Best Hospitals in Thailand for Visitors and Foreigners
For those considering a long-term stay in Thailand, an important consideration is access to medical care, and that means access to hospitals. The good news is that hospitals in Thailand are renown throughout the world for both its quality and affordability, to the extent that there is a thriving medical tourism industry in the country. There were 1,318 hospitals in Thailand as of 2010. About 1,000 of the hospitals are publicly run.
Do Doctors Speak English in Thailand?
The vast majority of doctors in Thailand will speak at least some English. However, there may be language barrier problems elsewhere in the system, such as in communicating with nurses or with intake staff, especially in the more rural areas away from tourist spots. And even in Bangkok, it is recommended that expats who only speak English, bring a Thai translator to help them through the admissions process. This is not necessary for private hospitals that cater to the needs of Western visitors.
Finding the Right Doctor at a Hosptial in Thailand
Thailand is known for having a shortage of General Practitioners (GPs). Expats may find a great deal of trouble finding and making an appointment with a general doctor. It tends to be much easier to get an appointment with a specialist. Those needing the services of a GP may find it easier to go through a general hospital and make an appointment with a specialist who is able to assist with the specific issue. If you know you are moving to a specific part of Thailand, it is a great idea to find a GP as soon as possible.
What Type of Hospitals Are in Thailand?
Thailand has two main kinds of hospitals, private and government-run. There are also some premium services and clinics within government-run organizations that offer expedited wait times and additional perks. Some of the hospitals in Bangkok that cater to the medical tourism industry offer internationally renowned healthcare in a setting that is more reminiscent of an upscale hotel than a hospital, this is also true in popular tourist beach spots where medical procedures are packaged together with beach holidays.
The Difference Between Public and Private Hospitals in Thailand
The difference in Thailand between public and private hospitals is not so much about the quality of healthcare, especially in the larger cities, but more about ease of access and overall comfort. For a Westerner, it is easy and straightforward to make an appointment at a private clinic or hospital. A public clinic or hospital will generally require a first-time visitor to walk-in before being able to make appointments. Seeing a doctor on the same day without an appointment for a non-life-threatening condition generally requires arriving at the clinic between 6 and 7 in the morning. Once admitted to a public hospital, the conditions are much less comfortable than in a private one, with many more beds to a room, and often with outdated equipment and facilities. In rural areas, public hospitals may not have the equipment or specialists capable of handling major trauma injuries or severe illnesses. For some, this means choosing a permanent location in Thailand that allows access to Bangkok’s hospitals. For those who must make use of Thailand’s public hospital system, but want to avoid the long wait times and have access to nicer facilities, it is worth seeking out purchasing private medical services or using premium clinics within the government-run system.
The Difference Between Rural and City Hospitals
It is important to keep in mind that the quality of care that has made Thailand a world-class healthcare destination is focused in Bangkok, in addition to popular beach tourist destinations. In more far-flung areas of the country there may not be easy access to any hospital, and what is likely to be closest will probably be in the public healthcare system, as the vast majority of Thailand’s hospitals are.
Is Medical Care in Thailand Free?
A hospital visit in Thailand would only be free for those who are visiting a public hospital and have insurance coverage through Thailand’s Social Security System. For everyone else, there are fees associated with accessing hospital care, but they are much lower than in many Western countries and other parts of Asia. You do not have to be a resident of Thailand to access the public hospitals, you will have to pay for your care there.
How Much Does a Hospital Visit Cost in Thailand?
For many expatriates, Thailand’s access to hospitals is markedly more affordable than back home. In general, procedures and visits at a public Thai hospital cost only one-third of what they would in Western Europe. Private hospitals are not always cheaper than Western counterparts, however. Depending on the specific facility, and what procedures are being done, costs can be quite a bit more than they would be in Western Europe. However, prices and costs are always clear and straightforward, so for non-emergency services, those who prefer the private healthcare system can find the right fit for their needs.
Finding the Right Hospital in Thailand
The internet is actually a great place to do research on finding the right healthcare provider and hospital in Thailand. Many of the private hospitals allow first-time patients to schedule appointments directly through their websites. Consumers can look up specific specialists and make choices based on education, specific experience, and reviews. Here is a list of many hospitals in Thailand to get you started in your research.
