Hello everyone,

I’m 66 years old, female, and currently looking into getting a knee replacement operation in Bangkok. My doctor at home says it’s time, and I’ve been researching hospitals in Thailand that seem to have excellent reputations for this kind of surgery. I think I’m going to go for a somewhat expensive hospital but seemingly the best, Banrungrad.

My main question is about visas – what type would I need if I want to come for the operation and possibly stay for a couple of months during recovery? Would a regular tourist visa be enough, or is there something like a medical visa available that would make things easier?

If anyone has gone through this process, I’d love to hear your experience – how long you were able to stay, and what kind of visa worked best.

Thanks for any advice you can give.

Any recommended beach not far from Bangkok?

46 minutes ago, 7Chan7 said:

is there something like a medical visa available

Yes - and the Thai hospital would provide the necessary paperwork to submit to the Thai Consulate - #5 on their list:

https://thaiconsulatela.thaiembassy.org/en/publicservice/non-immigrant-type-o-medical-treatment

(You would use the closest embassy to you - but the list should be similar)

 

You could get a tourist-entry - but that is only 60-days, and then have to go to immigration to extend it for only 30 more days. 

Another option is a DTV, for which your procedure would likely qualify - but only if you wanted to stay in Thailand longer-term.

 

Beaches "near Bangkok" are not the best - but, there are beautiful beaches on islands offshore not far from Bangkok - have hotels, guesthouses, etc.  The Thai beaches famous in films are down South.

Good luck friend in UK had 2 done, one private 15k one on the NHS, recovery is not very pleasant especially at first. Make sure they give you decent pain killers you need weeks of physio and exercises 

5 hours ago, 7Chan7 said:

I think I’m going to go for a somewhat expensive hospital but seemingly the best, Banrungrad

First up @Sheryl may assist. 

She is forum expert on health matters. 

The hospital (especially the one you mention) can assist you with what is required. 

Unrelated to health you could consider the option of a DTV. 

That would be applicable if you wanted to obtain a long term  ongoing visa. 

At other end of the spectrum is even enter visa exempt (currently 60 days) + option of extension 

How long is planned stay in Thailand? 

Obviously you have ongoing medical care and rehab so maybe beaches on back burner. 

Offer overlooked and close to Bangkok is Bang Sean. 

Has long promenade and flat walk. 

 

 

Medical visas are complicated to get and provide no added benefit vs a Tourist visa (or visa exempt entry if you qualify - -what is your nationality?). 

 

Most nationalities can enter visa exempt with a 60 day stay allowed, and can extend that an additional 30 days if desired.  Tourist visa gives you the same (90 day stay but you're stamped in for 60 then must extend it another 30 if you need to) so no advantage to tourist visa vs visa exempt entry if you qualify for the latter. 

 

90 days should be more than enough time, but in event of medical complications warranting a longer stay, theh ospital can assist you to get another 90 day extension on medical grounds (this is possible only if really ill, nto just for an upcoming outpatient visit and the like. Usually done for inpatients).

 

The best doctor for this is https://www.bumrungrad.com/en/doctors/panya-wongpatimachai

 

Prices for the surgery here  https://www.bumrungrad.com/en/packages/robotic-assisted-total-hip-replacement

 

350k (for non-robotic, one knee) is about typical for private hospitals in Bangkok. Occasionally there are promotional packages for a bit less. 

I had a total knee replacement surgery done at Bumrungrad in 2017 by Dr. Siripong. (Dr. Siripong has since moved to Medpark (last time I checked)).  My surgery was done at 6 am and later that same day I was on my feet with a walker for short distance.  Therapist moving my knee while in bed the same day.  Next day to the gym with therapist and repeated the next day.  Probably could have went home after 2 days but was getting dizzy when walking with a walker.  They changed my pain meds and the nest day I was walking fine (no dizziness) and was sent home.  They gave me pain meds (I seem to remember tramadol) but all I needed was Tylenol.  Great result with no subsequent problems.