MOU to Foster Thai-Chinese Cooperation in Health Tourism to Support the Aging Society

October 8

MOU to Foster Thai-Chinese Cooperation in Health Tourism to Support the Aging Society.
This signing ceremony for cooperation in the health tourism industry, aimed at supporting the aging society, was honored by the presence of Mr. Weerapong Rittirod, Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai Province, along with Ms. Phassalin Sawetarat, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Chiang Mai Office, Mr. Itthirat Sinarak, Chiang Mai Provincial Tourism and Sports Officer, and the key leader, Warunee Khummuen, President of the Association of Northern Tourism Federation , Chiang Mai Province. The Chinese party was represented by the Suzhou Silver Industry Association, China.
The background to this cooperation is that the Association of Northern Tourism Federation Chiang Mai Province, led by President, Khun Warunee Khummuen, had the opportunity to meet and hold discussions with the Suzhou Silver Industry Association in late 2024. The Northern Thailand Tourism Federation Association and the Chiang Mai Provincial Tourist Council are instrumental in driving Chiang Mai’s economy and tourism industry. To stimulate value-added travel and spending by tourists, product development is a crucial element. Furthermore, in line with the provincial strategy to expand the economic value of health tourism, support the aging society, and establish the province as a Wellness City, the Association collaborated with the Suzhou Silver Industry Association, Suzhou Yilv Sunshine Travel Service, and Ty Tech. They organized cooperation meetings and agreements among tourism partners with the aim of developing Thai tourism products specifically to cater to Silver Age (senior) tourists from China. This initiative is part of a pilot travel scheme, which has already established routes in Japan and Australia during 2023–2024.