Top-Ranked Private Hospitals in Thailand
Bumrungrad Hospital
33 Sukhumvit 3 (Soi Nana Nua)
Wattana
Bangkok 10110
Thailand
Tel: + 66 2 667 1000
Fax: + 66 2 667 2525
Bangkok General Hospital
2 Soi Soonvijai 7
New Petchburi Road Bangkok 10310
Thailand
Tel: + 66 2 3180066
Fax: + 66 2 3181546
AEK Udon International Hospital
555/5 Phosri Road
Muang
Udon Thani 41000
Thailand
Tel: + 66 42 342 555
Fax: + 66 42 341 033
Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital
488 Srinakarin Road Suanluang
Bangkok 10250
Thailand
Tel: + 66 2 731 7000
Fax: + 66 2 731 7044
Listing of Hospitals in Bangkok
Bangkok Adventist (Mission) Hospital
430 Pitsanuloke Road
PO Box 613
Bangkok 10300
Thailand
Tel: + 66 2 281 1422
Fax: + 66 2 628 1752
Bangkok Chureevej Hospital
168 Thewapiban Road Muang
Roi-Et 45000
Thailand
Tel: + 66 43 527 111
Fax: + 66 43 527 699
Bangkok Hat Yai Hospital
54/113 Moo 3 Klongrean 1 Road
Kohong Subdistrict Tumbol Hatyai
Songkhla 90110 Thailand
Tel: + 66 74 365 780
Fax: + 66 74 365 790
Bangkok Nursing Home Hospital
9/1 Convent Road Silom
Bangrak
Bangkok 10500 Thailand
Tel: + 66 2 632 0550
Fax: + 66 2 632 0577
Bangkok Pattaya Hospital
301 Sukhumvir Road
KM 143
Pattaya
Chonburi 20150 Thailand
Tel: + 66 38 427 751
Fax: + 66 38 427 755
Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital
585 Sirinthorn Road
Bangkok 10700 Thailand
Tel: + 66 2 433 3633
Fax: + 66 2 433 3613
Listing of Hospitals in Phuket
Bangkok International Clinic at Canal Village
Canal Village Laguna Shopping
390/6-7 Srisoonthorn Road Thalang
Phuket 83110
Thailand
Tel: + 66 76 325 442/324 453
Bangkok International Clinic at Kata Thani Hotel
Kata Thani Hotel
3/24 Patak Road
Kata Thani Resort Phuket
Thailand
Tel: + 66 76 330 124
Bangkok International Clinic at Patong Beach
124/6 Soi Patong Beach Hotel Taweewomg Road
Patong Beach
Phuket 83150 Thailand
Tel: + 66 76 344 699
Bangkok International Clinic at Patong Merlin Hotel
Patong Merlin Hotel
99/2 Patong Beach
Phuket
Thailand
Tel: + 66 76 340 037
Bangkok International Clinic at Phuket Airport
Phuket International Airport Departure Hall
Mai Khao District Amphoe Talang 83140 Phuket
Thailand
Tel: + 66 76 327 230
Bangkok International Clinic at Phuket Island Resort Hotel
100 Viset Road
Phuket
Thailand
Tel: + 66 76 381 0107
Bangkok Phuket Hospital
2/1 Hongyok Utis Road Muang District
Phuket 83000
Thailand
Tel: + 66 76 254 421
Fax: + 66 76 254 430
Listing of Hospitals Outside of Bangkok
Bandon Hospital
652/2 Namuang Road T-Talad
Muang 84000
Surat Thani
Thailand
Tel: + 66 77 272 767
Fax: + 66 77 212 791
Bandon International Hospital (Samui)
123/1 Moo 1
T-Bophut
Koh Samui 84320 Surat Thani
Thailand
Tel: + 66 77 245 236
Fax: + 66 77 245 342
Chiang Mai Ram Hospital
8 Boonruangrit Road
Chiangmai 50200
Thailand
Tel: + 66 53 224 861
Fax: + 66 53 224 880
Chiangmai Ram 2 Hospital
99 Village # 5
Tumbol Fah-ham
Muang
Chiangmai 50200 Thailand
Tel: + 66 53 852 590
Fax: + 66 53 852 999
Clinic Bandon International (Pha-Ngan)
94/59 Moo 6
T-Bantai
Koh-Pha-Ngan
Surat Thani
Thailand
Tel: + 66 77 375 471
Fax: + 66 77 375 414
Kan Health Clinic Chaweng Beach Road – Chaweng Center
11/6 Moo 2
Tambon Bo Phut
Koh Samui 84320 Surat Thani
Thailand
Tel: + 66 77 230 802
Kasemrad Hospital – Prachachuen
950 Prachachuen Road Bangsue
Bangkok
Thailand
Tel: + 66 2 910 1600
Fax: + 66 2 910 1517
Kelang Nakorn Ram Hospital
79/12 Paholyothin Road Tumbol Suan-dok
A. Muang
Lumpang 52100 Thailand
Tel: + 66 54 225 100
Fax: + 66 54 225 105
Ko Chang International Clinic
9/14 M 4 White Sand Beach Koh Chang
Trat 23170 Thailand
Tel: + 66 39 551151
Fax: + 66 39 551150
Koh Chang Hospital
Baan Khlong Nonsi Ko Chang
Trat 23170 Thailand
Tel: + 66 39 586 131
Khon Kaen Ram Hospital
193 Village # 1
Srijan Road
A. Muang
Khon-Kaen 40000 Thailand
Tel: + 66 43 333 800
Fax: + 66 43 333 899
Krabi Hospital
325 Auttarakit Road T. Paknam
Muang
Krabi 81000
Thailand
Tel: + 66 75 697 017
Ladprao General Hospital
2699 Ladprao Road
Wangtonglang
Bangkok 10310
Thailand
Tel: + 66 2 932 29 29
Fax: + 66 2 539 84 90
Lamia Medical Clinic
124/243 Lamai Beach Koh Samui Suratthani
Thailand
Tel: + 66 77 232 412
Lanna Hospital
103 Superhighway Road
Chiang Mai 5930 Thailand
Tel: + 66 53 211 037
Fax: + 66 53 218 402
McCormick Hospital
133 Kaewnavarat Road
PO Box 56
Muang District Chiangmai
50000 Thailand
Tel: + 66 53 241 311
Fax: + 66 53 241 177
Muang Loei Ram Hospital
546 Village # 1
Maliwal Road
Tumbol Na-arn
A. Muang
Loei 42000
Thailand
Tel: + 66 42 833 400
Fax: + 66 42 832 522
Payoa Ram Hospital
660 Village #3 Tumbol Wang-Thong A. Muang
Payoa
Thailand
Tel: + 66 54 411 111
Fax: + 66 54 411 130
Find more International Hospitals and healthcare options in popular Expat countries: Hospitals in Spain, Hospitals in China, Hospitals in Turkey, Hospitals in the United States, Hospitals in Germany, Hospitals in Ireland.
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Author / Editor: Joe Cronin, Founder and President of International Citizens Insurance. Mr. Cronin, a former expat, is an authority in the areas of international travel, and global health, life, and travel insurance, with expertise in advising individuals and groups on benefits for today's global workforce. Follow him on LinkedIn or Twitter.