I just had two X-rays and an MRI scan done on my lower spine in Bangkok Hospital, Pattaya. I wasn't offered copies but I'd like to have them all the same in case I ever decide to change hospital or even take them back to the UK to look at getting treatment there. I know that doctors always like to have new scans done in their own place, but these would be useful in preliminary chats before I start spending any serious money, just to demonstrate the problem.

 

• I assume, since I paid for them, that I should be entitled to copies, is that right? 

 

• What format would the two X-ray scans be in, is it standard jpg or png or whatever, or some format that only their X-ray viewing software can open? And if so, can and will they convert them to a user-friendly format if I ask nicely? 

 

• I'm aware that an MRI scan produces a huge 3-D dataset; the scan took 40 minutes so does anyone know how large that dataset would be and is it possible to view it at home (if I took, say, a 1 TB external HDD along for them to copy it onto) with some appropriate software, or would I be limited to asking them to copy a few selected cross sections of the dataset into a user-friendly file format?

 

• I've no idea how long a Thai private hospital will keep this sort of data for, does anyone know? They seem to have enough difficulty calling up my rather extensive medical history here in Pattaya at their hospital over the last 21 years, so they're far from great record keepers. (Though part of the problem might also be older doctors who aren't all that comfortable with IT.) 

 

Thanks for any info and insights. 

31 minutes ago, Guderian said:

I just had two X-rays and an MRI scan done on my lower spine in Bangkok Hospital, Pattaya. I wasn't offered copies but I'd like to have them all the same in case I ever decide to change hospital or even take them back to the UK to look at getting treatment there. I know that doctors always like to have new scans done in their own place, but these would be useful in preliminary chats before I start spending any serious money, just to demonstrate the problem.

 

• I assume, since I paid for them, that I should be entitled to copies, is that right? 

 

• What format would the two X-ray scans be in, is it standard jpg or png or whatever, or some format that only their X-ray viewing software can open? And if so, can and will they convert them to a user-friendly format if I ask nicely? 

 

• I'm aware that an MRI scan produces a huge 3-D dataset; the scan took 40 minutes so does anyone know how large that dataset would be and is it possible to view it at home (if I took, say, a 1 TB external HDD along for them to copy it onto) with some appropriate software, or would I be limited to asking them to copy a few selected cross sections of the dataset into a user-friendly file format?

 

• I've no idea how long a Thai private hospital will keep this sort of data for, does anyone know? They seem to have enough difficulty calling up my rather extensive medical history here in Pattaya at their hospital over the last 21 years, so they're far from great record keepers. (Though part of the problem might also be older doctors who aren't all that comfortable with IT.) 

 

Thanks for any info and insights. 

I got my scans always on a CD. The last was 3 months ago. Even a printout was offered. The CDs cost 100 Baht. The print was for free.

Big hospitals with funds keep your records a longer time than others. 

There is no specific regulation in Thailand as far as I know.

You have an absolute legal right to these. Just go to the imaging dept with your hospital ID number and passport. If you know the dates, also helpful.

 

They will provide it on DVD.

 

I have done this many times including at Bangkok Hospital group. 

 

Free or nominal cost at private hospitals, government hospitals charge small fee for the disc.

 

I don't know re software used but scans on disc from various different places could always be opened by whatever hospital I brought it to. Including in different country.  

 

 

 

Extra DVD 300 thb at Rama9, BKK

CAT DVD Bamrungrad BKK 500 thb

21 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

They will provide it on DVD.

 

Thanks for the reply. 

Oh dear, I last had a DVD drive in my PC about a decade ago, lol. I'd hope they can put it on a USB stick if I provide one? 

And what about the MRI scan, my understanding is that's a huge dataset, far too big for a DVD or probably even most USB sticks?

MRI can go on DVD. I think they use special software designed for medical images. Definitely not jpg files or the like.   Even with a DVD drive you might not be able to open but hospitals, clinics etc will. 

2 hours ago, Guderian said:

Oh dear, I last had a DVD drive in my PC about a decade ago, lol. I'd hope they can put it on a USB stick if I provide one? 

And what about the MRI scan, my understanding is that's a huge dataset, far too big for a DVD or probably even most USB sticks?

I found that more and more are against USB sticks as a threat of "contamination". Once they give you DVD just go to any "papa-mama copies shop" and they will transfer for you for the cost of Cola can.

I strongly advice to refrain of showing you IT knowledge at the hospital, might end up wrong way. 

