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, hospitals in Thailand as of About 1, of the hospitals are publicly run. 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. 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. 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.
