On April 19, 2025, Thailand is gearing up for a significant international event, the World Expo 2025, taking place in Osaka, Japan. The Thai government, through the Ministry of Public Health, is set to showcase its health potential and wellness tourism at the expo, which runs from April 13 to October 13, 2025. This year’s theme, "THAILAND Connecting Lives for Greatest Happiness," aims to highlight Thailand's innovations and health services on a global stage.
According to Mr. Nopharat Limsamut, Director of the Office of International Cooperation, the World Expo is a prestigious event held every five years under the supervision of the Bureau of International Exposition (BIE). This year’s exhibition is expected to attract millions, with Thailand's participation designed to enhance the country's image as a health tourism hub.
Thailand's exhibition will feature a pavilion named "ภูมิพิมาน ดินแดนแห่งภูมิคุ้มกัน" (Phumipiman: The Land of Immunity), which is designed to reflect a blend of traditional Thai identity and contemporary exhibition concepts. The pavilion is part of a substantial budget of 973.48 million baht allocated for the event, aimed at maximizing benefits for Thailand.
During the initial days of the expo, from April 13 to 15, 2025, the Thai pavilion welcomed 18,076 visitors. The government anticipates that over the six-month duration of the expo, approximately 3 million visitors will explore Thailand’s offerings, representing about 10% of the total expected attendees.
However, not all feedback regarding the expo has been positive. Dr. Chutinart Chinudomporn, a representative from the medical professionals' union, expressed concerns about the messaging and communication strategies being employed. In a post on Facebook, she noted that while the architectural beauty of the pavilion was well-received, the presentation lacked coherence and failed to connect effectively with the audience. She criticized the expenditure of over 1 billion baht on a project that she felt did not adequately address pressing issues within the Thai healthcare system.
Dr. Chutinart pointed out that the Thai public is currently facing significant challenges, including a shortage of medical professionals and overcrowded public hospitals. She argued that the funds allocated for promoting the medical hub could be better spent addressing these urgent healthcare needs. "The investment in promoting Thailand is a good thing, but we must be cautious about communication and budget usage to ensure appropriateness," she stated.
Dr. Chutinart further highlighted the disparity in healthcare access, emphasizing that while the government promotes Thailand as a wellness destination, many public hospitals struggle to accommodate patients adequately. She noted that the budget could have funded essential services, such as hiring additional medical staff or improving mental health care for children in schools.
In addition to the World Expo preparations, another significant development announced on the same day is the introduction of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system for foreign tourists. Mr. Anukul Puekpanusuk, Deputy Minister of Public Health, revealed that starting May 1, 2025, all foreign tourists entering Thailand will be required to register digitally using the TDAC system.
The TDAC is designed to streamline the entry process for visitors, allowing them to fill out necessary information online at tdac.immigation.go.th three days prior to their arrival. This system will be accessible through various channels, including air, land, and sea, and will eventually be available as a mobile application.
Tourists will need to provide personal information, travel details, accommodation information, and health status as mandated by the Ministry of Public Health. Mr. Anukul emphasized that the TDAC is not a visa but a digital registration system aimed at facilitating smoother immigration processes.
Steps for registering for the TDAC include visiting the designated website or scanning a QR code, filling out the required information, submitting the form, and then presenting the confirmation email along with travel documents to immigration officials upon arrival in Thailand. The TDAC website will support five languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Japanese, to assist international visitors.
Mr. Anukul also mentioned that the Immigration Bureau is collaborating with various agencies, including the E-Visa system and health screening systems, to ensure that the entry process is efficient and user-friendly. This initiative aligns with the government's broader goal of enhancing Thailand's appeal as a travel destination.
The juxtaposition of the World Expo and the new TDAC system highlights Thailand's efforts to position itself as a global player in health tourism while addressing domestic healthcare challenges. As the country prepares for the influx of international visitors, the focus remains on balancing promotional efforts with the realities of its healthcare system.
In summary, while the World Expo presents an opportunity for Thailand to showcase its health innovations and attract tourism, it also raises critical questions about the country's healthcare priorities and the effective use of public funds. As Thailand steps onto the international stage, it must navigate these complexities to ensure that its image as a health hub is not only promoted but also substantiated by tangible improvements in healthcare access and quality for its citizens.
