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Medical Travel Guides

Personalized Travel Assistance

Our travel health specialists are specially trained to provide you with up to date recommendations including appropriate immunizations, preventative medications, and counseling on precautionary measures to avoid insect-borne diseases and travelers’ diarrhea. Our goal is to make your trip as comfortable and healthy as possible.
Welcome Package
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Welcome to Bumrungrad International, where your experience matters most. Enhance your journey with our virtual book. Explore our premium services and discover helpful information tailored just for you.

 

Thailand’s Centre of COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) announced the ending of the nationwide COVID-19 Emergency Decree on 30 September 2022, as the kingdom reclassifies COVID-19 from ‘a dangerous communicable disease’ to ‘a communicable disease under surveillance’ from 1 October 2022.
 

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Source: Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health

Safety and Security

The Kingdom of Thailand continue to attract thousands of tourists and new residents from around the world, all drawn to its diverse landscapes, world-famous cuisine, and ancient culture. Although tourists and residents of Thailand can enjoy relative calm and safety throughout their time in the Kingdom, it’s important to be aware of the current realities facing Thailand.

Political Situation in Thailand

The government structure of Thailand is known as a Constitutional Monarchy, currently under King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who ascended the throne in December 2016 following the October 2016 passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Since 2005, Thailand has experienced many instances of political turmoil which include a military coup d’état in 2006 that resulted in the removal of then-Prime Minister Thaksin Chinawat, followed by anti-government protests and conflicts between competing political factions for several years. Despite the formal end of the military government in 2019, the army continues to dominate the new administration. The March 2019 general election resulted in a coalition government led by the military-aligned Phalang Pracharat (PP) party, under the prime ministership of Prayuth Chan-ocha.

Today, the political situation in most of Thailand is relatively calm, with the new constitution having been signed in April 2017. However, the Southern region of the country continues to experience unrest and violence due to ethnic and nationalist insurgents. Officials continue to advise tourists and residents to exercise caution when traveling to these areas, and to always stay informed of the current political climate. In Bangkok, political street protests sometimes take place and could affect traffic.

Thailand has a healthy and fairly consistent system of information and journalism, where the most current political events and realities are covered both in English and Thai. One such outlet is the Bangkok Post.

Safety in Thailand: Road Travel

Traveling within Thailand is relatively simple with buses, trains, planes, and boats making it possible to reach nearly all areas of the country rather easily. Within the city of Bangkok taxis, motorcycles, cars, and an extensive subway system connects the entire city. For those who choose to drive in Thailand, there are some important points to consider regarding the laws and regulations that govern driving in Thailand. The website “Driving in Thailand” provides comprehensive information on the rules, regulations, and expectations that come along with driving in Thailand.
 

For infection prevention and control measures at Bumrungrad International Hospital

  • 5 Simple ways to prevent infection
    • Wash your hands and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
    • ​Immediately see the doctor if you have cold or other respiratory infection (runny nose, fever, coughing, or sneezing.
    • Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
    • If you are sick, avoid close contact with other people.
    • Please advise your friends and relatives to stay home if they are sick.
  • Make sure you choose a face mask that meets your needs.
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PREVENTIVE MEASURES FOR YOUR SAFETY AT BUMRUNGRAD INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL

  • Guidelines for Receiving Treatment at Bumrungrad International Hospital
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  • The hospital’s highest priority is to provide everyone with the safest environment possible. So, advised you to wear face mask at all times while you are at the hospital-both inside the hospital buildings and outdoors.
 
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  • Protocols for relatives and guests visiting

Measure are in place to ensure a safe and orderly environment for patient, visitors, and staff, compliant with the safety measures set by the Department of Disease Control

 

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Respiratory Virus Season Resources

Influenza Viruses Spreading this Season and Update on JN.1 Variant — While COVID-19 continues to cause more hospitalizations than influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV),
right now, more people are going to emergency departments to get care and being diagnosed with flu than COVID-19. With seasonal flu activity elevated across the country,
CDC is tracking which influenza viruses are most common, where they are occurring, and how this might impact the public’s health. Since the fall, emergency department visits have been increasingly driven by flu.

While some recent data suggest flu may have peaked, CDC is watching closely for a second wave of flu activity, which happens during many seasons.
JN.1 is still the most prevalent variant : Remains the most widely circulating variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the United States and globally.
To learn more about this year’s influenza season and for an update on the JN.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2, please visit: Influenza Viruses Spreading this Season and Update on JN.1 Variant | CDC

Healthcare Quality Resources

Stay Alert for Measles Cases — Between December 1, 2023, and January 23, 2024, CDC was notified of 23 confirmed U.S. cases of measles, including seven direct importations of measles by international travelers and two outbreaks with more than five cases each.

Most of these cases were among children and adolescents who had not received a measles-containing vaccine (MMR or MMRV), even if age eligible. To learn more, please visit: COCA Now

 

SARS-CoV-2, Covid-19


Situation - Thailand
 

News related to the influenza situation:
  • COVID-19 is remains a health threat for Thailand this year
    • COVID-19 will remain Thailand’s most significant health threat this year and the number of infections may reach 650,000, with a predicted death toll of over 800, by the end of the year, according to Dr. Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, director-general of the Disease Control Department.
      Due to the constant mutation of the virus, he advised people at high risk, such as the elderly, pregnant women, diabetics, those with high blood pressure, the obese, people with chronic kidney problems or cancer, to get vaccinated at least once a year, to wear face masks in crowded places and to wash their hands frequently. (Read more Click link ) Update 11 Jan 2024

