I would like to know what the procedure is for Thai nationals who require hospital treatment.

I know that the 30 baht (now free) health scheme entitles Thais to hospital treatment (of a sort), but to obtain this I believe they have to be registered at home. For many people who work away from home they would have to return home to obtain this treatment.

For Thai nationals who are either unregistered, away from home, have no company cover or want quicker treatment, can they obtain treatment at public hospitals if they pay for it, or do they have to go to the more expensive private hospitals?

Are there any private hospitals in BKK that offer good treatment (knee surgery in this case) at a reasonable price for Thais?

Any help appreciated

I would like to know what the procedure is for Thai nationals who require hospital treatment.

I know that the 30 baht (now free) health scheme entitles Thais to hospital treatment (of a sort), but to obtain this I believe they have to be registered at home. For many people who work away from home they would have to return home to obtain this treatment.

For Thai nationals who are either unregistered, away from home, have no company cover or want quicker treatment, can they obtain treatment at public hospitals if they pay for it, or do they have to go to the more expensive private hospitals?

Are there any private hospitals in BKK that offer good treatment (knee surgery in this case) at a reasonable price for Thais?

Any help appreciated

Yes, a Thai can go to any public hospital and pay for treatment. Check out Chulalonghorn - Silom.

Private hospitals cost bigger bucks. St Louis is often mentioned as good value.

I don't know anything about knee surgery- sorry.

Anyone, Thai or non-Thai, can receive treatment at a Thai government on a fee for service basis. As noted, there are also avenues through which Thais may be able to get free treatment but involve some red tape.

In addition, Thais who do not qualify for free treatment, or require treatment that is not covered under those plans, but have trouble paying have avenues open to them and every large Thai government hospital has a social service department to handle such cases. their services are sometimes un der-utilized because of a feeling of shame on the part of many Thais.

Above does not apply to non-Thais.

Thanks for swift replies.

If anyone can recommend a BKK govt hospital for knee surgery I would be grateful. (Un)fortunately it is not my knee so I do not know what level of surgery is required.

I suppose an initial consultation at any hospital would lead to a referral to the best appropriate specialist hospital department.

Lerdsin Hospital in Silom has perhaps one of the best reputations out of any Government hospital and is quite possibily your best choice. Highly qualified physicans with many trained at Chulalongkorn. I do hope this is helpful to you.

Never heard of Lerdsin Hospital before (and I live near Silom Road) but have located it on the map near the expressway, river end.

Thanks

I know that the 30 baht (now free) health scheme entitles Thais to hospital treatment (of a sort), but to obtain this I believe they have to be registered at home. For many people who work away from home they would have to return home to obtain this treatment.

Or in Khet/Amphor where your Tabien Baan has been registered to be precise. If the patient is a working person s/he is covered under social security and has to forfeit his privilege under universal medical care (even if the "gold card" has been issued and sent to you under your name). If you live near Silom Chula hospital is probably the best public hospital in the area but you have to have an address in Khet Pathumwan to be eligible to receive care at Chula under universal health care.