9 minutes ago, sandyf said:

The person I responded to was discussing Pattaya, so what do you think.

Friend of mine was a diabetic smoker and got gangrene in the foot. They cut the foot off at the heel but the wound would not heal. They then cut it off below the knee and still a healing problem. He went to Sattahip where they cut it off above the knee and it healed no problem.

Each will take their own view.

Sounds like BS to me, but each to thier own.

2 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

Sounds like BS to me, but each to thier own.

I don't make things up so will treat that with the contempt it deserves.

If you have been around Pattaya any length of time chances are you probably met him, had a bar in Best Friends about 20 years ago.

13 minutes ago, sandyf said:

I don't make things up so will treat that with the contempt it deserves.

If you have been around Pattaya any length of time chances are you probably met him, had a bar in Best Friends about 20 years ago.

Where is/was Best Friends ?

9 hours ago, PPMMUU said:

People will have different opinions on this, but if we set aside those ultra–super–premium private hospitals staffed with highly experienced and highly respected professors, most private hospitals are generally suitable for minor illnesses and injuries. In those situations, the difference in actual medical quality is minimal, but the experience is much quicker, the staff tend to be more polite, the atmosphere is nicer, and everything smells better.

However, when you have a serious illness or a major injury, the best treatment you can get is usually at a large public medical center or a major university hospital. The staff there may be a bit overworked (hopefully not too much), their voices may sound a little grumpy, and they may smile less — but they are genuinely excellent at what they do. And the cost is kept as low as possible (which can still become a very mountainous amount of money if you are seriously ill).

And most of the time, access to those major public medical centers or large university hospitals doesn’t happen directly — unless you physically show up at their outpatient department or emergency room. For many people, the usual pathway is through the system: starting at a local public amphoe hospital or a tambon health center, and then being referred upward step by step.

Thanks for putting so elegant for me!

30 minutes ago, sandyf said:

You still haven't clarified if you are refering to Chonburi hospital or Chonburi Cancer Hospital.

https://www.cch.go.th/main/index.php/en/

https://cloud2.cbh.moph.go.th:8443/cbhweb/

The process before you can even get to the cancer center told by physician at Queen then one must register at the main Chon Buri hospital in which he went to register first got there at 6:30 didn't see an GP until 4pm, the process was explained then told to come back next day to review all his blood test and scan from Hospital A, again came the next day Q up 6 hours later review by not an oncologist but another GP.

All the prelims were done at Hospital A, we had with us all the test result CD, body scan we originally went to Queens to register to get the next test biopsy before any treatment can be done. Told we had to go to CB, as noted went through process as noted 2nd GP interview same type review computer information he then schedule us for the 10th to see what we believe was the Oncologist at the CB cancel center thereafter a biopsy!

Next day CB called they wanted another blood test since in Pattaya, go to Pattaya City on Soi Buakhao, we did test result sent to CB?

Tuesday late we get a call from CB nurse your appointment has been cancelled no reason given told to wife next available is in September if that is too far away then try Banglamung logic here not complaining everyone says this is their system in all the long hours of waiting met lots of good Thais in same situation very disheartening.

We aren't expecting to jump the line or anything the process has been an eye opener but he does have Stage 4 cancer obtaining an biopsy is vital to determine treatment which is sooner the better even then life expectancy is short.

As far as we are told as you noted CB hospital and CB cancer center one must start with CB hospital to get to CB cancer center.

So yesterday I called home told my nephew take the key down to storage locker in the back is a large gun case get it sold and Wise the money over for the Biopsy back at Hospital A, as I type he is having his done right now thereafter will worry about how or where to get treatment if possible.

Hope that helps thanks for your patience.

On 6/2/2026 at 11:05 AM, StevieAus said:

If you have ever spent time in a private hospital as an in patient you would soon learn the difference between private and public.

I spent months in total in both. Not much of a difference IMO if you are in a major city. The private rooms are nicer in private hospitals but an outdated room in a public hospital is fine. The public hospitals in remote areas are a different story all together and can be frightening but private isn't an option anyhow.