Global Situation  
 
  • New Covid variant FLiRT: Should we be concerned? Know about symptoms, precautions FLiRT, a group of new Covid-19 variants in the Omicron JN.1 lineage, is rapidly spreading in the US. Variants like KP.2 and KP 1.1 are more contagious but with symptoms similar to other Omicron variants. KP.2 has overtaken JN.1, with low hospitalizations reported.
  • Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Weekly Epidemiological Updates and Monthly Operational Updates (Click link) Update 17 May 2024

 

Influenza, Avian Flu (Bird Flu), 


Situation - Thailand
 
  • News related to the influenza situation:
    The number of influenza cases in 2023 has risen fivefold when compared to last year's monthly averages and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now warning against buying artificial influenza antiviral pills labelled oseltamivir that have been smuggled into the country.
    (Read more click link )

Global Situation  
 
  • Avian Influenza A(H9N2) – Ghana On 26 August 2024, the Ghana IHR NFP notified WHO of one confirmed human infection with an avian influenza A(H9N2) virus. This marks the first human infection with a zoonotic influenza virus reported from Ghana to WHO. The patient is a child under five years old, residing in the Upper East region, which is located on the border with Burkina Faso.
  • Influenza A(H1N1) variant virus - Viet Nam On 19 August 2024, the Viet Nam National Focal Point (NFP) for International Health Regulations (IHR) notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of a laboratory-confirmed human case of infection with swine-origin influenza A(H1N1) variant (v) virus. The patient was a 70-year-old female with underlying medical conditions, from Son La province, a northern mountainous province in Viet Nam bordering the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
  • Avian Influenza A(H5N1) – Cambodia On 20 August 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) was notified by the country’s International Health Regulations (IHR) National Focal Point (NFP) of a laboratory-confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus (clade 2.3.2.1c) in a 15-year-old child in the Kingdom of Cambodia. This case is one of 10 human cases of influenza A(H5N1) infection reported in Cambodia in 2024. According to the IHR (2005), a human infection caused by a novel influenza A virus subtype is an event that has the potential for high public health impact and must be notified to the WHO. Based on currently available information, WHO assesses the current risk to the general population posed by this virus as low.

Dengue 


Situation - Thailand
 

News related to the influenza situation:
  • Combating Dengue Outbreak and Addressing Overlapping Challenges with COVID-19
    • Thailand is currently facing a severe dengue fever outbreak as the rainy season and El Niño approaches, posing a significant threat to public health. The number of cases has surged to alarming levels this year, with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) warning that it could reach a three-year high. To combat this this disease, health authorities are urging local agencies to intensify efforts in curbing the breeding cycle of mosquitoes, which are the carriers of dengue. (Read more click link )

Global Situation  
 
  • Dengue - Iran (Islamic Republic of) This represents the first report of autochthonous dengue cases in Iran. The confirmation of local dengue virus transmission in 2024 is therefore an unusual although expected event due to the presence of the vector in the country and movement of people from endemic areas to Iran.
  • Rio de Janeiro: Dengue spike prompts health emergency ahead of Carnival (Read more details click link) Update 7 Feb 2024

Mpox (Monkey pox)


Province Concern
 
 
  • The top 5 countries are United States of America, Brazil, Spain, France, Colombia
  • The global situation have been reported 92,783 confirmed cases of  Mpox (Monkeypox), Outbreaks have been found in 116 countries

Global Situation  
 
  • Mpox – Sweden On 15 August 2024, the World Health Organization was notified of a laboratory-confirmed case of mpox with clade Ib monkeypox virus (MPXV) by the International Health Regulations (IHR) National Focal Point (NFP) of Sweden. The patient reported travel to an outbreak-affected country in the African Region. While there has been recent international spread of clade Ib MPXV from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to its neighbouring countries, this is the first case of clade Ib reported outside of the African Region
  • WHO Director-General declares mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has determined that the upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a growing number of countries in Africa constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR).With the growing spread of the virus, we’re scaling up further through coordinated international action to support countries bring the outbreaks to an end.” Read more details click link  Update 16 Aug 2024

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)


Province Concern
 
 
  • Saudi Arabia (Update 29 August 2023)

Global Situation 
 
  • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Update 2 Oct 2024) The World Health Organization (WHO) was notified of one human case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) on 5 September 2024, by the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The case is a male from the Eastern Region of KSA aged between 50-55 years, with underlying health conditions. He had no history of contact with camels and was not a health worker. Since the beginning of the year, five cases including four deaths have been reported from KSA. (อ่านรายละเอียดเพิ่มเติม Click link )

Marburg virus disease


Situation - Thailand
 
 
  • Currently, Thailand has not found any patients. 'Marburg virus', but now there are travel from different countries to Thailand. The Department of Disease Control will closely monitor the situation from the World Health Organization and other agencies. to continuously analyze and assess risks.  At this time, no travel ban has been announced. But focusing on screening measures for travelers from Equatorial Guinea and neighboring countries (Read more click link )

Global Situation  
 
 
  • 14 people got Valley fever after a California music festival, highlighting the fungus' growing threat Fourteen cases identified among people who attended or worked at a music festival in the state are an example of the fungus' threat. Climate change is creating more opportunities for the fungus, called coccidioides, to proliferate. Read more details click link  (Update 9 Aug 2024)
  • The risks of “Disease X” in Asia Airborne diseases are more likely to become “Disease X”, which can quickly spread beyond borders. Read more details click link  (Update 5 July 2024)
  •  Measles Cases and Outbreaks Measles cases in 2024 As of April 26, 2024, a total of 128 measles cases were reported by 20 jurisdictions: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York City, New York State, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. Read more details click link  (Update 3 May 2024)

Entry Requirements

Prior to confirming your appointment at Bumrungrad International Hospital, you should consider the entry requirements of Thailand. You may need to get vaccinated or apply for a visa in order to enter the Kingdom of Thailand. 

