Medical tourism fair

Thailand will host the "Proud Asia 2007", the first international trade exhibition and conference on medical tourism, spa and wellness industries, from September 27-30 at the Impact Convention Centre, Muangthong Thani.

Natprapa Yokputtaraksa, managing director of Production Management & Services, one of the organisers of the fair, said the event will seek to portray Thailand as a leading destination for medical tourism in the region.

She quoted a Tourism Authority of Thailand report as saying that at least five million people travel to Thailand every year for various treatment, while the country was also highly regarded for its spa services.

The event will feature innovative medical and spa technologies, workshops, seminars and product demonstrations. It is expected to draw 300 exhibitors and 15,000 visitors from around the world.

The event is supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, the Thai Spa Association, the Thai Society of Cosmetic Dermatology & Surgery, the Association of Thai Travel Agents and the Spa Wellness Association, Singapore.