Last major accident, I spent a month in a terrible public hospital in the sticks. Once I was able to get out of the ICU after 10 days and got my own private room things were much better. Even this hospital had a new MRI and all the needed equipment. Total bill was I think 130k baht. I must have has had a dozen MRIs and a few surgeries! How my bill was only 120k is beyond me.

Sandyf,

Thanks for your comment!

After reading your comment got me thinking so I did more research and it seems one don't have to go through the hospital first at Chon Buri,

I got the contacts location of the cancer center will have his Thai wife call tomorrow to confirm.

As I noted he is having the biopsy now after we will know more and possible treatment.

If true we will make a visit to the center and see if they can take over treatment and relatively price

18 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

Where is/was Best Friends ?

Was a bar complex on Beach Road, couple of hundred yards or so short of Walking Street, had a boxing ring in the middle. Wouldn't know what is there now.

5 minutes ago, sandyf said:

Was a bar complex on Beach Road, couple of hundred yards or so short of Walking Street, had a boxing ring in the middle. Wouldn't know what is there now.

Yes it is next to old Peppermint, which is closed, the place Marine Disco, upstair it is now I believe a big Indian club.

As for the Cancer Center, I contacted them and do more research online but when times permit will go there personal and get the scoop first hand, they do give some preference to certain cancer with time requirement but like Chon Buri hospital still have long waits of hours and appointments can be between 4-6 weeks, but that is government as we know now.

Can't catch a break, yesterday was schedule for a biopshy at 2pm, Hospital A, but they wanted him early to take another blood lest, Cholestrol at this point we are just going through the flow after biophsy he was suppose to be in a recovery room but his luck the screw up during the Bi, and collaspe his lung,

So maybe it is all related, but patient I discussed that went in for pnemonia same diagnoses but they needed to place him ICU, for 80,000 baht a night, yet in the bi case they put in a regular room? Told in first case regular rooms don't have oxygen equipment LOL!

Sitting, talking he laugh in spite of the cancer and two weeks of running around, It is a circus I guess reason Doctor told him before this test, get your house in order LOL!

17 hours ago, thailand49 said:

Thanks for putting so elegant for me!

The process before you can even get to the cancer center told by physician at Queen then one must register at the main Chon Buri hospital in which he went to register first got there at 6:30 didn't see an GP until 4pm, the process was explained then told to come back next day to review all his blood test and scan from Hospital A, again came the next day Q up 6 hours later review by not an oncologist but another GP.

All the prelims were done at Hospital A, we had with us all the test result CD, body scan we originally went to Queens to register to get the next test biopsy before any treatment can be done. Told we had to go to CB, as noted went through process as noted 2nd GP interview same type review computer information he then schedule us for the 10th to see what we believe was the Oncologist at the CB cancel center thereafter a biopsy!

Next day CB called they wanted another blood test since in Pattaya, go to Pattaya City on Soi Buakhao, we did test result sent to CB?

Tuesday late we get a call from CB nurse your appointment has been cancelled no reason given told to wife next available is in September if that is too far away then try Banglamung logic here not complaining everyone says this is their system in all the long hours of waiting met lots of good Thais in same situation very disheartening.

We aren't expecting to jump the line or anything the process has been an eye opener but he does have Stage 4 cancer obtaining an biopsy is vital to determine treatment which is sooner the better even then life expectancy is short.

As far as we are told as you noted CB hospital and CB cancer center one must start with CB hospital to get to CB cancer center.

So yesterday I called home told my nephew take the key down to storage locker in the back is a large gun case get it sold and Wise the money over for the Biopsy back at Hospital A, as I type he is having his done right now thereafter will worry about how or where to get treatment if possible.

Hope that helps thanks for your patience.

There is something not right there. The very first hospital I went to after moving to Chonburi was the cancer hospital. Just turned up, registered and had the check up followed by a biopsy. Since then you have to register and make an appointment. I re-registered when I got the pink card in 2016.

The hospital runs an check- up package at a very reasonable rate which I have done a few times, no reference to any other hospital required.

Last time I went it was about 4 week waiting list, the information you were given sounds like for specific circumstances and an attempt to avoid the initial waiting time. I would think that referrals get some priority.