Health and Vaccinations

As with traveling to most other countries, health authorities advise all travelers to always make sure that they’re up to date on all their vaccinations before the trip. Every traveler needs to be up to date on their routine vaccinations, which are: thediphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, the chickenpox vaccine, the polio vaccine, the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, and your regular flu vaccine.

Additionally, please see the table below for more specific vaccine recommendations that may apply to specific people before entering Thailand.

For more information please visit wwwnc.cdc.gov

Vaccine

Who Needs It?

Why?

Measles

All travelers: Infants 6 to 11 months old traveling internationally should get 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. This dose does not count as part of the routine childhood vaccination series.

 

Routine vaccines

All travelers

There is a risk of contamination through food or water.

Malaria

Most travelers

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Thailand take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find country-specific information about malaria.

Hepatitis A

Most travelers: Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Thailand. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series. Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given. Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

There is a high risk of contamination through food or water.

Typhoid

Most travelers: Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

There is a risk of contamination through food or water.

Cholera

Some travelers: There is no longer active cholera transmission and vaccine is not recommended.

There is a risk for contamination through food or water, especially in areas where there is an active transmission.

Hepatitis B

Some travelers: Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages to Thailand.

Hepatitis B is transmitted through sexual contact, as well as through contaminated needles and other blood products.

Japanese Encephalitis

Some travelers: Recommended for travelers who are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis consider vaccination for travelers spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season.

There have been reports of transmissions in Northern Thailand, as well as the coastal areas of Southern Thailand.

Rabies

Some travelers: Rabid dogs are commonly found in Thailand. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Thailand, rabies treatment is often available. Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers) veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens visitors to rural areas since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Thailand.

Although rabies is not a major risk in Thailand, it can be found in some animals, especially street dogs and cats.

Yellow Fever

Some travelers: Required if traveling from a country with risk of YF virus transmission and ≥9 months of age, including transit >12 hours in an airport located in a country with risk of YF virus transmission.1

There is no risk of yellow fever contamination in Thailand. However, the government of Thailand requires proof of vaccination against yellow fever from all travelers who are coming from countries that have a risk of contamination. To determine if you are one of these travelers, please see this list from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 

Malaria: When traveling in Thailand, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. Areas of Thailand with risk of malaria: Primarily in provinces that border Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, and Laos and the provinces of Kalasin, Krabi (Plai Phraya district), Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Pattani, Phang Nga (including Phang Nga City), Rayong, Sakon Nakhon, Songkhla, Surat Thani, and Yala, especially the rural forest and forest fringe areas of these provinces. Rare to few cases in other parts of Thailand, including other parts of Krabi Province and the cities of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Phuket.

None in the islands of Krabi Province (Koh Phi Phi, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai, and Ko Lanta) and Pattaya City. See more detailed information about malaria in Thailand.

Generally, a foreign citizen who wishes to enter the Kingdom of Thailand is required to obtain a visa from a Royal Thai Embassy or a Royal Thai Consulate-General. However, nationals of certain countries do not require a visa if they meet visa exemption requirements as follows
 
  1. Nationals of countries which are exempted from visa requirements
  2. Nationals of countries which hold bilateral agreements with Thailand on the exemption of visa requirements
For more information please visit  Thai Embassy and Consulates 
 

New process for applying visa to Thailand

For nationals of certain countries are required to apply for a visa only, the E-Visa applicants do not need to submit their passport and original supporting documents in person at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate. People will receive a reference number by email to monitor their application.
 
After the e-Visa application has been approved, a confirmation email is sent to applicants. It is best to print a copy of the confirmation email when you are ready to travel. This will be presented to airlines and Thai Immigration officials when traveling to Thailand.
 
For more information about e-visa please visit https://thaievisa.go.th/
 
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Thai Custom: Guidelines for Airport Passengers click here
 

Travel Advice and Support

Once you’ve decided to travel to Bangkok, you may want to learn more about Thailand and how you can make the most out of your trip. The best place to start your research would be the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s website, which covers a wide range of topics such as:

Regulations on opening the Thai bank account for foreigner staying in Thailand/living in Thailand

Disclaimer: This information is the general information based on Bank of Thailand for foreigner which can be varied based on the individual financial institution’s regulations. you’ll need:

1. Foreigner with Thai Permanent Residence
  1. Copy of Household Registration
  2. Passport
2. Foreigner with work permit
  1. Work Permit
  2. Passport
3.Foreigner with long-term visa
  1. Non-immigrant B visa for business/work, O-Along-stay visa, or a 3 year non-immigrant visa
  2. Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR)
  3. Thailand Privilege

Some banks may ask for more:
  • Proof of Thai residency (Thai residence permit, utility bill, rental agreement etc.)
  • Proof of residency in your home country (utility bill, bank statement, driver’s license, etc.)
  • Proof of property ownership in Thailand
  • Letter of reference from your embassy, your home bank, or a Thai educational institution

Travel Checklist

Once your appointment at Bumrungrad International Hospital has been confirmed, our medical travel team will send you a packet of important information you need to know before traveling. To help you better prepare your medical travel itinerary, please take a look at this travel checklist.
 

