SBC Medical Group Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: SBC), Japan's leading operator of aesthetic medical clinics, is continuing its international expansion by partnering with BLEZ ASIA Co., Ltd. to enter the Thai market. The partnership, announced on November 26, 2025, involves an e-consulting agreement under which SBC will provide management support for a new clinic in Bangkok focused on dermatological treatments such as pigmentation and spot removal. The clinic, expected to open by year-end in the Asok district, will target the estimated 60,000 Japanese expatriates in Thailand who have limited access to Japanese-quality aesthetic treatments.
The Thai aesthetic medicine market, projected to reach nearly $1.2 billion by 2033 with a CAGR of 13.5%, presents a significant opportunity for SBC. The market is currently fragmented with many small-scale operators providing inconsistent service, according to SBC's estimates. BLEZ ASIA, which operates over twenty pharmacies and clinics in Thailand, is widely trusted by both Japanese expatriates and local patients. SBC will advise on clinical protocols aligned with its quality standards and assist in selecting medical devices and treatment methods optimized for local skin characteristics and environmental conditions.
This partnership builds on SBC's broader Asia expansion strategy, which began with a launch in Singapore in late 2024 through a partnership with Aesthetic Healthcare Holdings. The collaboration with BLEZ ASIA accelerates SBC's growth across the region. The company aims to start with the Japanese expatriate community and steadily build its business, with a goal of providing consistently high-level medical services and establishing new value in the Thai aesthetic medicine market.
SBC recently overhauled its pricing structure to attract and retain customers in Japan, which has been paying off. In the third quarter, annual patient visits grew 15% year-over-year. The company operates 258 locations in Japan and reports a 72% return customer rate as of the third quarter. CEO Yoshiyuki Aikawa stated, 'Japanese aesthetic medicine is globally competitive for its precision and high safety standards. Partnering with a trusted local leader such as BLEZ in this fast-growing Thai market is a significant step forward in our Asia strategy.'
Naoki Iida, CEO of BLEZ ASIA, added, 'The Thai aesthetic medicine market continues to grow rapidly, with increasing focus on quality and safety. Partnering with SBC, a leader in Japan with outstanding expertise and proven track record, is an invaluable opportunity for BLEZ.' The partnership aims to create a model where Japan's advanced medical services can take root locally and deliver new value, focusing on affordable, natural-looking treatments with minimal downtime.
