Sheryl

Ate you sure of this? My (admittedly cursory) reading of the the UK DTA was that Government pensions are taxable only in the UK but State pensions are taxable in Thailand.

Yes, he needs to consult a good nephrologist. Where in Thailand is he? Kidney transplants here cost about 1.5 million baht and he would have to have a tissue-matched family member or spouse willing to donate (Thai law limits living donors to relatives and spouses) as his chances of getting a kidney from a cadaver are extremely low. However unless he is in end stage renal failure (in which case he would already be requiring dialysis to live), it is premature to think about transplants. "Bad news" to a patient could mean many things, even early stage kidney problems.

It's 150 - 200K at Siriraj private wing. Bangkok Hospital etc would probably be about 20 - 25% more. Assoc.Prof.Sunai Leewansangtong would be the doctor to see at SIPH. https://www.siphhospital.com/en/medical-services/doctor-biography?id=247

@VintageTQ Please use specific terms rather than "endoscopy" as it leads to replies about very different procedures. I assume you mean endoscopy of the stomach i.e. gastroscopy. To get this done at the price you mention, will have to use a government hospital. The best option in Bangkok is Chulabhorn Hospital. Colonoscopy is under 10k (6-7K last I heard but that is some years ago) there and I would assume gastroscopy is about the same. https://chulabhornhospital.cra.ac.th/HOME However, while they will do colonoscopy on older people just for screening purposes they might not agree to do gastroscopy unless doctor there believes it is indicated. Bring a Thai speaker with you.

I suspect you are referring to a urologic endoscopy whereas I think OP means gastric endoscopy i.e. gastroscopy.

The interest portion if earned while a Thai tax redident would be assessable but a case might be made that the capital amount is in effect savings from income prior to 2024 (and indeed probably prior to becoming a Thai tax resident). Let me know what you ultimately find out. I have a somewhat similar issue further (potentially) complicated by fact that the invome portion was from US government employment.

No, a damaged valve will not repair itself. Surgery is the only definitive treatment and recommended once the valve problem becomes symptomatic or the Left Ventricle Ejection Fraction drops below say 50%. Surgery is not necessarily needed (or might be deferred) if you are asymptomatic and LVEF normal. The suggestion of Khon Kaen Heart Hospital is good. I don't know the cost there but will be less than a private hospital. It will also provide a second opinion as to whether surgery is needed now. https://www.kku.ac.th/gateways-for/student/medical-services/queen-sirikit-heart-center

There are, however, considerable concerns about the viability of their business model. There have been many prior threads on this matter, suggest you read these https://aseannow.com/topic/1268153-wrlife-medical-insurance-experiences/page/6/ https://aseannow.com/topic/1312262-wrlife-still-ok/ The Dr. Boon Vanasin mentioned has since left the country and is under investigation for financial issues, google that. I have no idea what if any consequence that will have for WRLife.

That seems a bit high, do you have any deductible? At 71, with an excellent international policy, my premium was 4,800. That is with a $500 deductible, and inpatient only (but including day surgeries and outpatient cancer care/dialysis).

Or just use an overseas broker, which is what I do.

What I mean by that is that anywhrre in the country, extraction of a wisdom tooth costs more than ordinary tooth extraction. Irrelevant to your experience.

Flaming/bickering posts have been removed. Please keep it civil. No insults.

Law not yet passed. I expect that once passed, it will go into effect the following calendar year affecting tax returns submitted early the year thereafter. Because it would be odd to change the law mid tax year. it is sounding likely to happen, though. After I have done this year's home country taxes I will do a notional Thai one just to see what if anything extra it will cost me (not filing this year as my only remittances are non-assessable, but switching to global taxation there will be some assessable income).

That is excessive even for Thailand. And, I would not recommend doing this at other than a handful of hospitals. The experience of the doctor performing it is of great importance so avoid places that have just started to offer it. It is 236k at Bangkok Hospital (or was, price list goes through last December). I seem to recall 220K at BNH -- and, importantly, BNH was the first hospital to offer this. Still a lot of money (and likely does not include pre-op blood tests etc) but considerably less than you were quoted.