Section I: Traveling by Air

In general, if you have the below conditions; it is prohibited to travel by air

  • Have passed 36 weeks of pregnancy (or 32 weeks if you are carrying twins, triplets, etc.).
  • Have a recent heart attack or stroke. Or any type of surgery, especially stomach, brain, eye, orthopedic (bone and joint) surgery including stomach, eye, or head injury. Please check with your doctor to see when it is safe for you to travel.
  • Have an implanted cardiac device such as pacemakers, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD); please check with your doctor before travelling by air. Don’t forget to carry your personal device identification card with you at all times.
  • Have flu-like symptoms with or without tuberculosis like symptoms such as prolonged cough, weight loss, night sweat, fatigue, fever, and chest pain for more than 2 weeks. We strongly advise you to not travel at this stage, and for them to continue treatment with their current care team until his symptoms have resolved completely.
  • Are suffering from the below signs and symptoms, please check with your doctor to see when it is safe for you to travel.
    • Chest pain.
    • Any disease that you can easily spread to other people.
    • Severe sinus, ear, or nose infections.
    • Breathlessness at rest, difficult breathing.
    • Psychotic illness except when fully controlled.
    • A fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or greater.
    • Skin rash
    • Confusion
    • Bruising or bleeding (without previous injury)
    • Diarrhea that does not go away.
    • Vomiting that does not go away (other than motion sickness).

During the flight:

  • Keep all of your medications in your hand luggage.
  • Drink plenty of water to help prevent hydration and to help loosen your sputum and allow you to keep your chest clear from low humidity levels in air cabin.
  • During a long-distance flight of 4 hours or longer (Also see https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dvt/travel.html , deep vein thrombosis can occur as a result of this inactivity; make sure you get up and walk about regularly when permitted by the staff on the aircraft. Bend and stretch your legs and wiggle your feet at regular intervals (for example every 30 minutes) to encourage your circulation.
    • If you have a higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, your doctor can help you work out what measures you may need to take prior to flying. This may include graduated compression stockings, aspirin, or anticoagulants.
  • If you will need oxygen during the flight, this must be requested in advance. A Medical Information Form, stating your current clinical condition and the reason for oxygen requirement, must be filled out and submitted to the airlines. It may take 3-5 working days to process and subjected to the airlines approval.
 

Section II: Pre-operative Preparation

  • Please inform your doctor before the surgery if you have an existing medical condition for which you are taking medication and/or you have undergone any previous surgeries.
  • If you are taking blood thinner medications such as Aspirin, Clopidogrel (Plavix®), Warfarin, Orfarin®, Rivaroxaban (Xarelto®), Apixaban (Eliquis®), Dabigatran (Pradaxa®), Edoxaban (Lixiana®) or dietary supplements such as vitamin E, fish oil, please inform physician ahead of time because you may be asked to temporarily stop your medications so you can safely have the surgery.
  • If you smoke and drink alcohol regularly, please stop for at least one week before the surgery to reduce the chances of complications.
  • If you have any underlying diseases: cardiovascular disease / diabetes / high blood pressure / asthma / cancer / or others including any allergic to any medications and any medicines you are taking, current treatment and correlating diagnosis, please inform physician in advance.

Download 

What do I need to prepare for my medical travel? 

  1. Check if your passport is valid and if you need a visa to travel to the destination country. 

  2. Decide how you will finance your medical payment, such as cash or credit card, and make sure additional cash in the local currency. Call your bank or card insurer to forewarn them that you may process a large payment abroad. This is to prevent banks from treating the transaction as suspicious and blocking your account. 

  3. Ensure that you have contact information to your clinic, transport provider and patient assistant. 

  4. Inform your employer about your absence at work due to medical travel. 

  5. Check the weather forecast for Bangkok and prepare yourself. 

  6. Arrange assistance at home when you are abroad. 

  7. Check if it is necessary for you to get certain vaccinations. 

  8. Remember to make your appointment at the clinic and pay the reservation fee if needed. Double check the dates. 

  9. Purchase appropriate flight tickets. Make sure someone will pick you up from the airport. 

  10. Remove any nail polish as the color of your nail plate may help indicate your health condition. 

What should I take with me?

  1. Mobile phone with a charger
  2. Personal documents such as ID card, passport and visa
  3. Credit/debit card and some additional cash in the correct local currency.
  4. Medical records, including current diagnosis, films (X-ray, MRI, CT scan, ultrasound), biopsy results and your contact information.
  5. Daily medication, if any, in original packaging; any type of information regarding any chronic diseases that you may have.
  6. Items for leisure and entertainment purposes during your medical travel; for instance, books, magazines and music players 
  7. Comfortable pajamas and bathrobe if your medical procedure requires overnight stays; for instance, it is recommended that you wear shorts instead of long trousers if you have a knee surgery scheduled; for a shoulder operation, you may consider bringing a zip-up blazer
  8. Comfortable undergarments and socks
  9. Shoes to walk around the clinic – if you are undergoing plastic or another upper-body surgery, then you may take slippers. In the case of the orthopedic procedure, please bear in mind that you need some more stable footwear trainers.
  10. A basic set of toiletries such as soap, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, comb, sanitary napkins, shaving kit, hair band, lip balm and face wash
  11. Towels
  12. A set of clothes for your physiotherapy and rehabilitation, if it is required after surgery; this may include tracksuit and a pair of sneakers
  13. Largely depends on the purpose of your medical travel, you may consider visiting sightseeing destinations; if that is the case, bring casual clothes and comfortable shoes; however, if you may undergo procedures that affect mobility, such as a hip replacement, you should consider bringing comfortable loose trousers, blazer and elastic shorts.
  14. Sleep essentials such as earplugs, pajamas and your favorite small pillow

Political status

COUNTRY RISK ASSESSMENT

A4

Country Risk

See the country risk analysis provided by Coface.