4 hours ago, sandyf said:

There is something not right there. The very first hospital I went to after moving to Chonburi was the cancer hospital. Just turned up, registered and had the check up followed by a biopsy. Since then you have to register and make an appointment. I re-registered when I got the pink card in 2016.

The hospital runs an check- up package at a very reasonable rate which I have done a few times, no reference to any other hospital required.

Last time I went it was about 4 week waiting list, the information you were given sounds like for specific circumstances and an attempt to avoid the initial waiting time. I would think that referrals get some priority.

AI, does say but I will have to go to verify myself I'm the type brick and mortar type there is some preference depending on the type of cancer.

But right now we have lost near a month running around we are talking Stage 4 cancer that has spread outside the right lung. There are a number of test that must be preform before any treatment can be suggested.

It does suggest if patient is coming from another facility private or government to have all your ducks lineup.

Right, now we want to find out quickly from Hospital A, what we are dealing with recommended treatment and cost. For sure start the treatment register at other places to see they can continue the treatment at an reduced cost.

On 6/2/2026 at 11:05 AM, StevieAus said:

If you have ever spent time in a private hospital as an in patient you would soon learn the difference between private and public.

Ya mean EWS--"You have empty wallet syndrome, Sir. We'll have to defer further treatment until you fill up." That's the biggest difference.

I have gone to the same public hospital for 32 years. Yes, an hour or so wait to see a doc but the docs have always been cooperative, for instance, when I wanted a prescription outside their specialty or a lab test. I have only rarely been given an appt a couple of months away but not for any serious condition. B250.

I also had occasion to use the Navy Hospital in Thonburi. I was the only Navel-gazer. No extra charge for foreigners.

Thai Red Cross won't take my beautiful, O-negative universal donor blood after 60. But the Navy Hospital has a more broad-minded view. Another O donor, a retired Navy captain was giving his blood at 82!

The main problem I see with modern medicine is specialisation. There is no comprehensive view of whole systems: heart, cardiologist, thyroid, endocrinologist aso. There are very, very, very few docs who bother to try to put Humpty Dumpty together again. You are your parts not the sum.

This system is a prescription for never getting well.

By good fortune, I have an excellent GP in the preventative medicine unit.

Very rarely do I encounter short-tempered staff. Everybody has a bad day, right. In general, both nurses and docs are not only competent and helpful but...terrific iCandy!

Edited June 5Jun 5 by unblocktheplanet
add

21 hours ago, thailand49 said:

AI, does say but I will have to go to verify myself I'm the type brick and mortar type there is some preference depending on the type of cancer.

But right now we have lost near a month running around we are talking Stage 4 cancer that has spread outside the right lung. There are a number of test that must be preform before any treatment can be suggested.

It does suggest if patient is coming from another facility private or government to have all your ducks lineup.

Right, now we want to find out quickly from Hospital A, what we are dealing with recommended treatment and cost. For sure start the treatment register at other places to see they can continue the treatment at an reduced cost.

For what it is worth, back in 2013 my wife's BIL was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer, they removed over 1kg of tumor. The cancer then spread to the liver and he had a few operations to cut that away, very much touch and go. He recovered quite well and still knocking about today.

He was treated at the Paulo Hospital in Samut Prakhan. I appreciate some distance away but certainly much easier than going into Bangkok if that was to become the case..

Our daughter had food poisoning and covid-19 simultaneously while visiting Khon Kaen. My wife took her to a private hopsital and she was admitted. I asked the hospital to deal directly with my well-known European insurer. But they didn't know how to do that even when I gave them the phone numbers etc. I assumed they couldn't make a call outside of Thailand. So I had to pay for it first and then get reimbursed.

On the issue of govt-v-private hospitals, in Bangkok at least, not all private hospitals charge the same. A few independents, like Vichaiyut, charge less for some things - like physiotherapy and some meds. I don't know if they have dual pricing.

You need to shop around, particularly if you don't have good insurance.

18 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

There are very, very, very few docs who bother to try to put Humpty Dumpty together again. You are your parts not the sum.

They would rather let you die and carve you up for parts then revive/treat ?

Thats definately not what I have experienced.

16 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

They would rather let you die and carve you up for parts then revive/treat ?

