Thailand's Healthcare Sector Looks Poised for Strong 2H — Market Talk

Thailand's healthcare sector looks poised for a strong 2H, driven by potential pent up demand from Middle East patients, says Maybank Securities (Thailand)'s Nontapat Sahakitpinyo in a research report. Share prices of hospitals under Maybank's coverage fell 13%-16% from early March on fears of disrupted Middle East flows. However, the analyst reckons the sector's 2026 earnings impact is limited to less than 1%-2% as there have been improvements such as increased tourist arrivals from the Middle East in May. Maybank upgrades Thailand's healthcare sector to positive from neutral, pegging Bumrungrad Hospital and Chularat Hospital as its top picks. (amanda.lee@wsj.com)