The decision was made at a meeting of the Committee on the Development and Promotion of Thailand to Be a Medical and Wellness Tourism Hub, held at the Ministry of Public Health on 1 February 2016.Vice Minister for Public Health Dr. Tawat Suntharacharn said that the meeting formed a working group to map out an action plan to develop model spa cities and hot spring tourism routes. It agreed to designate Khlong Thom district in the southern province of Krabi as a pilot spa city. 

The Khlong Thom Spa City will be opened in the next two years. It will be developed to international standards, with spa services of good quality and different types of herbal plants.

Located about 70 kilometers from the town of Krabi, the hot springs in Khlong Thom are in the heart of a small jungle. They offer a great way for visitors to relax. The water here comes from thermal springs, originating deep underground in volcanic chambers. The mineral salts contained in the water are said to help ease a number of ailments.
Apart from Krabi, the meeting agreed to develop spa cities in six other provinces, namely Ranong and Phang-nga in the South, Chiang Mai and Lampang in the North, and Ratchaburi and Kanchanaburi in the central region.

Natural hot springs have been discovered in several areas across Thailand. Many of them have been developed into tourist attractions. Some offer health packages combining mineral baths, traditional Thai massage, and fitness facilities.Thailand is recognized as the wellness capital of Asia. Many visitors have chosen the country as their destination for the ideal combination of the health-care and spa experience with leisure activities. 

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Ministry of Public Health are joining hands in promoting medical tourism and developing Thailand into a medical and wellness tourism hub. Members of the private sector have also been invited to take part in this project.Thailand’s wealth of health-care expertise and know-how is embodied in its culture, indigenous wisdom, and adherence to the tenets of religious faith. These qualities have attracted visitors from all over the world, who appreciate not only the excellent medical and health care but also enjoy the experience of Thai spas and traditional Thai massage, as well as the salutary effects of Thai herbal products.