Why Kim Kardashian and Jackson Wang are fans of Bangkok’s The Demis Clinic with Dr Joe
The Demis Clinic – which attracts celebrities from Kim Kardashian to Bella Ranee Campen – has built up a loyal fan base, and with good reason
It’s not unusual for Dr Dissapong Panithaporn’s clients to fly in for a few hours from places such as Singapore – often by private jet – to visit his Bangkok clinic for one of his treatments, ranging from laser to fillers.
Thailand has long been known for its wellness traditions, ranging from massages to facials, but it is also a hub for medical tourism. The country attracts millions of visitors from the rest of Asia, the Middle East and beyond looking for high-quality health services ranging from body check-ups to dental care and cosmetic procedures.
According to Prudence Lai, Asia-Pacific travel senior consultant at Euromonitor International, Thailand’s in-destination wellness market is expected to reach US$5.8 billion by 2029, accounting for nearly 20 per cent of the Asia-Pacific wellness tourism market, with medical tourism as the main growth driver.
“Medical tourism is picking up as travellers across the globe aim to find the most cost-effective consultations and treatments, with Asia-Pacific destinations such as Thailand and South Korea recognised as key medical tourism hubs for aesthetic enhancements and healthcare treatments,” says Lai. “On top of cost considerations, relaxing cultural immersion is another key factor in decision-making for medical tourism destinations.”
Education also plays an important role in Thailand’s healthcare industry. The country’s institutions – especially Bangkok’s Institute of Dermatology, where Panithaporn earned his degree – attract many international students.
Panithaporn, who is in his mid-40s and looks much younger than his age, is a poster child for the rise of Thailand as a competitor to South Korea in the world of aesthetic treatments. While he is adamant that South Korea is and will continue to be a leader in the field, he agrees that Thailand has become a pioneer in its own right.
“I think we have a lot of experience here, and also our prices and our technology are affordable,” he says. “It’s easy to get access to top-tier facilities and great services and great people. Nowadays, whenever a company wants to launch their newest technology, even from Europe or the US, they always test it in Thailand.”