Hi all! Have had a large prostate (so higher PSA) my entire adult life. The last 8 yrs, the PSA level has been between 9 -10 and free PSA score consistently at 20% so, while high, has not been progressing upward. At nearly 70, I figure I should have it examined. I am looking to get the high end MRI exam for prostate but am frustrated about where in Thailand to go. I live in Chiang Mai but not a problem to travel.

The main problem is finding the place to do it. AI says several hospitals in Chiang Mai and BKK have 3T (Tesla) MRI machines but when I call or ask (like I did at BKK Hospital CM) they only have the older 1.5T machines. Even Bumrungrad in BKK comes up with 3T on search but their radiology center webpage says they have a 1.5T machine.

Anybody know what hospital or clinic has a 3T machine based on their personal knowledge?

Thanks in advance!!

WHy so picky ?

MRI will go in deep and see what's up

Stop making excuses and get it done

Newer model 1.5T MRI machines are adequate for this.

Worry less about the MRI machine model and more about the skill and experience of the operator and, above all, the urologist who will interpret the results.

Suggested urologists in CM:

Prof. Supon Sriplakich

at both BangkokHospital and Sriphat

https://www.bangkokhospital.com/en/chiangmai/doctor/supon-sriplakick-m-d

https://sriphat.med.cmu.ac.th/en/doctor/detail/345

Dr. Wittiwat Rawiyotai

previously at Bangkok Hospital,now at CM Ram

https://www.chiangmairam.com/searchdoctor1?major_id=127&doctor=

Dr. Teerapat Luksananun

Sriphat

https://sriphat.med.cmu.ac.th/en/doctor/detail/785

₹2,800 to ₹5,500

The cost of a 1.5 Tesla MRI scan in Kolkata typically ranges from ₹2,800 to ₹5,500. Some centers may offer scans starting at ₹2,000, while others may charge up to ₹11,000 depending on the specific facility and additional services required. It's advisable to contact local MRI centers for precise pricing and availability.

used to go here every couple of years,caught it at stage 1,food pipe cancer. still here when i should have died couple of years ago,according to oncologist (UK) cheap flight there,only couple of hours

13 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Newer model 1.5T MRI machines are adequate for this.

Worry less about the MRI machine model and more about the skill and experience of the operator and, above all, the urologist who will interpret the results.

Suggested urologists in CM:

Prof. Supon Sriplakich

at both BangkokHospital and Sriphat

https://www.bangkokhospital.com/en/chiangmai/doctor/supon-sriplakick-m-d

https://sriphat.med.cmu.ac.th/en/doctor/detail/345

Dr. Wittiwat Rawiyotai

previously at Bangkok Hospital,now at CM Ram

https://www.chiangmairam.com/searchdoctor1?major_id=127&doctor=

Dr. Teerapat Luksananun

Sriphat

https://sriphat.med.cmu.ac.th/en/doctor/detail/785

Thanks! Just got back from Sriphat Clinic, they have a 3T MRI machine. 3T Multiparametric die contrast prostate scan a week from now. Cost about 20k baht. There is also a new test (EpiSwitch (PSE) test) in the US and Europe that is a blood test that is 94% accurate at detecting prostate cancer. Will also get that done when I go back in Jan.

Edited August 22Aug 22 by DrPhibes
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Thanks everyone for your input! Moderator, you can consider this inquiry closed.

Had my scan at Bumrungrad.......I'm quite a relaxed, easy-going person and quite enjoy the medical experience.........but I was close to climbing out of the MRI machine.........the killer was arms over my head for the dyes.....I seemed to be in there forever

I had a prostrate scan using a Tesla 3 MRI at Bumrungrad about 2 years ago.

The diagnosis was an enlarged, 162gm but benign, prostate.

Cost ฿63k.

7 hours ago, jor said:

I had a prostrate scan using a Tesla 3 MRI at Bumrungrad about 2 years ago.

Bloody autocorrect.

On 8/21/2026 at 10:16 AM, DrPhibes said:

Hi all! Have had a large prostate (so higher PSA) my entire adult life. The last 8 yrs, the PSA level has been between 9 -10 and free PSA score consistently at 20% so, while high, has not been progressing upward. At nearly 70, I figure I should have it examined. I am looking to get the high end MRI exam for prostate but am frustrated about where in Thailand to go. I live in Chiang Mai but not a problem to travel.

The main problem is finding the place to do it. AI says several hospitals in Chiang Mai and BKK have 3T (Tesla) MRI machines but when I call or ask (like I did at BKK Hospital CM) they only have the older 1.5T machines. Even Bumrungrad in BKK comes up with 3T on search but their radiology center webpage says they have a 1.5T machine.

Anybody know what hospital or clinic has a 3T machine based on their personal knowledge?

Thanks in advance!!

