Health Tourism & Medical Tourism in Thailand

Health Tourism - A truly beneficial vacation experience

The quintessential picture of the historic Kingdom of Thailand is typically that of sun-drenched beaches, amber-robed monks praying in glistening temples, or lush paddy fields with farmers working alongside their buffalo. These exotic scenes do indeed capture the rich beauty of the amazing, traditional Thai culture, but modern Thailand is also blessed with all the comforts, conveniences and technologies of 21st century living.

Medicine is one of many areas where Thailand excels. Once deemed a developing nation, years of professionalism, dedicated research, overseas study, and modernisation of the infrastructure has put Thailand on an equal footing with the most advanced medical centres in the world. Thanks to the rigorous standards of the country’s Ministry of Public Health, the Kingdom’s reputation as the new “Wellness Capital” of Asia is rapidly being solidified.

Aside from their expertise and access to the latest technology, Thai nurses, doctors, surgeons, and therapists never forget the most fundamental element in a complete treatment and swift recovery– namely, a warm and caring human touch. Friendly and truly considerate to the needs of all their patients, local nurses and doctors will make you feel relaxed and confident in the treatments you have selected, ensuring all your needs are met. A proud part of the national character, Thais have a welldeserved reputation for their compassionate nature and warm hospitality, which is why the country is nicknamed “The Land of Smiles”. You’ll be so at ease that you’ll think you are a guest on holiday from the moment you arrive at the hospital.

But why fl y to Thailand when you have health care on your own doorstep? Well, long waiting lists, stressed-out nursing staff, overworked doctors, busy hospitals, exorbitant medical bills, and recovery time spent stuck in the confines of your own home, all make the prospect of medical treatment none too appealing. But a trip to Thailand can turn the most daunting and nerve-racking hospital procedures into one of the most positive experiences of your lifetime! As an added incentive, you can actually save some serious money by opting for superior Thai health care. It may sound too good to be true, but it’s a fact! The secret’s out, with more and more health tourists from all corners of the globe coming to our magical kingdom for quality medical treatments that were once beyond their means or accessibility.

Thailand has a long history of traditional holistic healing that is deeply entrenched within our Buddhist beliefs, pulling the best from local medicinal practices as well as the long-tested techniques from our Asian neighbours, like India and China. These ancient remedies and therapies not only cure your body, but will also revive your mind and soul. The combination of modern and traditional, along with a level of care that tops many hospitals in the West, combine to create the most complete health packages available.

Tourists have long realised what incredible value and how competitively priced a visit to Thailand is compared to Europe, America, and Australia. Cost consideration should never be a priority when determining your own health, but reasonable pricing in Thailand’s health system never comes at the sake of any patient’s welfare. Many people suffer serious maladies like cancer or heart problems, which are not covered by insurance policies and can leave whole families financially ruined. The ease of receiving care in Thailand not only saves you thousands of dollars, but there’s the extremely attractive incentive of combining your treatment with a well-deserved vacation in our majestic country.

In developing countries within Asia, the Middle East and Africa, the standard of health care and level of infrastructure isn’t up to scratch, and there is understandable trepidation about undergoing any treatments in such places. Thailand has seen a huge surge in medical tourists from these regions, with many people returning regularly to ensure the continuing health of their entire family. With excellent maternity care, many couples are now choosing Thai health centres as the place to give birth to their child and start their new families.

The strict adherence to international medical standards within the Thai health system has been established through emulation of the systems in the United States and Europe. Our enthusiastic workforce has been meticulously trained to the highest levels, with many specialists conducting research and gaining experience at the world’s best medical institutes. Our medical professionals have come to appreciate the value and approval of all its international customers and therefore your satisfaction and privacy is the heart that makes us beat.

Home to Asia’s first internationally accredited health facility, Thailand’s ultra-new and modern hospitals are less than a decade old and feel more like luxury hotels catering to tourists, than places to treat the infirm. Relaxing, inexpensive private hospital rooms typically include cable TV, private bathrooms, as well as extensive room-service facilities. The country’s growing numbers of well-managed, state of-the-art private hospitals are constantly being updated with the most advanced technical support equipment and facilities, under the guidance of well-trained teams of personnel.

Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, travellers have long considered Thailand as the gateway to Asia. Our strategic position means that we are a convenient aviation hub for visitors the world over, with most of the world’s major airlines serving the Thai capital. Such easy access has contributed to the country’s rapid development as a world-class health centre, while also enabling our full appreciation of different nationalities and cultures.

While English is widely spoken, private hospitals now employ an increasing number of interpreters, so no matter which continent you’ve come from rest assured you will never feel like a stranger or outsider in our gracious land.

Whether in need of an immediate operation to treat a serious illness, after some dental or cosmetic work to beautify your features, or just after a comprehensive routine check-up to reassure your general well-being and health condition, Thailand’s hospital doors are always open and welcome all visitors.

Our hospitals have all the latest machines and equipment for diagnostic and laboratory prognosis, and brand new digital processing for MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans and X-Ray data. For those of you suffering pain and long-term discomfort, the best news of all is NO waiting lists; you can opt for surgical procedures as soon as convenient for you!

Should you want elective medical treatments such as cosmetic surgery, dental work, or eye corrective surgery, which are not usually covered under insurance policies, Thailand is a convenient and great value destination to undergo such work. Most of the Kingdom’s top private hospitals have online appointment facilities, with a growing number of reputable travel agencies also arranging every detail of your trip from airport transfer to post-treatment vacations.

Knee or hip replacement surgery is a procedure that can easily be undertaken during your annual two-week vacation. Schedule the operation at the start of the trip, spend the first week recovering in hospital where you can begin the physical therapy, then as your knee or hips strengthen during the second week, amble along soft sandy beaches and gently trek through tropical forests.

If a family member is debilitated by a long-term illness such as kidney disease, then a trip to Thailand might be the first opportunity in a long time to escape the confines of home. Feel at ease knowing that essential treatments like dialysis will be administered in the most sterile of conditions with the same care and attention given to regular patients. With no chance of infections, visitors find such procedures so stress-free and relaxing that they wish they could relocate to Thailand and settle here permanently.

Cost-saving procedures that are increasingly popular with overseas visitors are dentistry and corrective eye surgery, both of which are treated quickly and expediently as outpatients. LASIK eye treatment takes just a few minutes to complete and the improvement to your eyesight is instantly noticeable. The eyes are two of the most vital organs to our daily existence, and being able to see clearly is something that most of us take for granted. However, people who wear glasses and contact lenses know how troublesome and hindering it can be without clarity of vision. Using the most sensitive advanced laser treatment machines, LASIK surgery will reshape your eyes to the slightest of fractions with a minimum of discomfort. With 20/20 vision you can discard your old glasses and marvel at the detailed ornamentation of our historic local temples.

With Thailand nicknamed the ‘Land of Smiles’, it seems only logical that visitors to the kingdom would want their teeth to gleam with radiance. Thai dentists are among the world’s finest, with their ultra-modern treatment facilities ensuring a relaxing environment without pain and anxiety. The dazzling array of specialised dentistry on offer includes important preventative treatments, as well as cosmetic procedures like tooth straightening, tooth whitening, and fitting porcelain veneers and bridges. Oral surgery is advised for more corrective procedures such as wisdom tooth extraction, but no matter how simple or intricate the dental treatment selected, your brilliant new smile is sure to turn heads everywhere you go.

Most of us feel that our body and features could look a little better or younger, and what better way to achieve this than by undergoing cosmetic treatments while enjoying the pleasures of a tropical vacation. Thailand’s excellent dermatologists can literally peel away years from your complexion.

Micro-Crystal Peeling, or Micro-dermabrasion, uses tiny crystals to remove damaged skin from over-exposure to sunlight, while also stimulating new skin cell growth. Or for the removal of more stubborn acne and blemishes, then opt for the ultrasound technique of Phonophoresis. For even more of a boost to your youth and vitality, simple procedures like Botox and Collagen injections literally smooth away wrinkles, while Sclero Therapy injections rid you of unsightly varicose veins in less than a week.

