Bali and Thailand explore tourism and healthcare cooperation
Talks covered direct flights, waste management technology and possible medical tourism services at the Sanur Special Economic Zone.
Bali and Thailand are considering closer cooperation on tourism and healthcare following talks in Denpasar between Bali Governor Wayan Koster and Thailand's ambassador to Indonesia, Prapan Disyatat. Direct air links and potential medical services in Sanur were among the topics discussed.
The Thai delegation expressed a commitment to direct flights. Prapan said air connections between Thailand and Bali were important for travel between the two countries and for strengthening bilateral ties.
Around 32,000 Thai tourists had visited Bali as of October 2026, with the number projected to reach 38,000 by year-end. Prapan said more than 40,000 Thai citizens travelled to Indonesia during 2025.
Thailand is also examining opportunities for healthcare and medical tourism cooperation at the Sanur Special Economic Zone, including the possible development of plastic surgery services.
Waste management technology was another area of interest for the ambassador. Koster said construction of Bali's waste-to-energy facility had been under way since July 2026, with a projected processing capacity of up to 1,500 tons a day.
Koster also outlined efforts to make Bali's tourism sector more sustainable, including stronger oversight and enforcement against visitors who break the law. He said Thai tourists had complied with rules while visiting the island.