You stated, verbatim: "Being drunk and have a heated conversation with another (Thai) man. Stupid" Having a drink in a bar does not mean one is necessarily drunk. Doubtful the other man would be described as appearing ot be another tourist is he looked Thai. Labeling the deceased's actions "stupid" is not supported by facts at this time. Also rather insensitive.

Given all the questions surrounding this incident, entirely possible his grieving family will be reading this thread. Hateful posts/posts with unfounded speculation have therefore been removed. Please show some respect.

No indication he was drunk As for the other man being Thai: "CCTV footage reveals Kelly in an intense discussion with a man who appeared to be a fellow tourist"

As I understand your post, you did not have a wisdom tooth extracted. Even in the provinces, this will cost much more than an ordinary tooth, especially if impacted. Type of anesthesia also needs to be considered, extraction of an impacted wisdom tooth is often done under IV sedation.

4k is typical price for removal of fully erupted wisdom tooth in a Bangkok clinic, and impacted will be more.

In Korat Private Hospital All extractions are not equal. AN impacted tooth will obviously cost more to remove

An off topic post has been removed Thread moved to health forum

Rezum was introduced in a few private hospitals only a couple of years ago and is not yet available in any public hospital that I know of. Note that Rezum is only possible if prostate is below a certain size. Also note that while less invasive than TURP, it is still considered surgical and does carry some risks and adverse effects. The last are usually temporary but can prolong hospitalization. Have you already tried maximum medical management (medications)? And has prostate cancer been reasonably excluded? Chula after hours clinics nowadays are on many floors. the urology section is in Chakri Thotasom Building, 5th floor. You can make appointment by phone, can also select from list of doctors https://specialclinics.chulalongkornhospital.go.th/ open the above in Chrome for translation as it is only in Thai However for urology, in government hospitals I would suggest either Ramathibodhi or Siriraj over Chula. https://www.rama.mahidol.ac.th/sdmc/th/Outpatientsurgery Prof. Kittinut or Wisut

Family history eon't be a factor but your hyperlipedemia probably will be. Though if you can show it is well controlled (recent lab test results etc) , might help. I suggest you contact a broker specializing in international expat polcies and explain your situation, see what they suggest. I use https://www.aoc-insurancebroker.com/ Tell them you dpecifically want a Western based insurer. Where the indurer is based detrrmines whst regulatory framework applies. Until you actually submit an application with health history to an insurer, won't know what they will offer in terms of premium liad or exclusions.

This will depend be very much on the nature of the problem/treatment. They will not be so pleased with the cost if they require speciliazed surgery followed by extended ICU stay...even at a government hospital.

"1. I’ve realized I might not have much flexibility to negotiate premiums or compare other insurance options. My age and some pre-existing conditions developed during my previous policy would likely lead to exclusions or very high premiums with a new insurer. This feels restrictive - almost like I’m “locked in” with my current provider. Is this a common experience? How do others handle this?" Yes, common and you just have to choose between accepting new exclusions or staying with same insurer "2. I plan to continue coverage through the SSO public healthcare system. However, I’ve never used public hospitals in Thailand before, so I’m unsure about the quality of care, especially for serious procedures. I also understand you need to select a specific hospital for treatment - how do you go about choosing one if you’re unfamiliar with the options?" Post your choices here. If you are in Bangkok, may not be many (note that lists from SS often contain hospitals that are no longer accepting new enrollment). Quality of care varies by hospital. Where in Thailand are you? "3. Are there any protections in Thailand for private insurance customers? For instance, regulations on premium adjustments or exclusions for pre-existing conditions?" There are some but pretty weak, much weaker than in Western countries. There is no regulation that prevents exclusion of pre-existing conditions. Thai insurers are allowed to set their premiums by age pretty much as they want (and rates at older age are higher than in the west) and also allowed to raise premiums on an individual basis based on claim history by up to 25% annually. This is why it is best to get an internationally issued expat policy where possible. But if you have significant pre-existing conditions that may be a problem. What exactly are these conditions?