Julia Sinikova

Which part of Phuket is the best for living and leisure? The answers are as diverse as the island’s residents. However, when it comes to predicting Phuket’s future, most agree – it’s up there, in the north.

For quite a few years a new hub of tourism and investment has been taking shape in Mai Khao, and one of its cornerstones will be the world-class Bumrungrad International Hospital Phuket, set to open in late 2026.

To get a sneak peek of the future, RL Phuket sat down with David Boucher, the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer.

Mai Khao’s new horizons

Phuket’s northernmost sub-district, Mai Khao, is emerging as the island’s most promising location. Nature lovers find the desired quiet escape on Mai Khao Beach, Phuket’s longest (12 km) and most serene stretch of sand. Those who seek luxury are drawn to Mai Khao’s elite resorts, such as Anantara, Marriott, JW Marriott, Le Méridien, SALA or Renaissance.

For families, Splash Jungle Water Park is a well-known attraction; golf enthusiasts frequent the Blue Canyon Country Club; and yacht owners have access to Yacht Haven Marina.

Thailand’s leading developer Sansiri set its sights on Mai Khao over a decade ago, yet few others followed suit, leaving the land available for development even in 2025.

Three key factors are driving Mai Khao’s rise: Phuket International Airport (from airplane to villa in just 10 minutes!); Yacht Haven Marina (capable of hosting superyachts); and the upcoming Bumrungrad International Hospital Phuket, a cutting-edge medical facility that combines advanced healthcare with the luxury of a five-star resort.

A new standard in healthcare

“Our board of directors set a vision to build a six-star boutique hospital of around 200 beds, unlike anything seen before. That is our mission,” says David Boucher.

Bumrungrad is a name synonymous with excellence. For the past four years, it has consistently topped the World’s Best Hospitals ranking for Thailand. It is also a leader in specialized care, excelling in cardiology, endocrinology, orthopedics, spines, cosmetic surgery, oncology, pulmonology, and pediatrics.

The Mai Khao facility will occupy a 16-rai (25,600 sqm) site near the Blue Canyon Country Club, offering the same core specialties, alongside emergency services and general medicine.

The location was purposefully chosen for Bumrungrad to be the closest private hospital to an airport in Thailand. As Mr Boucher explains, patients from Dubai, Sydney, or Istanbul do not want to spend another hour in transit after landing, so proximity to the airport was really important.

The hospital will feature state-of-the-art medical equipment, top-tier specialists, and full integration with Bumrungrad in Bangkok. For patients, it will function as one hospital with shared medical records and procedures seamlessly accessible in both Bangkok and Phuket.

With approximately 80% of patients expected to be from abroad, Bumrungrad International Hospital Phuket will also house a dedicated team of interpreters to ensure seamless communication.

A man on a mission

American-born David Boucher is no stranger to Bumrungrad’s philosophy. Decades ago, a visit to the Bangkok facility redefined his perception of quality medical care fused with exceptional service. Later, he revolutionized the U.S. healthcare market by pioneering the outsourcing of medical procedures abroad.

His groundbreaking idea was simple: world-class treatment could be accessed internationally at significantly lower costs, even with all the travel expenses. And in Thailand, such treatment could also be experienced in the comfort of a tropical paradise.

When he was invited to lead Bumrungrad International Hospital Phuket, Mr Boucher came out of retirement for the third time. The American jokes, that he doesn’t do retiring very well. But being in love with Thailand, Mr Boucher has a deeper, personal motivation behind the project.

“The biggest beneficiaries of this hospital won’t be medical tourists, but the people who live here. Phuket residents deserve world-class healthcare right on their doorstep,” says Boucher.

With Bumrungrad International Hospital Phuket on the horizon, Mai Khao is poised to become not just a premier tourism destination, but a hub of medical excellence. The milestone is scheduled for late 2026.