SBC Medical Group Expands Into Thailand Through BLEZ ASIA Partnership

SBC Medical Group Holdings Inc., the leading Japanese owner and operator of aesthetic medical clinics, has signed an e-consulting agreement with BLEZ ASIA Co., Ltd. to expand into Thailand's rapidly growing aesthetic medicine market. The partnership represents a strategic move into a market projected to reach nearly $1.2 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 13.5% according to company estimates.

The expansion targets Thailand's substantial Japanese expatriate population of approximately 60,000 people who currently have limited access to Japanese-quality aesthetic treatments. The Thai market is characterized by fragmentation with many small-scale operators providing inconsistent service levels, creating an opportunity for SBC to establish higher standards. BLEZ ASIA operates more than twenty pharmacies and clinics in Thailand and is widely trusted by both Japanese expatriates and local patients.

Under the agreement, SBC will provide management support for a new clinic BLEZ is preparing to open in Bangkok's Asok district, focused primarily on dermatological treatments such as pigmentation and spot removal. SBC will advise on developing clinical protocols aligned with its quality standards and assist in selecting medical devices and treatment methods optimized for local skin characteristics and environmental conditions. The clinic is expected to commence operations by year-end.

This partnership marks a key component of SBC's broader Asia expansion strategy, building on the company's late 2024 launch in Singapore through a partnership with Aesthetic Healthcare Holdings. The company aims to begin serving the Japanese expatriate community while steadily building its business with the goal of providing consistently high-level medical services and establishing new value in the Thai aesthetic medicine market.

Yoshiyuki Aikawa, CEO of SBC, emphasized the strategic importance of the move, stating that Japanese aesthetic medicine is globally competitive for its precision and high safety standards. Partnering with a trusted local leader like BLEZ in this fast-growing market represents a significant step forward in the company's Asia strategy. The collaboration aims to create a model where Japan's advanced medical services can take root locally and deliver new value to Thai consumers.

The expansion comes as SBC reports strong performance in its domestic market, with third-quarter annual patient visits growing 15% year-over-year following a recent pricing structure overhaul designed to attract and retain customers. The company maintains a 72% return customer rate across its 258 locations in Japan, where it has established itself as the largest beauty clinic chain operator with a reputation for quality service.

Naoki Iida, CEO of BLEZ ASIA, noted that the Thai aesthetic medicine market continues to grow rapidly with increasing focus on quality and safety. Partnering with SBC, a Japanese leader with outstanding expertise and proven track record, provides an invaluable opportunity to establish Japanese-standard, high-quality medical services in Thailand and build a brand trusted by the community.

Both markets show consistent consumer preferences for high-quality aesthetic treatments at affordable prices, with demand for procedures offering subtle, natural-looking enhancements and minimal downtime. The partnership aims to meet these expectations while addressing the service inconsistencies currently present in the fragmented Thai market.