Thailand Strengthens Wellness Ties with Saudi Arabia Under Dr. Amp’s Leadership

Thailand Strengthens Wellness Ties with Saudi Arabia Under Dr. Amp’s Leadership

The Royal Thai Embassy in Riyadh hosted a key event to promote bilateral collaboration in health, wellness, and sustainable tourism sectors.

A Major Step Forward in Building an International Health Network! Tanupol Virunhagarun, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of BDMS Wellness Clinic and BDMS Wellness Resort, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited (BDMS), known as Dr. Amp, was honored by the Royal Thai Embassy in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to lead the Thai delegation in sharing expertise in holistic healthcare through the science of Scientific Wellness. This took place during an academic seminar titled "Wellness Hub Thailand: The Future of Global Wellness", aligning with the national strategy of Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes the development of healthcare systems and quality of life. The initiative also promoted the concept of Wellness Hub Thailand, aiming to elevate Thailand’s health and wellness soft power on the global stage. It underscored Dr. Amp’s vision and dedication to positioning Thailand as a global leader in the medical and wellness tourism industry. The event was honored by the presence of H.E. Mr. Darm Boontham, Ambassador of Thailand to Saudi Arabia, along with distinguished guests from various sectors in Saudi Arabia. Their participation reflected a shared vision in advancing bilateral cooperation in the health and wellness sector between Thailand and Saudi Arabia.

Expanding the Thailand–Saudi Arabia Health Network in Support of Saudi Vision 2030 through the Wellness Hub Thailand Initiative

In a strategic move to strengthen healthcare collaboration between Thailand and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Tanupol Virunhagarun was honored by the Royal Thai Embassy, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represent Thailand as a keynote speaker at a health-focused academic seminar. His participation marked a significant step forward in fostering regional health network integration. During the seminar, Dr. Tanupol presented the visionary concept of “Wellness Hub Thailand: The Future of Global Wellness”, which highlights a holistic and preventive approach to health based on the principles of Scientific Wellness — a proactive model tailored to modern lifestyles. This concept serves as a vital foundation for enhancing population well-being, both nationally and globally. The event aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which places a strong emphasis on healthcare system development and improving quality of life. The seminar was officially opened by H.E. Mr. Darm Boontham, Ambassador of Thailand to Saudi Arabia. 

This exchange marks a significant step forward in strengthening the collaboration between Thailand and Saudi Arabia, grounded in a shared vision aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 — a national strategy that emphasizes enhancing the quality of life for all citizens. A key focus of Saudi Vision 2030 is the sustainable development of the healthcare system and the promotion of investment in the health services sector, including wellness and medical tourism. The presentation of the Wellness Hub Thailand concept not only highlights Thailand’s potential to become a global leader and premier destination in wellness tourism, but also serves as a catalyst for meaningful integration between the healthcare policies of both nations. Through academic cooperation and mutual knowledge exchange, this initiative lays the groundwork for more tangible partnerships in health and wellness. Ultimately, this collaboration aims to position Thailand as the “Wellness Destination of the World”, offering holistic well-being to the global community, while supporting Saudi Arabia’s long-term goal of ensuring sustainable healthcare for their people.

When Lifespan Outpaces Health Span: Research Reveals Saudis Live Over a Decade with Chronic Illnesses Before Death

While advancements in medical science and health technologies have significantly extended human lifespan, a growing body of research highlights a concerning gap between how long people live and how long they remain healthy. Recent data shows that citizens in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are living, on average, more than 10 years with chronic illnesses before the end of life — underscoring a critical need to address quality of life in addition to longevity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), global life expectancy rose from 66.8 years in 2000 to 73.4 years in 2019, reflecting global progress in healthcare accessibility and disease management. However, the global Health Span — the period in which individuals live without serious health limitations — remains significantly lower, at just 63.7 years. This means that many people around the world, including in Saudi Arabia, spend the final decade or more of their lives grappling with chronic health conditions or functional decline. This disparity emphasizes the importance of shifting healthcare strategies from reactive treatment to preventive and holistic approaches, including those embodied in the Scientific Wellness model. As part of ongoing regional efforts aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, there is a strong push to invest in preventive care, wellness promotion, and healthy aging — aiming not just to add years to life, but life to years.

