Bangkok, September 4, 2015 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand's (TAT) reality show "Thailand Extreme Makeover" recently entered its second season. The three finalists are currently undergoing cosmetic procedures performed by some of Thailand's most renowned surgeons and cosmeticians. The competition aims to establish the Kingdom as an international hub for medical tourism.

The competition is open to men and women between the ages of 20 and 45. The three finalists will receive prize money and a comprehensive cosmetic surgery. They will also be treated to a trip to some of Thailand's best resorts – all costs included.

Ms. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, Deputy Governor of the TAT for International Marketing (Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas), said: “The ‘Thailand Extreme Makeover’ competition was a huge success in its first year, bringing international recognition to Thailand’s world-class cosmetic treatments and surgical procedures. The competition highlights the skill of our doctors and cosmetologists in transforming people’s appearances and lives. It also showcases some of the beautiful destinations that visitors can enjoy here after their treatment or recovery.”

Applications were accepted from March 1st to May 31st, 2015. From this pool of applicants, three finalists were selected: Ms. Chen Yuhan (30) from China, Ms. Novi Meyliani (37) from Indonesia, and Ms. Darleen Cubas (34) from the USA. All three received round-trip flights to Thailand to begin their extensive cosmetic surgery between August 15th and September 5th, 2015.

All three finalists expressed their confidence and optimism that the Thailand Extreme Makeover would offer them a lifelong beauty transformation, as well as the opportunity to experience firsthand the latest technologies in cosmetic treatment and surgical procedures, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, TR Lift, holistic therapies, and spa treatments offered by some of Thailand's leading surgical and aesthetic providers, such as Yanhee Hospital, Dr. Orawan Holistic Anti-Aging Institute, and Slim Up Center.

You can follow the progress of the three finalists during their treatments at www.tourismthailand.org/thailandmedtourism and www.thatlandextrememakeover.com, where videos are uploaded daily and the public can cast their vote.

The winner receives US$5,000 in prize money, a three-night stay for two people, and a spa treatment worth 200,400 baht at the Sunset Beach Resort and Spa, Taling Ngam, Ko Samui. The second and third prize winners each receive a stay and a spa treatment at the Twin Lotus Ko Lanta, Krabi, and the Nishaville Resort and Spa, Prachuap Khiri Khan, respectively.

The public can vote until September 30th, and the final winner will be announced on October 7th, 2015. Participants also have the chance to win prizes worth a total of 600,000 baht, including hotel stays and beauty packages from beauty centers and resorts such as the Khongkwan Clinic, Civilai Hill Khao Yai, the Medisci Anti-Aging Center, the Radiant Skin Clinic, Kristie France, the Romrawin Clinic, Medivisage, the Bangkok Dermatology Center, the Cool Spa Phuket Luxury Spa, and the Meko Clinic.

Ms. Juthaporn said: “Thailand has been known for its health and beauty treatments for centuries, and this competition will showcase how qualified medical professionals use cutting-edge procedures and techniques to transform people’s lives. People come here for a range of high-quality and affordable medical treatments, and Thailand is now considered the medical center of Asia.”

The website www.tourismthailand.org/thailandmedtourism was specifically created to raise awareness of Thailand as a world-leading destination for medical tourism and to highlight the willingness of Thai cosmetic providers to offer health and beauty treatments as well as wellness and spa services.

Contact information: International Public Relations Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand Tel.: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48 Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.tatnews.org