Medical Hub project - American, Japanese patients may have treatments in Thailand without visa for 90 days

Praphorn Praphornkul

 

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Directing Committee of the International Health Center has approved a proposal to include the United States and Japan in the group of countries from which patients may have medical treatment in Thailand for a period of 90 days without needing a visa.

 

A meeting of the Directing Committee of the Thailand International Health Center or Medical Hub, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister/Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, and attended by Tourism & Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitparkarn, approved in principle, the inclusion of the United States and Japan in the 90-day medical treatment visa waiver program. The inclusion of the two countries in the scheme, makes a total of 13 nations, with the addition of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and China.

 

Mr. Anutin confirmed today that the government is focused on the promotion of innovation and medical excellence, as well as health-related tourism, to add economic value. Over 3.4 million health-related visits were made to Thailand last year, generating over 28 billion baht in revenue. Thailand, which has 68 internationally recognized health service units, the most in ASEAN, plans to turn the country into the world’s Medical Hub in 2020.

 

-- © Copyright NNT 2019-09-29

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2 hours ago, rooster59 said:

Thailand, which has 68 internationally recognized health service units, the most in ASEAN, plans to turn the country into the world’s Medical Hub in 2020.

Apart from the obvious regarding 'hub', it's one thing saying there are '68 internationally recognised health service units' - I just hope they're positively recognised, rather than advising patients to avoid them.

Read a report here the other week something about 10 reasons Ausies like to have medical treatment in Thailand, no visa allowances for us.

Hmm! 

What about TM30 Rules ?

Will the hospital do the TM30 for me or will I have to download the easy-to-use app? If the hospital do the TM30 for me then this is a no brainer. 

Can't you smell the WCSSHSA "World Class Standard School Hub of Southeast Asia"? 

19 minutes ago, trainman34014 said:

What about TM30 Rules ?

Tourist are not required to file TM-30's or any of that other silly stuff. So, the hospital probably files on their behalf.

What about patients who come here for procedures that involve a series of out-patient appointments?  Right now, Chiang Mai Immigration won't grant medical extensions, even with the proper documents from a hospital and doctor unless the patient is an in-patient, unable to travel.

22 minutes ago, NancyL said:

What about patients who come here for procedures that involve a series of out-patient appointments?  Right now, Chiang Mai Immigration won't grant medical extensions, even with the proper documents from a hospital and doctor unless the patient is an in-patient, unable to travel.

My question also

Before the coup, Bumrungrad boasted visa extensions inside their hospital.  After five years, almost full circle.  Military intelligence just takes a lot longer than average intelligence.  With the high Baht and the junta trying to make Bangkok more expensive, will it compete with Taiwan or Malaysia ?

1 minute ago, yellowboat said:

Before the coup, Bumrungrad boasted visa extensions inside their hospital.  After five years, almost full circle.  Military intelligence just takes a lot longer than average intelligence.  With the high Baht and the junta trying to make Bangkok more expensive, will it compete with Taiwan or Malaysia ?

Or India and Bangladesh?

Just now, legend49 said:

India

India is a serious competitor.

I learned that in Thailand there is no modern/less invasive prostate operation available.

In India there is.

India 1 year multiple entry tourist visa for japan passport  60 usd

 

...............................................................................usa passport    76 usd

 

india has numerous international standard medical facilities as well as a rich history of UK medical education system as well as numerous doctors trained in usa, uk, etc etc.

 

and price wise is significantly less than thai thai double pricing system. total cost significantly less even after visa cost

 

google  "apollo hospitals"  just one example

Thai doctor, missed polyps in transverse proximal colon. Checked again and removed in home country 

 

Yes, India with western educated doctors is 100% better for any medical treatment!

2 hours ago, trainman34014 said:

What about TM30 Rules ?

If you go from the airport to hospital they will do the TM30 for you but if you subsequently change wards you may have to visit immigration to let them know. Bit of a grey area at the moment. TIT ????

1 hour ago, KhunBENQ said:

India is a serious competitor.

I learned that in Thailand there is no modern/less invasive prostate operation available.

In India there is.

Out of curiosity, is there a name for that particular surgery?

2 hours ago, NancyL said:

What about patients who come here for procedures that involve a series of out-patient appointments?  Right now, Chiang Mai Immigration won't grant medical extensions, even with the proper documents from a hospital and doctor unless the patient is an in-patient, unable to travel.

Ahhhh yes well  hmmmm, Damn man you're good !!!

29 minutes ago, dcnx said:

Out of curiosity, is there a name for that particular surgery?

The old fashioned operation is called TURP ("cutting").

As far as I can see it's the only available in Thailand.

 

Modern methods are REZUM (water vapor), HoLEP (laser), Urolift, Aquabeam (high pressure water beam). Aquabeam is still rarely seen.

Edited September 29, 20196 yr by KhunBENQ

16 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

The old fashioned operation is called TURP ("cutting").

As far as I can see it's the only available in Thailand.

 

Modern methods are REZUM (water vapor), HoLEP (laser), Urolift, Aquabeam (high pressure water beam). Aquabeam is still rarely seen.

TURP........transurethral resection of the prostate basically involves reaming out the prostate (cutting as KBQ said) with an implement which is passed through the end of the penis up to the prostate in order to do its work.

 

Although used for decades and seen as the "gold standard", newer options are now available and laser surgery is an alternative which can mean less bleeding and complications,

 

I have already had a TURP in Oz some ten years ago and feel that I may need another operation soon, so will be searching out a hospital which offers the Rezum method.......quick, painless and with no bleeding and less complications.

 

Available in Oz and on the Gold Coast which means I can stay with a mate after having the op.....very tempting. 

Edited September 29, 20196 yr by xylophone

I thought it was going to be a 1 year Visa for medical treatment,to make

Thailand a hub, they must have decided it was too long,and might be

abused.

regards Worgeordie

 

"Don't worry!!!

 

"The reason we're both smiling is, we already know what your bill is going to be. And, we don't really have to worry too much about medical malpractice here."

 

"Plus this time, your surgeon even remembered to take his watch out before sewing you up!!!"

 

My doctor said I need more sunshine. Will that get me in?

 

Why would Japanese covered by their National Insurance would want to come to Thailand and pay more for substandard service. 

Just a lot of HUBbub. 

2 hours ago, shady86 said:

Why would Japanese covered by their National Insurance would want to come to Thailand and pay more for substandard service. 

 

World-renowned Thai penis enlargement surgery???