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Traffic Status

Live Traffic Click Here

WHO Thailand

For more information click here

Weather Status

Live Weather Click here

Patient’s Rights

We can provide better medical care when you and your family work together as partners with our staff. While it is our responsibility to advise you of your rights as a patient; you also have responsibilities in your treatment and care. We urge you to ask questions, cooperate, and be proactive in the medical care plan. If you have questions or concerns, please discuss with any staff member or manager.

While you are in our hospital, you have certain rights as a patient:

  1. Patients have fundamental rights to get medical care from healthcare professionals without discrimination as stated in the constitution.
  2. Patients have the rights to receive truthful and adequate information about the illness, investigation, treatment, as well as benefits and risks from healthcare professionals in an appropriate language before making a decision to consent except in a case of emergency and life-threatening conditions.
  3. Patients with life-threatening conditions have the rights to receive immediate medical attention from healthcare professionals without the need to request for help.
  4. Patients have the rights to know name and profession of the responsible healthcare providers.
  5. Patients have the rights to ask for an opinion of other healthcare professionals and have the rights to request for a change to other healthcare professionals or medical facility that comply with the terms and conditions of respective health insurance.
  6. Patients have the rights to confidentiality of medical information except when a consent is provided or when the information is required by healthcare professionals to provide direct medical benefits.
  7. Patients have the rights to be completely informed before making a decision to participate in human subject research.
  8. Patients have the rights to make a request for information in their medical record that comply with hospital rules and regulations as long as the request does not violate the rights of others.
  9. A parent or legal guardian may exercise the rights on behalf of the patient who is under 18 years old or physically or mentally incompetent.

 

If you have questions, concerns, or comments

Please contact us in one of the following channels:

  1. Please contact us in one of the following channels:
  2. Tell our staff directly (attending nurse or physician).
  3. Write your comments in “Care to Share” topic in BH Application.
  4. Call our Contact Center (dial “00” for internal hospital line or 0-2066-8888 from outside).
  5. Send us an e-mail to: [email protected]


Patient’s Responsibilities
  1. Patients are responsible for asking for information and potential risks before signing an informed consent for diagnostic or treatment procedure.
  2. Patients are responsible for providing truthful and complete health and other information to the responsible healthcare professionals.
  3. Patients are responsible for cooperating and following healthcare professionals’ recommendations about medical care and should notify when the compliance may not be possible.
  4. Patients are responsible for cooperating and complying with the following hospital’s rules and regulations:

4.1 Patients are responsible for providing complete and correct information for reimbursement from an insurance company as soon as possible after receiving an invoice from the hospital.

4.2 Patients are responsible for providing a copy of advance directive, living will, and written decision of preferred treatment options.

4.3 Patients are responsible for the medical appointments or inform the hospital if rescheduling is needed.

4.4 Patients are responsible for direct cooperation with hospital management representatives to resolve a complaint.

4.5 Patients are responsible for bringing only personal items essential for the hospital stay but not valuables.

4.6 Patients are responsible for not leaving the hospital facility without a permission from the doctor or nurse to ensure patient safety.

4.7 Patients are responsible for receiving medical and nursing care only from the hospital but not by other persons or by themselves except when instructed by the hospital to do so.

  1. Patients are responsible for treating healthcare professionals, other patients, and visitors with courtesy and respect.
  2. Patients are responsible for informing about health insurance benefit with proper documentation to the hospital.
  3. Patients are responsible for being aware of the following facts:

7.1 Healthcare professionals who perform standard and ethical practice are protected by law and have the rights to be protected from unfair accuse.

7.2 Medical care refers to a current medical practice that is based on scientific evidence to show higher benefits than risks to the patient.

7.3 Medical care cannot diagnose, prevent, or treat all diseases or condition.

7.4 Any medical care can result in unexpected consequences despite the fact that the healthcare professionals have been extremely careful in any situation.

7.5 Any test for disease screening, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring might have inaccurate result because of technological limitation and other uncontrollable by current standards.

7.6 Healthcare professionals have the rights to choose an evidence-based medical treatment option in a given context and limitations as well as to consult or refer the patient as appropriate.

7.7 Healthcare professionals may consult or refer the patient who are not in an emergency or life-threatening condition.

7.8 Medical care provided by healthcare professionals might be compromised if necessary health information is not disclosed by the patient.

7.9 Emergency room is only for patients who are in an emergency and life-threatening condition.

 

Any act of physical violence, verbal threats or intimidation towards the hospital staff will not be tolerated. Anyone, who uses violence against hospital staff, is prosecuted and may be banned from using hospital services.

 

ETHICS CONSULTATION

Our Hospital’s Ethics Committee is available to consult with patients and families who face ethical issues or questions regarding their care choices. To arrange for a consultation please call the Hospital’s Contact Center by pressing “00” on your telephone from inside the hospital or 0-2066-8888 from outside and tell the representative you’d like to speak with a member of the Ethics Committee. Alternatively, please email us at [email protected]

 

 

 

Last reviewed in May 2024

Medical Coordination Office


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The Medical Coordination Office (MCO) at Bumrungrad International is a unique and complimentary service designed to provide streamlined access and individual cultural support to our international patients. The MCO comprises Arabic and International teams: Arabic team is composed of 9 coordination physicians and 3 coordination nurses while international team has 6 coordination physicians and 3 coordination nurses representing over 30 countries and speaking more than 10 languages. From your initial email correspondence with our medical staff until the day you return home, our Coordination Physicians and nurses will be available to assist you.