The combination of traditional Eastern and modern Western health practice has been greatly effective in the treatment of numerous skin conditions. For a more holistic approach to healing the body’s uncomfortable irritations, the millenniaold therapies of Acupuncture, Acupressure, and Aromatherapy, have been proven to restore the body’s natural balance, healing rashes, allergies, freckles, herpes, as well as lessening hair loss, and even helping in weight loss.

Unsightly body hair can cause embarrassment when wearing beachwear, so why not remove the fur that has caused you insecurity over the years – your confidence will be restored in an instant. Hair can be painlessly and permanently removed from any part of your body with a few sessions from a Fluorescent intense Pulsed Light (FPL) machine.

If you would like to further refine your features and turn back the clock on your face and body, then there are numerous improvement procedures that are simple to perform and cause little inconvenience to your Thai vacation. Comprehensive bodytuning treatments include the widely popular body contouring and fat-reducing liposuction, or for those who have already shed excessive weight and are suffering with sagging skin then a straight forward tummy tuck will tighten and smooth away unsightly skin. Impressed by the competitive pricing, female visitors to the kingdom often choose breast augmentation to firm up, reshape or enlarge their chest area, while those burdened by unusually large and heavy breasts can alleviate discomfort through a reduction procedure.

Those yearning for heightened facial definition, then straight-forward treatments such as rhinoplasty to the nose, sculpting chin shaving, and a brow and eye-lift, will wake you up from your holiday a more positive and assertive person as you face the world with fresh beauty and glamour.

After your treatment has taken place, our care specialists will check up on you as often as you require until you feel comfortable that the procedure went perfectly. The contact details of your care provider will be given to you and they will rapidly respond to all your correspon-dence should you have any questions or uncertainties.

Many of Thailand’s physicians have received their medical education and professional training at renowned international medical schools and institutes in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, and Japan, putting them on par with practitioners at the world’s finest health institutions. Many medical experts have spent additional years studying and practicing overseas before relocating back to Thailand. With many doctors schooled abroad, their standard of English communication is excellent. They are able to provide their patients with treatment and care based on excellent medical qualifications, medical experience and the warmth and understanding inherent in Thai culture.

Many patients are overwhelmed by the tenderness given by Thailand’s care providers, claiming that their warmth and understanding was a valuable part in the treatment and speedy recovery. Thai physicians are considerate to patients’ apprehensions and the quality of service and personal attention instantly relieves any anxieties that visitors naturally feel before any medical procedure. Quick to familiarise themselves with the latest advancements in medical technology, our specialist’s level of expertise is widely recognised by fellow professionals in their fields, and Thai physicians are now acclaimed as some of the most advanced at certain procedures.

Whether you choose to breathe in the fresh mountain air of the North, soak in the turquoise seawater that washes the white powder beaches along the southern and eastern coastline, or explore the forested national parks that enrich the whole country, recuperating from your medical treatment will be speedy and thoroughly enjoyable.

Feasting daily on delectable local cuisine, cooked up fresh and healthy, will also ensure a rapid recovery. Other pursuits that will strengthen your body and contribute to the pleasures of the “new you” are muscle-soothing massages and other rejuvenating spa therapies, sightseeing at the country’s wealth of fabulous tourist attractions, golfing at one of Thailand’s many internationally designed lush, green fairways, sea-fishing in the abundant waters along the Kingdom’s stretching tropical shoreline, or just lay back and sun-bathe on the multitude of pristine hidden bays that dot our palm-spruced coast.

Visitors in need of a long period of convalescence or numerous physical therapy sessions will find Thai health care extremely affordable, along with the continuing support and friendliness of those taking care of you, and wonderfully interesting culture and customs to engage and entertain. Should your loved ones wish to accompany you for the duration of your treatment, then there are a variety of competitively-priced serviced apartments available within all the main care areas.

Not only will your entire trip be paid for with all the money you save by opting for Thai treatments, but you can also return home laden with a rich bounty of special locally crafted gifts and personal treasures for family and friends. And as you reluctantly prepare yourself for your homeward departure, all your detailed medical records will be faultlessly compiled and can either be presented to you as you leave, or forwarded to your regular GP back home.