Sriphat Med Center

Chiangmai RamBangkok Hospital

Chiangmai PC Imaging Center (ask for the price)

NO SEX 4 days prior to test

On 8/20/2026 at 10:35 PM, PhilipHabib said:

WHy so picky ?

MRI will go in deep and see what's up

Stop making excuses and get it done

Standard in the US is to call for a 3T MRI. This can be a problem when a Pacemaker Tech is also needed. I had a really bad time scheduling this in the US. Took me 7 months to go from high PSA to MRI to biopsy to cleared.

On 8/21/2026 at 11:40 PM, DrPhibes said:

Thanks! Just got back from Sriphat Clinic, they have a 3T MRI machine. 3T Multiparametric die contrast prostate scan a week from now. Cost about 20k baht. There is also a new test (EpiSwitch (PSE) test) in the US and Europe that is a blood test that is 94% accurate at detecting prostate cancer. Will also get that done when I go back in Jan.

There are also the XODX and MPS2 tests which you might want to look at.

I recommend the Dr. Geo podcast for a deeper dive into modern prostate diagnosis and treatment.

On 8/22/2026 at 11:40 AM, DrPhibes said:

Thanks! Just got back from Sriphat Clinic, they have a 3T MRI machine. 3T Multiparametric die contrast prostate scan a week from now. Cost about 20k baht. There is also a new test (EpiSwitch (PSE) test) in the US and Europe that is a blood test that is 94% accurate at detecting prostate cancer. Will also get that done when I go back in Jan.

EpiSwitch doesn't seem widely available in Europe. In UK only private at a price of £700+.

Other Europ. countries I found nothing. Hubby was looking for Austrian provider.

On 8/20/2026 at 8:16 PM, DrPhibes said:

Hi all! Have had a large prostate (so higher PSA) my entire adult life.

Have you tried eating a small handful of raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds every day? They work wonders for enlarged prostates. When I came to Thailand in 2019, I brought some with me from California because I thought they might not be available here. However, I could not have been more mistaken. Pumpkin seeds are widely sold in Thailand, and they are of much better quality than those sold at Trader Joe’s in the United States. Chew them thoroughly until they form a paste in your mouth before swallowing them. This way, your body will be better able to assimilate their nutrients.

35 minutes ago, oslooskar said:

Have you tried eating a small handful of raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds every day? They work wonders for enlarged prostates. When I came to Thailand in 2019, I brought some with me from California because I thought they might not be available here. However, I could not have been more mistaken. Pumpkin seeds are widely sold in Thailand, and they are of much better quality than those sold at Trader Joe’s in the United States. Chew them thoroughly until they form a paste in your mouth before swallowing them. This way, your body will be better able to assimilate their nutrients.

Pumpkin seeds have a positive effect on prostate health but in reality it is rather minor. I took different herbal supplements including pumpkin for years before I finally had to visit an urologist to get a Rezum surgery. This is at least my own experience. After the surgery I immediately started again herbal products including Pumpkin as precaution. I finally had to visit the urologist again because of increasing problems. I am on 2 chemical medications now and they work better.

Edited August 24Aug 24 by msbkk

12 hours ago, msbkk said:

Pumpkin seeds have a positive effect on prostate health but in reality it is rather minor. I took different herbal supplements including pumpkin for years before I finally had to visit an urologist to get a Rezum surgery. This is at least my own experience. After the surgery I immediately started again herbal products including Pumpkin as precaution. I finally had to visit the urologist again because of increasing problems. I am on 2 chemical medications now and they work better.

The fact that pumpkin seeds shrank my father’s enlarged prostate and enabled him to live the remaining ten years of his life without urinary problems was hardly a "minor" effect. Of course, that does not mean pumpkin seeds are a cure-all for every aging man’s prostate problems. Your experience does not invalidate my father’s, any more than his experience guarantees that pumpkin seeds will work equally well for everyone. Urinary problems can have different causes and may also be aggravated by caffeine, alcohol, inactivity, habitually holding one’s urine, and certain cold and allergy medications. Mind you, I am a strong believer in modern medicine, but I am also extremely cautious about the judgment of those who practice it.

Jan 2025 1.5T MRI at Payathai Hospital Sriracha14,000B PI-RAD 3.

Dec 2025 3T MRI with endorectal coil at Bangkok Pattaya Hospital 25000B Pi-RAD 2.

Prostate size 72ml, PSA between 4-5 tested every 3 months. If it goes up I will get another MRI at

Bangkok Pattaya Hospital. Dr Jirapong is the best for consultation.

If I need surgery I may go Siriraj Bangkok.The wait is too long for MRI at Siriraj.

Edited August 25Aug 25 by Thailand J

Well, looks like this is not quite dead yet. I'll let you know how the procedure goes in a few days and what the diagnosis is on Sept 4th. Moderator, please keep open. Thanks!

