Sheryl

As Rutnin is not near Silom I think you may have the hospital name wrong?

Lasik is permament once your vision stabilizes but it will nto prevent the later development of age related far-sightedness (which is nto actually far sightedness at all but a loss of the accommodation reflex). Neither will the so-called "super sight surgery" which is actually just the same procedure as used for cataracts, and recommended only if over age 50. What can be done if desired is to leave one eye undercorrectd (Still a bit nearsighted), this is called monovision and may help avoid the need for reading glasses later. I had this done an now at age 68 still do not need reading glasses - but individual results will vary. If going for monovision it is important to do one eye at a time and wait till vision in the first eye stabilizes before doing the second. You might also lie to do a trial of wearning contact lens that simulate monovision just to be sure you adjust well to it. AT TRSC they will do a thorough evaluation first and =clearly explain the options and, in statistical terms, likely outcome of different approaches.

OP you need to specify which laser procedure you mean. If you mean to correct nearsightedness (myopia) that would be LASIK or RELex. The best place for this in Thailand is TRSC http://www.lasikthai.com/ They were the first place to do it and specialize in it. I had it done there more than 20 years ago and my vision is still great. If however you are talking about treatment for retinal detachment or cataract etc then please specify To answer another poster no, they do nto put you to sleep though they do give a mild tranquilizer beforehand. It is done under local (topical) anesthetic. You need to be awake and able to follow instructions.

If you cannot afford 250-350k for surgery (and if surgery is indicated) then no choice but to use a government hospital. In Bangkok I suggest Chulalongkorn Hospital. Use their "after hours" outpatient clinic ("clinic nok wela")and ask for an acharn specializing in spine. 13th floor of main building, register first on ground floor for a patient number then go up to 13th floor. Starts about 4 pm on weekdays but someone may be there by 3 pm. You have to go in person to make the appointment. Bring a book and lots of patience -- and a Thai speaker at least the first time.

Bang Rak may well have it available for all but the BCC only assusts/coordinates appointments for foreign nationals. Bang Rak is a private hospital. It is not a BCC facility. BCC does not operate health facilities or administet vaccines. They are just assisting foreign nationals in registering at various hospitals, as a service to the foreign community.

They are offering to all foreign nationals.

Did whatever broke your ankle include trauma (bruising etc) to the calf?

Plenty of good medical care where he is, in Malaysia. No need to deal with travel rules. He just needs to priortize this and go straight to the nearest hospital.

People in quarantine used to be allowed brief periods outside the room after the 2nd test but govt changed that rule around I think last May.

They will help with the swelling, as will elevating your feet when sitting down. Where exactly is the fluid, is it near the ankle or is it the whole leg?

Flaming and bickering posts have been removed. Please keep it civil.

there is no "USA" (presumably: CDC ) guidance regarding Sinovac or AZ as neither is currently used in the US. Sinovac is not "useless". It is less efficacious than other vaccines.

As far as I know Pfizer is currently restricted in Thailand to people who have nto received any other vaccination. So I don't think you have a chance to get it now. For "mix and match" vaccine combos the usual guidance is to wait the designated time of the first vaccine. For Sinovac that would be 2-4 weeks.

The "law" people are referring to is an updating of hospital price guide issued by the MoPH. This guidance (not a "law") does indeed give a different price level for foreigners. However, it is widely ignored and the highest rates in it are less than most hospitals charge eve to Thais (if paying out of pocket). So pretty much a non issue and nothing chganged in most hospitas after it came out. Most government hospitals do not charge foreigners more simply because it would be more trouble than it would be worth to them to set up a seperate price structure. Notable exceptions are government hospitals in locations where they see many foreigners (Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai etc). These often do have a different, higher tariff for foreigners though usually still much lower than private hospitals.

There is no preferred insurance company. Doesn't even have to be a Thai company. The only thing I had to pay for upfront was a 5,000 baht deposit for my ASQ package.

Bear in mind that entering right now, you will have to quarantine for 14-15 days at your own expense in an approved facility. This alone will cost you at least $1k, upfront. Border runs are not possible at present time due to COVID restrictions and in any case would be chancy - back when they were possible, people sometimes got hassled or refused if pattern of entry suggested they were living in Thailand long term. Best options are either a work visa (for employment with a a company - there is no way to get this being a self employed digital nomad) or education visa.

You will still need multiple photocopies. Retirement extension is only slightly less hassle than marriage extension and, in addition to having a higher financial requirement, there are restrictions on spending the money. Unless you can easily afford to put 800K aside and not touch it (which does not sound to be the case) you are better off IMO sticking with marriage extension.

No problem to get in and no forwarding ticket required assuming you have a re-entry permit. You will have to quarantine (at your own expense) in an approved facility for 14-15 days and will not be allowed out of your room for that duration. You need to get a COE, apply through https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/ (ignore link in post above as it is to an unofficial site) For COE you will need: 1 - proof of insurance that covers COVID in Thailand for at least $100k (if you have a general insurance policy you need a specific letter from the insurer to this effect, they will nto wade through a policy document to figure it out). 2 - proof of booking at an ASQ hotel (you do nto need this until the second stage, you can do the pre-approval without it). Payment of just the initial deposit will suffice with many hotels to get the needed booking confirmation. 3 - uploadable picture of passport face page and re-entry permit page 4 - copy of airticket (also not until the COE confirmation phase) I just did all this myself (also with re-entry permit based on extension of stay for retirement). In my case it was extremely easy but if you have to use the LA Consulate there are reports that they take a long time/may be less efficient thank others. (I used NY Consulate)

What he describes is NOT GERD. GERD is reflux of stomach fluids into the throat. He has food getting stuck on the way down. it is likely due to either: 1) A growth in the pharynx, esophagus or stomach 2) Development of a sac (pouch) in the esophagus 3) Simple aging Of these 3, the first 2 (and especially the first) warrant treatment OP while it is true that government hospitals are pretty overwhelmed and deferring non-emergency care, most private hospitals still function pretty normally and in fact are less crowded than usual. If you can afford it, consider consulting a GI specialist at one. Endoscopy in a private hospital will cost around 15-25k depending in hospital.

One or two very popular tertiary level government hospitals have this (e.g. Siriraj) - but it is nowhere near 80%. More like 25%.

You really, really need to stop delaying or you will lose your eyesight and travel delays will be the least of your problem - assuming that it is in fact retinal detachment.

They still do emergency surgery during COVID. Go to tje nearest Malaysian ER.

This is not an elective orocedure. It is energency surgery.

Why not get it treated in Malaysia? Very good health care there. This really should not wait.

No particular advantage to doing that IMO. Both are inactvated virus vaccines. Both have comparatively low efficicacy (and very low against Delta).