Health care and medical care
Over the past 20 years, the standards of medical care in Thailand have improved significantly, and now several hospitals in the country meet international standards. Bangkok stands out in particular, where there are quite good hospitals, and the more expensive ones have a very good reputation. Foreign and Thai doctors working in these hospitals have been trained in Europe or the USA.
However, the availability of medical services varies throughout Thailand. The areas of Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and Pattaya also offer a full range of first aid services.
Most doctors in tourist areas speak English. However, prices vary and should be confirmed locally. There is usually a separate fee for each examination, procedure, or medication. Most doctors specialize in a particular area, and finding a general doctor can be tricky. Outside the tourist areas, only basic medical care is available.
Apart from this, Thailand also attracts many international students who come to study medicine in this country. Many universities offer education in English, which makes education more accessible to foreigners. In addition, Thailand is a popular destination for medical tourism, where people come here to get high quality medical services at a more affordable price. This allows you to reduce the cost of treatment and at the same time enjoy the beautiful views and culture of Thailand. Some clinics and hospitals even offer packages for international patients that include not only medical treatment but also transportation, accommodation and travel services.
In addition, medical examination centers are now actively developing in Thailand, where specialists conduct medical examinations and consultations for foreign patients. This helps make medical treatment more accessible and convenient for people who cannot permanently reside in Thailand.
Despite all the improvements in Thailand's medical system, there are still problems, such as a lack of doctors in the regions and uneven access to medical services across the country.
Hospitals
There are many high-quality private hospitals available in Thailand where you can get high-level medical care. For example, in Bangkok, you can contact hospitals such as:
- Samitivej Hospital;
- Bangkok Hospital (member of the Bangkok Dusit Medical Services group);
- Phyathai Hospital (several hospitals in Bangkok);
- Bumrungrad International Hospital.
The Pattaya region also has good medical services, such as Bangkok Hospital Pattaya and Pattaya Memorial Hospital.
In Chiang Mai, you can contact Chiangmai Ram Hospital, which also provides high-quality treatment.
The Phuket region also has hospitals that offer international treatment, such as Bangkok Hospital Phuket and Phuket Provincial Hospital.
In addition, Thailand is also known for its alternative medicine centers where patients can receive treatment using traditional methods such as Thai massage, yoga and meditation. These centers are located throughout the country and can be especially helpful for people who are looking for alternative therapies.
Bangkok Hospital's chain of hospitals is undeniably of a high level of quality, with hospitals spread all over the country (along with Pattaya and Phuket, they can be found in Hua Hin, Koh Samui and Rayong). In large urban areas, doctors work in hospitals during the day and treat patients in small private clinics in the evenings. The price in such small clinics is usually lower than in a large private hospital.
However, for travelers to Thailand, it is definitely worth purchasing comprehensive travel insurance. In the event of illness, the trip home will be costly and difficult to arrange without private travel insurance. Treatment usually does not begin until the insurance company issues a confirmation or an advance payment has been made. Hospitals often require payment in cash. Private and public hospitals usually accept credit cards. Always take your travel insurance documents with you.
Dentistry
In Thailand, dental services are usually of a high standard. In Bangkok, for example, there are many large and good dental hospitals and clinics. Dental care is also available in general hospitals, both in the private and public sector. There are usually queues in public hospitals. The level and prices of health care in Thailand can vary greatly. The best quality dental hospitals in Bangkok are BIDH (Bangkok International Dental Hospital) and BIDC (Bangkok International Dental Clinic).
Ambulance
It should be borne in mind that the ambulance in Thailand is not so well developed. When you call the emergency number, a local rescue team will be sent to the place. Volunteers may work as part of such rescue teams. In large hospitals, both private and public, there may be special ambulances where medical assistance can be provided immediately, right in the car. However, due to frequent traffic jams, ambulances take quite a long time to travel, especially in Bangkok. Drivers do not always yield to the ambulance, which can delay the arrival of the ambulance at the scene.
Travel planning
If you plan to visit Thailand, you should familiarize yourself with information about local hospitals and their services in advance. For example, it is worth saving the emergency phone numbers of the hospital closest to you so that you can quickly get help if necessary.
In addition, if you have chronic diseases or other health problems, it is better to specifically stay near one of the hospitals. This choice will give you quick access to medical care if you need it.
Medical services in Thailand are of good quality and most of the doctors speak English. You do not need to worry if you have health problems.
Medications
Pharmacies in Thailand can vary widely in terms of standards and availability of medicines. Often hospitals have their own pharmacies where you can buy medicines after visiting a doctor. However, the choice of drugs can vary greatly depending on the standard of the hospital and pharmacy. Pharmacies usually offer expensive original drugs and more affordable generic counterparts. It should be borne in mind that in Thailand some medicines can be very expensive, especially original medicines. In remote areas, the choice of drugs may be limited.
In addition, it is worth considering that doctors in Thailand may prescribe more drugs for the treatment of diseases than their counterparts in other countries. Sometimes unnecessary drugs can be prescribed even with the slightest ailment. If you have been prescribed a large number of medications or you suspect that you do not need medication, it is better to consult with another specialist.
If you are importing or exporting medicines from Thailand, it is worth checking the list of prohibited medicines, which can be found on the website of the Thai Embassy in Finland. Also, for any medications requiring authorization, you will need to have a medical prescription in English.
It is also worth keeping in mind that some medications may have side effects or interact with other medications you are already taking. Therefore, it is always important to tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking.
If you plan to visit remote areas of Thailand, where pharmacies have fewer medicines, it is worth stocking up on the necessary medicines in advance to avoid health problems while traveling.
Finally, be aware that some over-the-counter medicines in your country may only be available with a prescription in Thailand. Therefore, if you have certain drugs that you take regularly, it is worth checking their availability and availability in Thailand in advance. Relevant information can be obtained from your doctor or pharmacist.
In general, you should be careful and attentive when purchasing and using medicines in Thailand. Follow your doctor's advice, report all medications you take, and seek specialist advice if needed.