Thats definately not what I have experienced.

Not what I meant at all. If you have a dermatology problem no one would think to look if it was causing your eye problems. Similarly, if you have an eye problem, an ophthalmologist would not think to send you to an endocrinologist.

It's not just here in Thailand. Whole-body medicine, family doctors, GPs have all succumbed to specialisation.

7 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

GPs have all succumbed to specialisation.

What issues do you have with Specialist doctors ?

My GP I see every month, she is a Pulmonologist... she treated me in ICU for double pnuemonia.

Edited June 6Jun 6 by Ralf001

Not sure if the same hospital, but a while ago I had a dental abscess that resulted in severe visible swelling in my neck. It was so bad that I decided to go to the ER of a certain very big private chain hospital in Pattaya. At reception they were nice but dismissive, made me sit there half an hour, and finally came back "the next dentist appointment we have is Monday (in 5 days)". I looked at her and said "in 5 days I'll be dead if my neck keeps swelling". She shrugged and walked away - couldn't care less. Big fancy private hospital, but they couldn't even spare an emergency appointment.

Tried a couple of clinics next - mysteriously none of them actually had any doctors working, at all. So went to another much smaller private hospital's ER. Went in, next appointment in an hour. Older but nice female dentist, yanked out the affected tooth and gave me stronger antibiotics, and within a few days I was well again.

Conclusion: big does not mean better when it comes to Thai private hospitals.

On 6/6/2026 at 12:42 PM, unblocktheplanet said:

Not what I meant at all. If you have a dermatology problem no one would think to look if it was causing your eye problems. Similarly, if you have an eye problem, an ophthalmologist would not think to send you to an endocrinologist.

It's not just here in Thailand. Whole-body medicine, family doctors, GPs have all succumbed to specialisation.

That's why you have a referral system. Unless you believe in Iridology, or Yin & Yang, or naturopathy bull<deleted>.

On 6/6/2026 at 12:51 PM, Ralf001 said:

What issues do you have with Specialist doctors ?

My GP I see every month, she is a Pulmonologist... she treated me in ICU for double pnuemonia.

I wasn't saying GPs shouldn't have specialties. But I've gotten far more indications for further treatment from my GP.

The real issue is that there are no physicians who treat the whole body, the whole organism. They just refer you to specialist after specialist, all only looking at their own area of expertise.

For me, I have to have chemistry, resonance with any doctor. Without that, you don't get healed.

On 6/1/2026 at 7:10 PM, thailand49 said:

I got to get it off my chest! This is completely in the Chon Buri province my experience last 20 plus years.

First, let me be cleared I do not dislike or hate any of the personnel I've been in contact throughout the years they are just doing their job but at specific hospital it seems many are disensortized realising what they are being asked to do by these corporate giants. I wanted to add my story to the thread " dual pricing " but it closed. So here it goes I won't use the name of facility but just A, B C, hospital.

I use hospital A, for my wife and family for myself unless it is an emergency I stay far away I'm somewhat bless " knock on wood " at 74, very fit practice martial arts like a Shaolin monk, exercise play basketball with all ages once a week LOL

For years, I watch first hand hospital A, although with no insurance always pay for their services, prior to any service after seeing emergency physician if overnight next person is a clerk with clipboard " what a nasty job this person has " how is this going to be paid after price is quoted.

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I've seen first hand as my niece was being rolled in for surgery stopped and request for payment, I've seen and heard an expat in pain crying out in emergency staff knowing full well what the problem was yet continue to pressure patient and friend how was surgery was going to be covered. Recently someone very close and dear had a heart attacked that needed 4 stents yet they did two, then ICU, waited until I came pay the first two then gaurantee the other stents.

Whenever, any service is needed with my own family I've used my son or wife to do all the talking and admission while I lay back out of sight never have I seen them being pressure for payment or any Thai for that matter. Years ago my nose was broken I needed it adjusted nothing major so I can breath better quoted one price, next visit quoted double I questioned the price " clerk said straight out you a Farang "

Fast forward, for the last year I as a favor for another family I was ask to be the executor for a distance relatively I've not seen in 40 years who resided in Bangkok, a fentanyl addict, long with a number of physcotic medication, along with being in poor medical and physical condition 73 but look like 93, also a hypocondriaci.l, 2 plus packs of cigarettes a day and a lifetime of marijuana use I brought him to Pattaya lease a house and he was under 24/7 private nurse care.

