Bangladeshis are increasingly opting for Thailand as a travel and medical tourism destination due to restrictions imposed by India on tourist and medical visas. Reports indicate that India is currently granting visas only to critical patients while barring others, with several Indian institutions and doctors even refusing treatment to Bangladeshi patients. This has resulted in a significant shift towards Thailand, which offers competitive costs and improved accessibility.

India’s Ministry of Tourism states that nearly 2.5 million patients from Bangladesh travel to India annually, spending an estimated $500 million on healthcare. However, due to the current restrictions, many of these individuals are now turning to Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore for healthcare and tourism needs. Additionally, other regional destinations like Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan have also seen an uptick in Bangladeshi visitors.

Thailand has become particularly appealing, with reports indicating that its medical treatments cost 20-25% less compared to India. The daily expense for accommodation, such as a double-bed hotel room, is approximately 3,000 Bangladeshi taka. Airfare ranges between 40,000 and 75,000 taka, and food costs are comparable to those in Bangladesh.

Thailand boasts around 1,000 hospitals, including over 470 private facilities, many of which are renowned for their quality care. Bangkok alone houses some of Asia's largest private hospitals, with 62 facilities accredited by the United States-based Joint Commission International (JCI). These factors, coupled with shorter travel times and the availability of natural attractions for leisure, make Thailand an attractive destination for Bangladeshi travelers.

According to industry insiders, the number of Bangladeshi patients traveling to Thailand has increased by 20% in recent months, with further growth expected. Thailand’s ease of access, advanced medical technology, and cost-effective services have contributed to this trend.

Data from the latest Bangladesh Bank report reveals that Thailand is now the second-highest destination for Bangladeshi credit card spending abroad, after the United States. In September, Bangladeshis spent 420 million taka via credit cards in Thailand, which surged to 570 million taka in October, a 16-crore increase in just one month. India has dropped to third place.

Arif Hossain, an international tour operator, stated that Thailand is emerging as a better alternative to India in every aspect, offering attractive packages for Bangladeshi tourists and patients. He believes direct flights from Chattogram and Sylhet would further boost Thailand’s appeal as a medical and travel destination.

Mazedul Noyon, Manager of Bangkok-based medical and tour operator Sua Noi Fit and Fly, noted that inquiries from Bangladeshi patients have increased by 200% compared to four months ago. More than 80% of these individuals are opting for Thailand due to visa complications with India.

To simplify travel for Bangladeshis, Thailand is introducing an e-visa service starting January 2, as confirmed by the Thai Embassy. This will streamline the visa application process and make Thailand even more accessible for Bangladeshi travelers.

Airfare from Dhaka to Bangkok is relatively affordable, with direct flights available through Thai Airways, US-Bangla Airlines, and Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Travel agents suggest that introducing flights from Chattogram and Sylhet would further enhance connectivity. The flight duration from Dhaka to Bangkok is approximately two and a half hours.

Selden Joseph D’Silva, Assistant Manager of Akij Air, shared airfare details: a round trip on Biman Bangladesh Airlines costs 34,456 taka for economy class and 88,447 taka for business class. US-Bangla Airlines charges 33,616 taka for a round trip in economy class but does not offer business class services. Thai Airways charges 44,174 taka for economy class and 185,031 taka for business class. Despite the costs, Thailand is increasingly viewed as a preferable alternative to India for both medical treatment and tourism.