5 hours ago, Thailand J said:

Jan 2025 1.5T MRI at Payathai Hospital Sriracha14,000B PI-RAD 3.

Dec 2025 3T MRI with endorectal coil at Bangkok Pattaya Hospital 25000B Pi-RAD 2.

Prostate size 72ml, PSA between 4-5 tested every 3 months. If it goes up I will get another MRI at

Bangkok Pattaya Hospital. Dr Jirapong is the best for consultation.

If I need surgery I may go Siriraj Bangkok.The wait is too long for MRI at Siriraj.

The technology for dealing with prostate problems has developed at an amazing pace. I think most doctors aren't even up to date on what is available. Again I suggest the Dr. Geo podcast as there are so many different focal techniques that are minimally invasive. Personally, I'm planning on talking to a urologist back home about Auqablasion to open things up again. It can also be used to target some prostate cancers.

No need to go to BKK, but it’s up to the Individual. It can cause more worry and mental problems than physical! Overload of information on the web!

Sripat Hospital does it, 12K in 2021 &2022. Dr Supon at CMR referred me there and a brilliant radiologist.

Family history; genetic; dietary; lifestyle etc can all play a significant part but many live happily with an elevated PSA, while others die without much warning. So “ up to you “!

Good advice and coverage of a relevant topic for all concerned.

12 hours ago, Tazmo said:

It can cause more worry and mental problems than physical! Overload of information on the web!

Because of the PI-RAD 3 result in Jan 25, I was worrying too much and by June 25 I was having anxiety disorder. A year on Pristiq and Clonazepam, went through hell tapering them, I am glad I am back to normal. All that worries for nothing. Dec 25 MRI result was PIRAD 2. PSA has remained below 5 for about a year.

I learned it the hard way. Elevated PSA and enlarged prostate do not mean I have cancer, and I am not going to worry about cancer until a positive biopsy.

11 hours ago, Thailand J said:

Because of the PI-RAD 3 result in Jan 25, I was worrying too much and by June 25 I was having anxiety disorder. A year on Pristiq and Clonazepam, went through hell tapering them, I am glad I am back to normal. All that worries for nothing. Dec 25 MRI result was PIRAD 2. PSA has remained below 5 for about a year.

I learned it the hard way. Elevated PSA and enlarged prostate do not mean I have cancer, and I am not going to worry about cancer until a positive biopsy.

Sorry to hear that you had to go through that but sadly some people are affected by their physical symptoms and it can get blown out of proportion. However it’s good that you have been able to respond very well to treatment.

OK Guys, I promised I'd be back. Had the 3T Multiparametric Dye Contrast MRI at Sriphat Clinic a week ago. The procedure was professionally done and cost about 19,000 baht. Went back today for the results and found 1 major and two minor things. I'm not a very big guy but have a prostate volume of 92.48cc. The major one was 1.6cm PI-RADS 3 lesion interior of the prostate. 2 minor ones also interior to the prostate. No sign of metastases outside of the prostate and all were fairly well encapsulated. The PI-RADS 3 determination was based just on size of the lesion. Couple this with my PSA and free PSA ratio being somewhat high (10 for PSA, 20% ratio) but stable over the last 6 years, the Dr was pretty confident that things were not so bad. I will wait until I head back to the US in January for the Episwitch PSE test (about $1,000 USD) which is touting a 94% accuracy rate at detecting prostate cancer and then figure where to go from there. I'll post what happens with that when I can. Hope this helps!

2 hours ago, DrPhibes said:

OK Guys, I promised I'd be back. Had the 3T Multiparametric Dye Contrast MRI at Sriphat Clinic a week ago. The procedure was professionally done and cost about 19,000 baht. Went back today for the results and found 1 major and two minor things. I'm not a very big guy but have a prostate volume of 92.48cc. The major one was 1.6cm PI-RADS 3 lesion interior of the prostate. 2 minor ones also interior to the prostate. No sign of metastases outside of the prostate and all were fairly well encapsulated. The PI-RADS 3 determination was based just on size of the lesion. Couple this with my PSA and free PSA ratio being somewhat high (10 for PSA, 20% ratio) but stable over the last 6 years, the Dr was pretty confident that things were not so bad. I will wait until I head back to the US in January for the Episwitch PSE test (about $1,000 USD) which is touting a 94% accuracy rate at detecting prostate cancer and then figure where to go from there. I'll post what happens with that when I can. Hope this helps!

All the best. Keep us posted.

As they probably tokd you, 80% of PI-RADs 3 lesions turn out to be either benign ot non-clinically significant cancer. So odds are in your favor.

hi, an older guy here. highly recommend after calling all around Bangkok for lowest price Prostate MRI with a 3 Tesla machine, at the new Princ hospital. paid 18k there for it.