Thailand



The second largest economy in Southeast Asia with a GDP estimated at $540 billion, Thailand has taken a beating in the global recession, its economy shrinking by almost 3 percent. Still, in 2009, the tourist hotspot imported almost $120 billion worth of goods. But despite Thailand’s anything-goes reputation, it doesn’t allow the import of used or refurbished medical equipment. Although the domestic trade is legal, the U.S. Department of Commerce says most public health institutions refuse to buy used equipment because of worries over safety. The DOC says in-country dealers might have a better shot with private health institutions, which might be in the market for non-invasive devices, such as pulse oximeters and blood pressure-monitoring devices.

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