pow01

On 3/3/2015 at 10:55 AM, Edsman said:

Maybe I'll be the sole dissenter, but I suggest avoiding the Red Cross if you're looking for more than an HIV and/or syphilis test. My girlfriend and I were in the same position as you and yours so we went to the Red Cross last December based on the what I read on this forum and others. I was extremely disappointed and here's why:

1. I was told that unless I had "symptoms" I could not have a standard STI screening, only an HIV and syphilis screening.

2. Because I stated I had no obvious symptoms, I was told with absolute certainty that I didn't have an STI!!! I asked if it's possible to have an STI without symptoms and I was told NO!!!

3. I quickly pulled up WebMD and the Mayo Clinic webpages for STIs and showed it to the counselor or physician. She became agitated with me and said it's possible but statistically unlikely. I asked 80%, 90% or what? I wasn't given a response.

4. I asked the person (located on the second floor offices who does the initial Q&A) for her credentials as I wanted to know if she was a doctor or counselor. She refused to tell me. She then told my girlfriend that I was asking too many questions so my girlfriend started to retort her responses. Grudgingly, she conceded to offer a "urine or blood" test but we would have to wait 3 WEEKS for the results. She couldn't tell us which specific test (urine or blood) would be administered.

5. I asked to see a different doctor if, in fact, she was one. I was told, just like with STIs, I couldn't see a doctor at the Men's Clinic unless I had symptoms. I asked "if I lie and say Yes, can I see the doctor?" She responded YES!!!

6. They use a large gauge needle which left a small bruise on me and an extremely large and ugly bruise on the girlfriend that went to upper forearm. It took mine a week to dissipate while over 2 weeks for her. I typically don't bruise from blood draws so I won't say that the bruising was due to personal issues. She said she's never bruised like that before.

Because of this, I will now tell others to go elsewhere if this unlikely conversation "pops up." However, for an HIV and syphilis test you can't go wrong with a turn around time of an hour or less and small fee. I had a fee for 20B for the medical card and, if I remember correctly, 300B for the HIV and syphilis tests. The HIV test is FREE for Thais (with ID, of course, despite being an "anonymous clinic") while the syphilis test, regardless of nationality, is only a mere 100B.

I suggest going to a local hospital to cater to your needs unless you and your girlfriend want to lie about having STI symptoms and willing to risk an unsightly bruise from the large needle. These are just my opinions based on a 1 time visit, so take them as you wish.

Please report the facility and pricing if you choose to go elsewhere as many of us would like to know.

2018 udate:

This poster is correct. They will not test you for the full range of STD's unless you have symptoms and even if you do results take over 2 weeks. The tests they will test you for are Syphilis and HIV. If you are looking for an express service do not waste your time coming here unfortuantely you will have to pay at private lab.

Took pity on an empty bar owner in a well known tourist area and sat down and had a few beers. Was overcharged by the young cashier 1 beer which I pointed out but she stood her ground. Now I know why it's empty and I will never return here again. Left this bar to go to 7/11 and bought a coconut water for 25. Gave 40 and received 5 change. Pointed it out straight away and was reimbursed. Seems prevalent in tourist towns. Same scam or coincidence? I'm not sure.

Plenty of Thais go shirtless or wear wifebeaters. In England if I saw a fat man without a shirt we would poke some fun at him. Nothing to do with being a farang or Thai, just human nature. Honestly, I don't think this offends anyone, especially in a beach/tourist area. Infact, it seems to provide a source of entertainment! You are being a snob.