My friend has worrying symptoms (kidney pain, goiter-like neck swelling, other stuff) that might require an oncologist. Can anyone recommend a good diagnostician at Pattaya International Hospital? Would be much appreciated.

Just a word of warning. Most people go through the general practioners first before finding the specialist. My wife had been not to good for a while and we went to the hospital partly thinking that seeing as no obvious symptoms were there, just an underlying " not quite feeling right" for too long, sort of feeling then a blood test would be expected.

We went into the doctor's room, explained the situation and were told to wait outside in the general waiting area. Shortly afterwards a nurse came along with a folder asking what tests we wanted, showing the folder like a menu! I explained that I was paying for the doctor's expertise and the nurse just repeated "what do I want?". I asked for the bill as we were leaving (we should have just left), it came back at 600 baht (for 90 seconds of doctor's work). We had a full and frank discussion with hospital staff, during which time the doctor disappeared and my volume increased. I offered 200 baht, very loudly, which was accepted too quickly (I offered too much). I have never been back.

I went to Bangkok Pattaya hospital and good treatment was forthcoming. The wife is now fine.

Now I'm not saying that BPH is actually better I'm just saying that BPH has enough replacement doctors if you don't like the one you have. Generally this is not the case with the International. Previously I had always seen other doctors and they were ok, not brilliant, just ok. Same as PBH.

I have since seen on promotional blurb that PIH welcomes second or third opinions for the patient. Well all I can say is that they must have got rid of the doctor we saw because he really, really didn't like his opinion being challenged!

Strongly recommend going straight to Bangkok and not attempting treatment at any facility in Pattaya.

Do not start with an oncologist, unless a cancer has already been diagnosed, which is does not sound like.

If a suspected thyroid problem/ tumor see Dr Rosanee at Bumrugrad. Top notch thyroid specialist.