Medical Coordination Services Include

Pre-arrival
  • Provide assistance to Medical Enquiry team in gathering clinical history, reviewing related medical records of enquired patients in order to get initial specialist recommendation on investigations and treatments.
  • Provide assistance in getting transparent estimated price for the course of treatment.
  • Provide assistance in scheduling doctor appointments in coordination with different clinics in the hospital.
  • Provide assistance in scheduling telemedicine appointments.
  • Provide assistance in coordination with Medical Transport team for those who need medical evacuation services.
  • Provide assistance in coordination with Third Party Payers such as insurance companies, embassies, and other related agencies.
  • Make special arrangements according to the needs of patients such language support, VIP meet and greet, patient escort services, etc.
  • Provide assistance in coordination with Business Center for travel and accommodation.
Upon arrival and hospitalization
  • Make hospitality rounds for in-patients
  • Review and contemplate probable and current clinical problems
  • Coordinate with the care team for clarifying clinical concerns, if any
  • Facilitate and support family meetings with the care team to clarify treatment plan and outcome, if required
  • Generate detailed oriented medical reports
Pre-discharge and follow up
  • Provide assistance to ensure all patient’s requirements and expectations are met (Example: Medical Reports)
  • Provide assistance in coordination with Medical Transport team for those who need repatriation to their home countries
  • Make follow-up calls or email patients and families after arriving their destinations to ensure safe transport
  • Provide assistance in coordination with hospital pharmacies, hospital representative offices or shipment companies, for those who need to buy medication from hospital
 

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The Medical Coordination Office is located on the 10th floor of Building-A (Clinic Building). Patients may request the services of Medical Coordination Office through customer service counters, registration counters, and nursing counters or upon contacting hospital for an appointment.

Bumrungrad Hospital’s Medical Coordination Office is the most comprehensive international medical support team in Asia designed to provide a stress-free medical care while abroad.

 

Medical coordination team

Mr. Rajeev Rajan
Chief Business Development Officer
 
 

International Medical coordination

Dr. Donya Hemmadhun
Senior Director, Medical Coordination
& Hospital Duty Management
 

Dr. Nisarat Chanunpanich
Senior Coordination Physician
International Medical Coordination
 

Dr. Zarni Min
Senior Coordination Physician
Myanmar Medical Coordination
 

Dr. Nyo Min Ko, DDS
Senior Coordination Physician
Myanmar Medical Coordination
 

Dr. Aung Linn Htut
Coordination Physician
SAARC
 

Dr. John Gachuiwung Shimray
Coordination Physician
International Medical Coordination
 

Dr. Sereywat Keo
Coordination Physician
Cambodian Medical Coordination
 

Ms. Suthatip Tong-Orn
Senior Coordinator
International Medical Coordinatio
 

Mr. Ganda Boy Sihotang
Senior Coordinator, International
International Medical Coordination
 
 

Arabic Medical coordination

Dr. Kasidis Srisanga
Division Director
Arabic Medical Coordination
 

Dr. Abdo Showah
Coordination Physician
Arabic Medical Coordination
 

Dr. Najood A. Issa
Senior Coordination Physician
Arabic Medical Coordination
 

Dr. Peerada Piriyahaphan
Coordination Physician
Arabic Medical Coordination
 

Dr. Nora Yumyuang, DDS
Coordination Physician
Arabic Medical Coordination
 

Dr. Mohamed Hayedaud
Coordination Physician
Arabic Medical Coordination
 

Dr. Zakiah Abdullah
Coordination Physician
Arabic Medical Coordination
 

Dr. Nasihah Dama
Coordination Physician
Arabic Medical Coordination
 

Dr. Bismellah Kassem
Coordination Physician
Arabic Medical Coordination
 

Ms. Halimah Mauseng
Nurse Coordinator
Arabic Medical Coordination
 

Ms. Sofa Homsuwan
Coordination Nurse
Arabic Medical Coordination
 

Ms. Faesah Pohchi
Coordination Nurse
Arabic Medical Coordinatio
 

Location

Medical Coordination Office
Bumrungrad International Clinic (BIC) Building, 10th floor,
Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand

For more information or to receive support, please contact:

Phone: +66 (0) 2066 8888

Fax: +66 (0) 0 2011 5100
Online Appointment: Make appointment here
Learn more: Ask us a question
 

Finding your way to Bumrungrad

Finding Your Way to Bumrungrad

We are committed to providing world-class service to our international patients at Bumrungrad International Hospital. We offer a personalized approach to serving the unique needs of our patients, and it starts the moment you land in Bangkok. 

Bumrungrad Airport Representative

Bumrungrad International Hospital has a dedicated airport representative team to assist you as soon as you arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. After immigration and customs checks, please proceed to Exit B or C (depending on where you collect your luggage) and walk towards Gate 9. The Bumrungrad Airport counter is located diagonally across Exit C of the Arrival Hall as shown in the picture above. More Information


  

Your airport representative can help you with the following: 

  • Arrange Bumrungrad shuttle van services (one-way only) for your arrival. 
    For the shuttle service from Bumrungrad International Hospital to Suvarnbhumi Airport, please reserve a seat at Customer Service Counter on the Ground floor of the Hospital Building and Clinic Building at Bumrungrad International Hospital or call +66-2-011-3168 at least 1 day in advance during 07:00 – 20:00 hrs daily.

  • Book an appointment in advance. 

  • Make changes to your appointment upon arrival. 

  • Make hotel reservations upon arrival. 

 

Bumrungrad Shuttle Van Service

Bumrungrad International Hospital provides complimentary shuttle van service from Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Bumrungrad or hotels close by the hospital. For reservation, please send your request at least one day in advance to [email protected] (Patient is required to have a booking with our doctor). The departure time of the shuttle van depends on the prevailing traffic conditions.