Yes, it is perfect idea to keep all files with you - you can even show them to independent MD back home and have alternative opinion. Did that for friend - very well!

I haven't had the capacity to view a DVD for over a decade. 

 

I've always had a DVD provided with MRI scans etc...   Other hospitals can open these.

 

Additionally, if you want to see the images yourself, hospitals will e-mail the files to you (I've never had an issue with this) - some use a link so you can view the MRI images on a web-browser page which work really well as you can scroll through the MRI image slices (i.e. mRay portal is one of the sites used).

 

 

I  needed copies of a MRI scan done 5 years ago from the Cardio Doctor at Bangkok Pattaya Hospital,  I asked to see him, and spent 10 minutes talking with him, got my copies and left with no charge

With scans on a DVD, the program to view them is usually on the same disk.

On 10/24/2025 at 2:09 PM, Guderian said:

I just had two X-rays and an MRI scan done on my lower spine in Bangkok Hospital, Pattaya. I wasn't offered copies but I'd like to have them all the same in case I ever decide to change hospital or even take them back to the UK to look at getting treatment there. I know that doctors always like to have new scans done in their own place, but these would be useful in preliminary chats before I start spending any serious money, just to demonstrate the problem.

 

• I assume, since I paid for them, that I should be entitled to copies, is that right? 

 

• What format would the two X-ray scans be in, is it standard jpg or png or whatever, or some format that only their X-ray viewing software can open? And if so, can and will they convert them to a user-friendly format if I ask nicely? 

 

• I'm aware that an MRI scan produces a huge 3-D dataset; the scan took 40 minutes so does anyone know how large that dataset would be and is it possible to view it at home (if I took, say, a 1 TB external HDD along for them to copy it onto) with some appropriate software, or would I be limited to asking them to copy a few selected cross sections of the dataset into a user-friendly file format?

 

• I've no idea how long a Thai private hospital will keep this sort of data for, does anyone know? They seem to have enough difficulty calling up my rather extensive medical history here in Pattaya at their hospital over the last 21 years, so they're far from great record keepers. (Though part of the problem might also be older doctors who aren't all that comfortable with IT.) 

 

Thanks for any info and insights. 

You just need to ask them for a copy. Usually the files are in a format that is pre rendered onto the CD, tthere will be a number of files, you need to double click the file (looks like a web page file) called INDEX.HTM - there should also be a readme.txt file that will help. The format is interactive, i.e. if you get an MRI or similar, you can use the file to view all of your insides slice by slice.

Be aware that recordable DVDs won't last; so, also copy it's content to a hard drive or USB.

I have Mostly used Bangkok Gerneral Hospital for 34 years. You do have to ask for them. They put it on a CD along with the run program and insturation on how to use it. Also get a paper copy of the Doctors report that read the scan. Just go to xray department  but you must ask. All for free and show you hospital card and if not a regular maybe your pass port. I have file cabnet draw full of reports, and have used them at another Hospital to get a second opinion.

At Bangkok Pattaya Hospital there is an office just to the left of the old registration desk in the main lobby.  I believe the cost is 100 baht.  The last time I got these it took about 1 hour for them to produce.

On 10/24/2025 at 5:26 PM, Sheryl said:

MRI can go on DVD. I think they use special software designed for medical images. Definitely not jpg files or the like.   Even with a DVD drive you might not be able to open but hospitals, clinics etc will. 

My dvd from Bumrungrad Hospital included a copy of the program to view it on my PC. 

 

If I haven't been given a dvd copy of any scan from BKK Hospital or Bumrungrad they have always provided it afterwards on request free of charge. 

Thanks for all the replies and useful information. 

 

I had an appointment at Bangkok Hospital in Pattaya this afternoon so went early to see about getting the copies. The reception desk by the main entrance told me to go to the Medical Records Department, which is currently more or less directly above Starbucks. Just go up the escalator, turn right and then right again and it's stuck away in a rather cramped corner. It looks like a temporary location, anyway. 

 

I explained that I wanted copies of the two X-rays and the MRI scan done a fortnight earlier. She took my hospital ID card and checked and said fine, that would be delivered to me after my appointment. I was actually given it about 30 minutes later and there was no charge, so well done BHP, fair and efficient. 

I recently got my CT scan images on CD from a different Thai hospital.  It was in DICOM format which is the medical imaging standard.   The CD also came with a viewing program.  I asked if I could get it on flash but they could only give me a CD, so I took it to Tukcom 4th floor got the shop up there to transfer it.