The initiative was announced at a press conference held at the Angsana Laguna Phuket Hotel yesterday (June 10), chaired by Phuket Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai.
The event also introduced the upcoming Phuket Health Expo 2025, which will take place at Central Festival Phuket from July 2-6.
Under the theme ‘Connecting Phuket, Connecting the World’ and the concept of ‘Living in Paradise’, the expo aims to position Phuket as a leading destination for wellness tourism. The event will feature cutting-edge presentations of the province’s wellness potential, including 3D immersive experiences, a Wellness Map, and showcases of top accommodations, spas, hospitals and community-based health tourism projects.
The press conference was attended by key figures from both public and private sectors, including Dr Bancha Khakhong; who served as Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time PPAO President Mr Rewat also served as assistant to the Minister of Public Health.
Also present at the press launch were Phuket Chamber of Commerce President Kongsak Khoopongsakorn and Paul John Hawco of Banyan Group Integrated Wellbeing.
Various industry associations, such as the Phuket Health Spa Association, Phuket Massage Shop Entrepreneurs Association, Thai Traditional Medicine Development Association and the Patong Beach Hotel Association also lent their support.
Phuket Health Expo 2025 will offer a wide range of health promotion activities, including free health screenings, cooking workshops by five-star chefs, Muay Thai performances, CPR training with certification, CEO Talks and international business matching sessions, Mr Kongsak explained.
A key highlight of the event will be the ‘Living in Paradise Awards’, recognising outstanding businesses across six wellness sectors: hotels, accommodation, spas, clinics, hospitals, sports and health products.
Additionally, a Road Show Fam Trip will bring 50 tour operators from across Thailand to Phuket, giving them firsthand experience of the island’s wellness offerings.
Organised in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the PPAO and the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), the programme aims to develop new tourism packages for both domestic and international markets.
The Health City model is not only about attracting tourists but also about promoting a sustainable, comprehensive lifestyle that integrates healthcare, wellness and community wellbeing, Mr Kongsak said.
The holistic approach is hoped to showcase Thailand’s image at World Expo 2030 and position Phuket as a global leader in health tourism, he added.