Wellness Clinic and BDMS Wellness Bangkok Dusit Medical Public Company Limited was invited by the Consulate General to give a special lecture on preventive health care with the science of Scientific Wellness and Lifestyle Medicine, living for well-being, as well as to express the vision of driving Thailand to become a Wellness Hub Thailand and an international health tourism destination. 

The Health Situation in China: Moving Towards an Aging Society and Challenges in Healthcare

Dr. Tanupol Wirulahakarun Chairman of the Board of Directors of BDMS Wellness Clinic and BDMS Wellness Resort, Bangkok Dusit Medical Public Company Limited revealed that advances in medical technology have played an important role in extending life expectancy. Between 2000 and 2019, the average life expectancy of the world's population increased from 66.8 years to 73.4 years, an increase of 6.6 years.  However, the "Healthy Life Span" or Health Span, which refers to the period of time during which everyone can have a good quality of life without illness. This means that many people lived in a state of health recession for almost a decade before dying.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that in 2022, more than 45 million people worldwide died from NCDs.  

In China, The health situation is entering a major challenge due to the transition to a full-fledged "aging society", with about 20% of China's population currently over the age of 60.

In 2022, chronic non-communicable diseases became the cause of 90% of the deaths of the Chinese population, accounting for more than 9,058,000 cases per year, or an average of about 1,034 cases per hour. Cancer High blood pressure and Alzheimer's disease. 

"Another area of concern is obesity in China, where in 2022, more than 38.9% of the population, or about 549,268,000 people, were facing obesity, which is not only a problem of appearance but also a warning sign of long-term health risks. Obesity also increases the risk of morbidity and death. Especially during the time when the world is facing unusual events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the study found that people with high blood pressure are twice as likely to develop severe illness or death compared to healthy people. While patients with heart disease or diabetes have a three-fold increased risk, stroke patients have a 4-fold increased risk, while people with obesity have a 7-fold higher risk of death than the general population," Dr. Tanupol added.

Delve into the vision of "Dr. Amp" and driving preventive health care. Under the concept of Scientific Wellness and Promoting Thailand's Role As a Global Wellness Hub 

With the far-reaching vision of Dr. Tanupol Wirulahakarun, who foresaw the changes in global health trends that are entering a new era. This is a transition from the traditional health care system that focuses on treating illness. At the same time, Dr. Tanupol also foresees Thailand's potential and readiness to become an international center for health and preventive medicine. Therefore, the Health Talk Session was held under the theme "Wellness Hub Thailand: The Future of Global Wellness" at the Consulate General in Shanghai. The goal is to build #TeamThailand and expand international health cooperation. Promote the creation of a strategic health network and drive Thailand's role as a global Wellness Hub. 

"According to a recent report from the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), Thailand's wellness economy during 2022-2023 had the fastest growth rate in the world, expanding by 28.4 percent, worth up to 40.54 billion US dollars or about 1.4 trillion Thai baht. After the People's Republic of China in 2023." 

“The figures not only reflect Thailand's economic success. It is also empirical evidence that reinforces the country's potential and readiness to become a global wellness hub. Both in terms of geography and rich environment, which is internationally recognized. Combined with the identity of Thai cuisine with a variety of flavors and nutritional values, it also has the strength of warm service and the charm of Thai hospitality. In addition, Thailand also has the strengths of Thai traditional medicine and Thai herbs that have been inherited for a long time and are attracting the attention of consumers around the world as the science of well-being alongside nature, as well as the potential of modern medicine that is standardized and internationally recognized. Dr. Tanupol added.

This cooperation is an important milestone that reflects the strong and enduring relationship between the Kingdom of Thailand and the People's Republic of China. The common aim is to exchange knowledge on health. Strengthen international cooperation networks and improve the well-being of the peoples of both nations in a sustainable manner. 

However, As a medical specialist in preventive medicine, Dr. Tanupol will continue to be committed to his mission as one of the key forces of the #TeamThailand with the goal of pushing Thailand's potential to become a global health hub in a concrete way. At the same time, it will continue to build confidence in the quality and standards of Thailand's health services on the international stage.