CHIROFIT PLANS TO EXPAND INTO SINGAPORE, DUBAI

       Chirofit Chiropractic Clinic plans to enter Singapore and Dubai next year by forming local partnerships.
       "This is my intention to expand the business overseas. We piloted Chirofit Chiropractic and Fitness four years ago in Thong Lor. This kind of medical science, which is aimed at balancing the body structure for the most effective functioning, is gradually getting recognised and the Singaporean investor is interested in operating this clinic in Singapore," managing director Montanat Rojjanasrirat said yesterday.
       The company and its local partners in Singapore and Dubai are conducting market surveys with the view to establishing chiropractic clinics possibly next year, when the world's economy is expected to stabilise.
       The cost for opening a clinic, for example in Singapore, is about Bt100 million, which would be shared with the local partner.
       Neither Dubai nor Singapore has any comprehensive chiropractic clinics.
       Montanat, a chiropractor who founded the clinic, also plans to grow his business within the country by setting up three clinics in major cities next year and a specialised chiropractic hospital in three to five years.
       Montanat currently has two locations in the Sukhumvit area. The Chirofit Chiropractic and Fitness in the Home Place Building on Soi Thong Lor was recently reduced to just a fitness centre, while the Chirofit Chiropractic Clinic in the Bangkok Mediplex Building on Soi Ekamai has become a fully integrated chiropractic clinic.
       The Ekamai clinic has just completed a Bt100-million second-phase expansion to 600 square metres from 250 square metres to provide space for specific diagnosis rooms, private massage rooms and a spacious area for therapeutic exercise.
       Before treatment, patients are submitted to a diagnosis for the balance of body structure, bone mineral density and muscle rigidity.
       The expansion made the Ekamai clinic the most complete chiropractic centre in the country.
       The number of clients there is expected to increase to 120-150 per month from 80-100 at present, helping the centre to achieve Bt80 million-Bt100 million in revenue this year.
       "The Ekamai clinic generated revenue of Bt30 million in the first half of this year, up 200 per cent from the same period last year. It indicates that people recognise such an alternative medical science more. So, I think it's a good time to expand the second phase at Ekamai and we have a chance to go overseas, as well," he added.