In the more globalised world of today, no longer are citizens bound by the limitations of their country’s health-care systems, or the restrictive fine print of insurance companies. Ever greater numbers of people are being empowered and relieved by the possibilities of medical tourism, and nowhere more so than the beautiful Kingdom of Thailand.

No matter how much advertising Thailand’s hospitals devote to attracting overseas visitors, there is no stronger validation to the strength and ability of our health care than the positive comments from the hundreds of thousands of satisfied customers that our hospitals have cared for. Ask anyone who has received specialised treatment in Thailand and their answers will invariably be the same – complete satisfaction and highly recommended.

In addition, Thailand can offer the fantastic diversity of exotic holiday destinations and wonderfully unique culture. So whether you’re planning a first treatment in Thailand or returning for more; come and explore the myriad of exciting sights and attractions that our warm, hospitable Kingdom has to offer. We guarantee you won’t be able to resist the magnificent allure that has become synonymous with our mystical land.

For the first time in your life you’ll think of health care as being an enjoyable experience!

Bangkok Hospital
2 Soi Soonvijai 7,
New Phetchaburi Road, Bangkok 10320
Tel: (66) 2310 3101, 2310 3102, 2310 3106
Fax: (66) 2310 3367
Website: www.bangkokhospital.com

Bangkok Christian Hospital
124 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500
Tel: (66) 2634 0453-64
Fax: (66) 2236 2911

BNH Hospital
9/1 Convent Road, Silom, Bangkok 10500
Tel: (66) 2686 2700
Fax: (66) 2632 0577-9
Website: www.bnhhospital.com

Bumrungrad International
33 Sukhumvit 3 (Soi Nana Nua),
Wattana, Bangkok 10110
Tel: (66) 2667 1000, 2667 2999
Fax: (66) 2667 2525
Website: www.bumrungrad.com

Central General Hospital
362/114 Mu 8, Phahonyothin Road,
Bangkok 10220
Tel: (66) 2552 8777
Fax: (66) 2552 0666
Website: www.cgh.co.th

Chophya Hospital
113/44 Soi Rungpracha,
Boromrachachonni Road, Bangkok 10700
Tel: (66) 2434 1111
Fax: (66) 2434 6929
Website: www.chaophya.com

Eye Ear Nose Throat Hospital
585 Sirindhorn Road, Bang Phlat,
Bangkok 10700
Tel: (66) 2886 6600
Fax: (66) 2433 3613
Website: www.eent.co.th

Kasemrad Hospital
950 Prachachuen Road, Bang Sue,
Bangkok 10800
Tel: (66) 2910 1600-45
Fax: (66) 2910 1649
Website: www.kasemrad.co.th

Ladprao General Hospital
2699 Lat Phrao Road, Bangkok 10220
Tel: (66) 2530 2244, 2530 2556-9
Fax: (66) 2539 8490
Website: www.ladpraohospital.com

Mission Hospital
430 Phitsamulok Road, Dusit,
Bangkok 10300
Tel: (66) 2282 1100
Fax: (66) 2280 0441
Website: mission-hospital.org

Phyathai 2 Hospital
943 Phahonyothin Road, Phaya Thai,
Bangkok 10400
Tel: (66) 2619 8444
Fax: (66) 2619 8555
Website: www.phyathai.com

Praram 9 Hospital
99 Soi Praram 9 Hospital, Rama IX Road, Bangkok 10320
Tel: (66) 2248 8020
Fax: (66) 2248 8018
Website: www.praram9.com

Ramkhamhaeng Hospital
2138 Ramkhamhaeng Road, Bangkok 10240
Tel: (66) 2374 0200-16
Fax: (66) 2374 0804
Website: www.ramhospital.com

Rutnin Eye Hospital
80/1 Sukhumvit 21, Bangkok 10110
Tel: (66) 2639 3399
Fax: (66) 2639 3311
Website: www.rutnin.com