At Suvarnabhumi International Airport, there are many transportation options available. This includes: 

At Don Mueang International Airport, there are also a number of public transportation options for you to choose from.  

Maps and Directions to Bumrungrad

Bumrungrad International Hospital is one of the world’s premier healthcare establishments, with over 55 specialized clinical departments. Located in the heart of Bangkok,Bumrungrad is easily accessible. Here are a number of maps and directions to help you make your way to the hospital with ease.

Area Map

Bumrungrad International Hospital Bangkok Thailand Map and Direction
Click to download map - PDF (618 KB)

 

Interactive Google Map 


View Larger Map

Getting a Taxi from Suvarnabhumi

If you would like to head to Bumrungrad on your own, we recommend getting a taxi from the airport. There is a taxi stand located on the ground level of the Main Terminal Building. Generally speaking, the queue might be long, but it tends to move fairly quickly. Simply let the staff at the taxi stand know your destination. To head straight to Bumrungrad, our hospital name is sufficient as are well known in Bangkok. 
 
All drivers should the taxi meter in Bangkok, and the fare automatically starts at 35 THB. There is an additional surcharge of 50 THB for getting a taxi from the airport, and this is payable to the driver at the end of the journey. We recommend that you take the highway from the airport, as the elevated freeway takes you right into the heart of Bangkok, very close to Bumrungrad.  
 
If you get a taxi from the airport or anywhere around Bangkok, it is best to make sure you that you have small notes such as 100 THB as taxi drivers do not often carry a lot of change. In Bangkok, tips are accepted gratefully by taxi drivers. For a journey from the airport to Bumrungrad, 20 THB is a good tip.
A Guide to Ensure That Your Stay is Comfortable

A Guide to Ensure That Your Stay is Comfortable

When you stay at Bumrungrad, you are taken care of by a professional team of staff and nurses who are an expert in addressing your specific needs. We are dedicated to making your patient stay a smooth and exceptional experience.

Pre-admission Procedure

Patients, including medical travelers, can only be admitted to Bumrungrad International Hospital upon a physician’s recommendation. Click here to book an appointment

During the admission process, patients will be informed of the following:

  • Types of inpatient rooms
  • Pricing of the inpatient rooms, services and daily meals
  • The estimated cost of operation and procedure
  • Deposits
  • Various modes of payment accepted
  • Contract company
  • Permission to leave the hospital
  • Policy regarding guests staying overnight with the patient
  • Information on infection control, prevention and patient safety
  • Child delivery
  • Policy regarding procedures, medication and treatments at the hospital
  • Inpatient nutritional plans
  • Valuables and safety box
  • Loss and damage policy of hospital property
  • Equipment and tools to be employed in the hospital
  • Information on visas and possible extensions

Admission Time

Patients can check-in anytime depending on the physician’s recommendation and the patient’s scheduled procedure(s). The total daily room charge starts from the admission time up to the period of 24| hours. In case more than 24 hours and more, if extra hours are less than 12 hours, an extra half of daily room charge will be applied, if extra hours are between 12 - 24 hours, the total daily room charge will be applied in full. 

Contact Admission Office

7am to 8pm: Upon arrival at the hospital, please proceed to the second floor of Building B to check-in and sign the Application and Consent for Hospital Admission.

8pm to 7am: Upon arrival at the hospital, please contact the registration desk at the emergency room on the ground floor of the Main Hospital Building to check-in and sign the Application and Consent for Hospital Admission. 

What to Bring

  • Passport with immigration stamp (Arrival stamp by Thai Immigration Bureau)
  • Any proof of medical insurance or benefits such as a letter of guarantee from your insurance company, employer or embassy

This is only applicable for insurance companies, employers and embassies which have a contract agreement with Bumrungrad.

Hospital Services and Facilities

To ensure a restful stay, Bumrungrad provides a range of facilities and services for the comfort and convenience of our patients and their visitors. Click here to learn more about our hospital services and facilities.

Telephone Services

Bedside telephones are available in all inpatient rooms. 

  • To call a local mobile phone, dial 9 and then the mobile phone number.
  • To make a three-digit and four-digit number call, dial 9 and then the three-digit and four-digit number.
  • To make a perimeter call, dial 9, 02 and then the phone number. 
  • To make an up-country call, dial 9, the area code and then the phone number.
  • To make an overseas call, dial 191, 001, the country code, the area code and then the phone number.

Room Entertainment

Television: The inpatient room is equipped with a television, showing free-to-air television channels, a variety of entertainment shows and sports games.  Internet access: High-speed Internet will be accessible with a unique password that is given upon check-in.

Meal Services

Inpatient meals: To ensure that all our patients receive proper nutritional value under our physician’s recommendation, patients are encouraged to only consume the food provided by the hospital. Our dietetic services will take the patient’s procedure into consideration and present freshly cooked meals that are best for their health condition.

Dining options: A range of dining options is available for patients, family members and friends in the Main Hospital Building of Bumrungrad. Most of these restaurants will deliver directly to the patient’s room with a simple phone call. Click here to learn more.

Nursing Services

For our patient’s safety and convenience, there is a nursing call handset by your bed, connecting you to our nursing staff 24 hours a day. There are also call bells located in the bathroom. Our team of nurses and staff are always happy to assist. 

Patient attendant: For patient attendant services, please contact ward nurses for more information. Once requested and approved, we will allocate a patient attendant or nursing assistant to the room.

