Medical Services in Thailand

Medical services available in Thailand’s top private hospitals and clinics are in line with those available in hospitals of any competent Western country, and the good news is that prices are cheaper, the service from staff is generally better, and waiting times are invariably shorter.

From basic and extensive check-ups with same-day results to health spa treatments, cosmetic surgery, intense dental work and heart bypass surgery, all types of treatment are available in Thailand.

Standards of service are also important for many medical tourists, and Thai doctors and nurses are extremely efficient and hospitable. Virtually all doctors in Thailand’s best private hospitals will have had some training in the US or Europe and can speak fluent English. This is also so in the best government-run hospitals, while specialist clinics employ bilingual Thai staff.

The hospitals with the best medical services and facilities are undoubtedly in Bangkok, with Bumrungrad Hospital, Bangkok General, and the Samitivej group of hospitals being the top three. Thousands of foreigners are treated every day in these hospitals, while Phuket, Koh Samui, and Chiang Mai also have top class hospitals and clinics for medical tourists.

The larger hospitals have had massive investment and feature the latest technology in medical equipment, meaning virtually any procedure can be performed by competent staff. Certain hospitals also specialize in treatments. For example, Bumrungrad is known for cosmetic surgery and sex reassignment surgery while Samitivej has excellent baby care and Phuket’s Bangkok Hospital caters to a whole range of medical check-ups.

There is also a glut of specialist clinics in towns and cities throughout Thailand, ranging from health spas and plastic surgery clinics to LASIK eye and dental surgeries. These act like mini-hospitals in efficiency and throughput, and many have Western-trained staff.

Renowned hospitals and clinics in Thailand also generally have active websites, where you can register online beforehand and arrange for an appointment without even speaking to anyone. They also allow potential patients to scrutinize the listed doctors and choose the one they prefer.

Emergencies

Private hospitals in Thailand come with A&E wards and usually have their own ambulance services. Note that Thailand does not have a central ambulance service.

Emergency help in Bangkok: 191
Ambulance service: 1691
Tourist police (nationwide): 1155
Medical Association of Thailand: +66 2 314 4333