The Andaman Southern Region proposed the establishment of the Andaman Wellness Economic Corridor (AWC) to keep pace with the global trend in wellness, in order to increase the competitiveness of health tourism in 6 Andaman provinces, consisting of Phuket, Krabi. Phang Nga, Ranong, Trang and Satun in a similar manner to the EEC project of Eastern Thailand.
Andaman Wellness Economic Corridor (AWC) provinces
The Medical Hub Board approved the announcement of Thailand as a Thailand Wellness Economic Corridor (TWC) for the Medical and Wellness Tourism sector in 12 target businesses. This is to recover the economy from the COVID-19 pandemic and generate income from medical tourism sector that has a high growth potential. The principle was approved in three key areas. One of which is the AWC Development Strategic Plan that promotes health services with a special mechanism by using innovation in the southern Andaman provinces as follows:
Phuket is a treatment center for complex diseases, gender affirmation surgeries, spas in public and private hospitals, international conventions and exhibitions center and world-class wellness center. This includes preparation for Specialized Events. Expo-Phuket 2028 under the concept of “Future of Life: Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity” in which the Royal Thai Embassy in Paris has already represented the Thai government in submitting a bid to host this event.
Phang Nga is the marine tourist service hub in collaboration with Sky Doctor, Claim Center for collecting medical expenses from foreigners to reduce bad debts and develops a Climate Therapy treatment system for long-stay tourists including a dental center.
Krabi promotes the development of Klong Thom Spa to a global level.
Trang is the food city hub and wellness destination hub in the Andaman area.
Satun will be developed as a long-term residence city.
Ranong has hot springs and spas for healing purposes.
The Andaman Wellness Economic Corridor (AWC) will help to recover the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic and to create opportunities and enhance the capacity of the health business to support the high growth in health tourism services.