Business Center

The Business Center is a central point of information and contacts, providing support and help to all patients and their families with their travel documentation. This includes visa extension, clerical duties and other secretary support services. We are here to ensure that medical travelers admitted to Bumrungrad and their families are well assisted during their stay in Bangkok. Click here to learn more

Other Services

  • Housekeeping: Every patient room is cleaned daily by our housekeeping team. You can inform our ward nurses of any specific needs or requirements.
  • Newspaper: On Request.
  • Maintenance requests: If you find anything is faulty, please inform our ward nurses to prepare for repair.
  • Security: There is an in-room electronic safe box, which we encourage patients to use for depositing valuables.
  • Fire safety: The hospital has an automatic fire alarm system.
  • No smoking: Smoking is prohibited by law on all hospital grounds.
  • Parking: Our car parking lot is open 24 hours a day.

Visiting Guide

At Bumrungrad, we believe that family members and friends play an important role in the patient’s recovery process. We encourage visitors to drop by and keep the patient company under these simple housekeeping rules, which only apply to patients staying at regular wards. Patients staying in private single room can welcome visitors 24 hours.

Visiting the Regular Ward

Patients staying in double or two-bed bedrooms are recommended to welcome visitors between 6 am to 10 pm to avoid disturbing other patients in the room.

After 10 pm, visitors must first register at the nurse station. Once the visitation is approved by the patient, hospital staff will then accompany the visitor to the patient’s room.

Visiting the Critical Care Units

Visitation is only allowed from 9 am to 12 am and from 2 pm to 10 pm. Visitation is strictly prohibited during all other hours.

Only two visitors will be allowed in a patient’s room at a time.

Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to visit patients in critical care units unless it is a critical patient. In that case, visitation will be considered.

Visitors are not permitted to eat, drink or stay overnight in the critical care units.

Photography and videos are prohibited in the critical care department.

Please avoid bringing flowers into the critical care units.

Please refrain from using your mobile phone in the critical care units or surrounding area.

What to expect before and after your discharge

What to expect before and after your discharge

Being discharged may be exciting and stressful at the same time. Bumrungrad offers this guide to help you understand the discharge process and what to expect after departure. Keep in mind that healing doesn’t stop after you leave, and it is important to follow your doctor’s medical advice after departure.

Discharge Plan

At Bumrungrad, patients will be first assessed by physicians before written discharge orders are issued. To ensure that you are ready for the discharge process, the written discharge order must be recorded and filed in your medical records prior to the discharge.

Discharge Time

The discharge happens at 12.00 h. On the day of your discharge, you are allowed to submit a request for a late discharge and stay longer. However, additional expenses will be applied. 

  • If you decide to discharge before 6 pm, you will be charged half-day for the room and services and full price for any food services.
  • If you decide to discharge after 6 pm, you will be charged for regular room, service and meal plans at full price.

If you require to be transferred to the Critical Care Unit, Bumrungrad would like for you to return the room and help you arrange the transfer immediately.

Traveling by Air

If you need to travel by air to return to your home country or another travel destination, you will need to as your doctor to certify a Fit for Travel Medical Certificate, as well as a list of medications you will require abroad. The Fit for Travel Medical Certificate is only valid for seven days from the date of issue. Please ensure the following before making travel plans:

  • Ask your physician for a summary of medical reports, lab tests and X-ray results
  • Gather the contact information of your clinic, transport provider and patient assistant
  • Inform your physician and nurse where your destination is
  • Confirm transportation plans at the airport in the destination you are headed to

Against Medical Advice

Patients and Medical travel patients who refuse all types of diagnostic, treatment both inpatient and outpatient; Patients and Medical travel patients have to follow the hospital policy by signing “Consent :Against Medical Advice”

Educational Resources

It is important to understand the educational resources and recommendations that your doctor gives you at the discharge. The following list includes some of the important takeaways at discharge. Please do not hesitate to contact your doctor if you have any questions. 

At discharge, patients will:

  • Be informed and educated about the drugs and medication that they have been given.
  • Be taught how to manage and adapt to the environment so that it does not affect their health condition; how to utilize community resources and deal with the economic and social problems which may affect their condition.
  • Understand the goal of treatment, learn how to observe their own symptoms and know when to notify the physician or nurse about significant symptoms. Patients will have sufficient knowledge to handle any emergency situations by themselves appropriately before arriving at a hospital.
  • Understand their own health status such as limitations and effect from their medical condition. Patients will be able to handle daily activities, cope with the health limitation, aid recovery and prevent complications from happening.
  • Understand and realize the importance of follow-up appointments. Patients should understand the need to ask for help in the case of emergency, as well as the treatment outcome and treatment plan to the other units which may be applicable.
  • Have the know-how in selecting nutritional food that is best for their health condition.

If treatment must be continued at another healthcare facility, patients will discharge and leave with a summary of the given treatment at Bumrungrad. This summary report will be issued by a physician and given to the patient by a nurse at discharge.

Follow-up

Patients will be contacted by Bumrungrad after the discharge for a follow-up regarding their medical conditions and satisfaction towards our services. Please provide the contact details to our nurses so that our coordination physicians and cultural support officers can follow-up with you.

Level of Satisfaction for Health Experience

Your feedback towards our healthcare services is valuable to our organization as we strive to improve our services every day.

Bumrungrad's World-Class Facilities

Electrophysiology Lab
Da Vinci Robot-Assisted Surgery

International Accreditation

Joint Commission International

Bumrungrad was the first Asian hospital accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), the international arm

Hospital Accreditation-HA

Bumrungrad is the first hospital in Thailand to obtain the Advanced Hospital Accreditation (A-HA) from the Healthcare Accreditation Institute in 2016.

Global Healthcare Accreditation

With a focus on medical travel care, the Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA) Program sets the standard for healthcare organizations serving medical travel patients.