I continue this past year taking him back to Bangkok under medical supervisor to reduce his addiction we were successful in him quitting the fentanyl. In spite of success each time when not around a few days he demands nurses take him to hospital A, emergency there he act up and demands pain killers etc, although he had numberous blood test, hearts scans, x-ray long list in the computer majority of his symptoms come from side effects of the physcotic drugs being reduce any discomfort will tell physician pain level is 10 just so to get a fix.

So last month I got a call from his nurse high BP, fever slight cough, taking him to hospital A, I met him at emergency as soon as he exit vehicle talk a bit I knew he had pneumonia not a bad case but he has been diagnosed 20 years ago COPD, from his work given a large payout and went on SSI disability so knowing Hospital A, he was going to be told overnight observation medication. His breathing was laboring but nothing heavy with his age condition I understand the suggestion.

But what I noticed last few years especially foreigners, slightly high BP, fever it was ICU, it was no longer go upstairs to a hospital room 10,000 baht VIP, but ICU 60-80,000 a no brainier. While talking to the doctor and nurses explaining with help from my Thai nurses showing them legal documents as to who he was and medication he was taking it was imperative instructions be follow the attending physician basically made faces indicating go <deleted> myself!

Of course next up payment lady, 3 days 80,000 baht a night ICU, I signed the gaurantee, thereafter told an hour they will move him, thinking everything was OK, I had other business do had my nurse stay. Next day I learn my nurse was there for 4 hours to midnight in emergency because they were uncertain of my gaurantee they said nothing just silence.

Next morning ICU, he seems OK still laboring a bit being who he is complains about pain need medication but not for his lungs but cramps on his legs. Just let medication work I leave to have coffee downstairs when I return they had strapped him down stuck a breathing tube down his throat from there it went downhill fast. He had tubes everywhere look like I should bring a priest to bless his last moments.

3rd, day they had no clue what was wrong with him, but now office said we need a deposit of 300,000 baht, paid, seem after we paid more test were ordered, they even brought in someone to massage his leg at 5000 baht a pop, another two days one moment he is fine the next no but hospital had no problem calling me at 11pm at night to come down and pay another 300,000,

Next morning I spoke to another Doctor get him ready I'm moving him. Even with all legal documents they were saying who the F are you? I told the clerk I'm the guy that isn't going to pay another baht. I contacted his lawyers in Bangkok within an hour the tone change many of the staff realized what I was telling them being an addict and having a mental disorder not was getting the picture biggest problem because they stuck the tube down his throat he wasn't given his needed physcotic meds now was showing signs of withdraw, High BP, cry of pain.

So with Lawyers threat we started to look for alternatives down the road surrounding areas many of the hospital didn't have rooms available ICU, for someone who wanted to transfer. We were moving for two reason treatment and cost we were spending 300,000 baht every day with no end in sight. Finally that afternoon the lawyers arrange a hospital Bang Sean.

I put down 100,000 deposit for his care 7 days later, 2 in ICU, 2 in minimum ICU, 3 in a VIP room, checkout with ambulance ride back to Pattaya 62,000 baht.

This was a real eye opener but I learn and visited a number of good alternative hospital in the area. They didn't speak as much English but I felt what I saw and experience the facility were much better than Hospital A.

Not done, from this experience came another many expats visitor rave about Hospital A, and how cheap care is compare to the West. I always wonder if it is t one of these cookie cutter treatment something major like cancer what is the cost. Well, if you have in general 3 million baht or lucky to have coverage that what it would take?

If you don't, the alternatives are other government places like Queen or Burapha University but Oncology isn't fully staff Doctor comes once a week for many of the test one must go to Chon Buri Provincial where staffing visits 3 times. The wait up call is one gets there at 6:30 am, and there are hundreds waiting just to see an general doctors we finally saw one at 3pm.

With Stage 4 lung cancer limited funds this is the reality of living here.

Thanks my vent!

Can you repeat that please.