Saint Louis Hospital
215 South Sathon Road, Bangkok 10120
Tel: (66) 2675 5000
Fax: (66) 2675 5200
Website: www.saintlouis.or.th

Samitivej Hospital
133 Sukhumvit 49, Khlong Tan Nua, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
Tel: (66) 2711 8000
Fax: (66) 2391 1290
Website: www.samitivej.co.th

Synphaet General Hospital
9/99 Ramintra Road, KM. 8.5, Khan Na Yao, Bangkok 10230
Tel: (66) 2948 5380-90
Fax: (66) 2509 4572
Website: www.synphaet.co.th

Thai Nakarin Hospital
345 Bang Na-Trat Highway KM 3.5, Bangkok 10260
Tel: (66) 2361 2727, 2361 2828
Fax: (66) 2361 2777
Website: www.thainakarin.co.th

Thonburi Hospital
34/1 Issaraphap Road, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700
Tel: (66) 2411 0401-7, 2412 0020
Fax: (66) 2412 6005
Website: www.thonburihospital.com

Vejthani Hospital
1 Lad Phrao Road 111, Bang Kapi, Bangkok 10240
Tel: (66) 2734 0000
Fax: (66) 2734 0044
Website: www.vejthani.com

Vibharam Hospital
2677 Phatthanakan Road, Suan Luang, Bangkok 10250
Tel: (66) 2722 2500
Fax: (66) 2722 2445
Website: www.vibharam.com

Vibhavadi Hospital
51/3 Ngam Wong Wan Road, Bangkok 10900
Tel: (66) 2941 2800
Fax: (66) 2561 1466
Website: www.vibhavadi.com

Yanhee General Hospital
454 Charansanitwong Road, Bang Phlat, Bangkok 10700
Tel: (66) 2879 0300
Website: www.yanhee.net

Central Chiangmai Memorial Hospital
186/2 Tambon Chang Khlan, Mueang,
Chiang Mai 50000
Tel: (66) 5381 9333
Fax: (66) 5327 1624

Chiangmai Ram Hospital
8 Boonruanggrit Road, Mueang,
Chiang Mai 50000
Tel: (66) 5322 4861, 5322 4871
Fax: (66) 5322 4880
Website: www.chiangmairam.com

Lanna Hospital
1 Sukkasem Road, Mueang,
Chiang Mai 50000
Tel: (66) 5335 7234
Fax: (66) 5340 8432
Website: www.lanna-hospital.com

McCormick Hospital
133 Kaeo Nawarat Road, Mueang,
Chiang Mai 50000
Tel: (66) 5326 2200-19
Fax: (66) 5324 1177
Website: www.mccormick.in.th

San Paolo Hua Hin Hospital
222 Phetchakasem Road, Hua Hin,
Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
Tel: (66) 3253 2570-82

Thonburi Hua Hin Hospital
17/29 Phetchakasem Road, Hua Hin,
Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
Tel: (66) 3261 1880, 3261 1423
Fax: (66) 3252 0841

Samui International Hospital
90/2 Mu 2, Bo Phut, Ko Samui,
Surat Thani 84320
Tel: (66) 7723 0781-2, 7742 2272
Fax: (66) 7723 0049
Website: www.sih.co.th

Bangkok Pattaya Hospital
301 Sukhumvit Road, KM. 143, Pattaya,
Chon Buri 20260
Tel: (66) 3842 7777
Fax: (66) 3842 7770
Website: www.bph.co.th

Pattaya International Hospital
255/4 Soi 4 Pattaya 2nd Road, Pattaya,
Chon Buri 20260
Tel: (66) 3842 8374
Fax: (66) 3842 2773
Website: www.pih-inter.com

Bangkok Phuket Hospital
2/1 Hongyok Utit Road, Mueang,
Phuket 83000
Tel: (66) 7625 4425
Fax: (66) 7625 4597
Website: www.phukethospital.com

Phuket International Hospital
44 Chalermprakiat Ror 9 Road, Phuket 83000
Tel: (66) 7624 9400
Fax: (66) 7621 0936
Website: www.phuket-inter-hospital.co.th