Let's see which Thai hospital stocks are truly worth following this year in the stock market. Because it seems that when the Year of the Fire Horse arrives, this group faces quite a bit of pressure. However, there are top performers that stand firm. And for those looking for defensive stocks, hospital stocks are a consideration.

What’s interesting is the nature of hospital businesses themselves, which generate steady income and do not fluctuate seasonally like other businesses. This makes them popular among investors seeking stability in their portfolios.

Based on current data, several stocks still show potential, such as BDMS, which has a network of hospitals spread across Thailand and abroad. Its price is 20 baht, P/E ratio 19.5, which seems reasonable for a hospital of this size. Or BH, which has a high proportion of foreign patients, with an ROE of 31.9%, priced at 167.50 baht, although its P/E is quite high.

If you want hospital stocks with more accessible prices, BCH at 10.20 baht is also interesting because it has multiple branches and has been upgraded to a "Buy" recommendation by analysts.

For smaller groups, VIBHA, PR9, and CHG have their own advantages. VIBHA at 1.88 baht with an ROE of 8.49%. It’s expected that this year's performance will grow clearly. PR9, priced between 18.7-18.9 baht, has plans to develop a digital platform, which could be worth monitoring in the long term.

What’s important to remember is that choosing hospital stocks requires deeper analysis, not just looking at P/E and ROE figures. You need to understand which customer groups each hospital targets. For example, if focusing on foreigners, you should monitor the economic conditions of those countries. If focusing domestically, consider social security policies and expansion plans.

Growth strategies also differ: some use mergers and acquisitions, some expand new branches, and others focus on specialized expertise. Understanding this makes selecting the right hospital stocks that match your profile easier.

In summary, hospital stocks remain a good option for investors seeking steady income and long-term safety. Just make sure to study beyond the numbers and choose those aligned with your investment goals.