Chinese couples finally free to have more than one child are an obvious target for Thailand’s fertility industry as they make up the bulk of overall visitors to the country, where tourism underpins a fifth of the economy.

 

“Most healthcare operators are rushing to tap this vast market,” said Tanatip Suppradit, acting Chief Executive Officer of Thonburi Healthcare Group, which is this month opening a USD 93 million fertility center in Bangkok. “The reasonable costs, good service and beautiful nature will definitely make Thailand the top destination for Chinese couples seeking these services.”

 

Bangkok Dusit Medical Services’ shares have climbed about 20% this year thanks partly to medical tourism, helping it become the most valuable hospital operator in the developing world. Foreign patients accounted for almost a third of sales and jumped 10% in the first half of 2018 from a year earlier. Growth from China was 30%.