Saudi Arabia is also facing a growing public health challenge as the gap between lifespan and healthy life expectancy continues to widen. According to a 2019 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), the average life expectancy in Saudi Arabia is 74.3 years, while the healthy life expectancy is only 64 years. This means that many Saudi citizens live up to 10.3 years of their lives dealing with chronic diseases or health issues before they pass away. A primary factor contributing to this health issue is the increasing prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), which are often associated with the aging process. This situation mirrors a global trend as societies transition into "aging societies", and NCDs have become a silent epidemic impacting the quality of life worldwide.

In a 2022 WHO report, it was revealed that over 45 million people worldwide die from NCDs each year, highlighting a shared global health challenge. Saudi Arabia’s situation is equally concerning, as 73% of all deaths in the country are now attributed to NCDs. This translates to approximately 105,200 deaths annually, or an average of 12 lives lost every hour. The leading causes of these deaths include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes. 

"Another critical health issue that requires urgent attention in Saudi Arabia is the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity. According to 2022 data from the World Health Organization, more than 73% of the Saudi population, or approximately 25 million people, are affected by this condition. Obesity is directly linked to the development of several chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and significantly increases the risk of severe illness or death, especially in times of global health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Research has shown that individuals with high blood pressure have a twofold increased risk, those with heart disease or diabetes have a threefold increased risk, and those with a history of stroke have a fourfold increased risk. Most concerning, individuals with obesity face a sevenfold higher risk of death compared to the general population." Dr. Tanupol added.

Dr. Amp’s Dedication to Building #TeamThailand: Advancing Thai Soft Power and Positioning Thailand as a Global Destination for Health and Wellness

With a clear vision and unwavering commitment, Dr. Tanupol Virunhagarun, widely known as “Dr. Amp”, continues to lead efforts to position Thailand as the “Wellness Destination of the World”—a premier global hub where people from all over the world can access high-quality, holistic health and wellness services. As part of this mission, Dr. Tanupol has actively collaborated with both public and private sectors to promote preventive healthcare through the principles of Scientific Wellness. His leadership is driving forward Thailand’s potential as a global wellness hub, capable of delivering world-class, integrative health services that cater to the needs of international populations. His recent visit to the Royal Thai Embassy in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marks another pivotal step toward expanding international health partnerships and raising Thailand’s global profile in the wellness sector. The visit underscores Thailand’s growing role in advancing regional and global health initiatives, aligning with broader strategies to strengthen Team Thailand’s soft power on the world stage.

Thailand holds numerous advantages that uniquely position it as a leading destination for wellness tourism. The country’s rich geographical diversity, from pristine beaches to lush mountains and tropical forests, provides the perfect environment for rest, rejuvenation, and natural healing. In addition, Thailand’s deep-rooted cultural heritage and diverse traditions offer a compelling backdrop for health and wellness experiences, reflecting a rich history of holistic living and community care. Moreover, Thai cuisine, renowned for its unique flavors and nutritional value, remains a global favorite—appealing not only to culinary tourists but also to health-conscious travelers seeking balanced and flavorful nutrition.

Moreover, Thailand also stands out on the global stage for its distinctive contributions to health and wellness, rooted in traditional Thai wisdom, particularly Thai herbal medicine and traditional Thai medicine, which have long been recognized for their effectiveness in promoting health and physical recovery. These practices are not only a testament to the nation's rich cultural heritage but also represent valuable assets worthy of preservation and advancement. One of the most notable examples is traditional Thai massage, along with the Thai spa industry, both of which have become internationally renowned. These services seamlessly combine ancient therapeutic knowledge with a relaxing and holistic experience that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit, all while adhering to international standards of service excellence.

In addition to its cultural assets, Thailand's progress in modern medical technology and its pool of highly skilled healthcare professionals have significantly elevated the country’s capacity to deliver outstanding healthcare services. This unique ability to integrate tourism, natural beauty, cultural richness, and high-quality healthcare allows Thailand to meet the growing global demand for wellness-focused travel. As travelers increasingly seek destinations that offer rest, rejuvenation, and holistic healing, Thailand is well-positioned to fulfill these needs. Its comprehensive approach to wellness makes it an ideal candidate to emerge as a Global Wellness Hub—not only offering world-class experiences but also demonstrating true leadership in sustainable healthcare and quality of life enhancement for people around the world.