Phuket International Hospital - Why So Called?

[RDN]

I am curious about the Thai name of "Phuket International Hospital" because nearly all signs in Thai say simply "Siriroj Hospital".

So why the grand sounding "Phuket International" name in English? Why not call it "Siriroj Hospital"? Is it purely a marketing ploy to attract foreigners?

[Colonel_Mustard]

I would guess it is just a marketing ploy to attract foreigners (and a successful one at that as I have always seen more foreigners there than at Vachira for example). It does, however, seem better run and better equipped than your standard Thai hospital. My personal experiences there have always been positive, though I must admit that I prefer Bangkok-Phuket hospital in Samkong, although now the name on the entrance and stationary just reads Bangkok Hospital (so maybe a name change there too).

[sonthaya]

Regardless the name, it's a first class hospital, they saved my life 5 years ago when I suffered a heart problem during my stay in Patong.

The treatment and the service was first class, and the price very reasonable.

[tom yum goong]

To answer the OP, of course its for marketing reasons.

If you are an "International" hospital then it sounds like u operate to international standards.

They are currently expanding Siriroj, i think. Lots of building going on.

I prefer it to Bangkok Phuket hospital.

[jimbob]

They have a book which (I think) explains about their history, it is called "Healthy Living in Phuket". You might want to email the Manager of Internaotinal Services, Peter Davison, as well. He writes a column for the Hospital in the Phuket Post. Did a very good article on Bird Flu recently, well worth a read.

[NBT TV Phuket]

You may be interested to see 2 mini-videos of interviews:

INTERVIEW WITH PETER DAVISON ABOUT NEED FOR WILLING BLOOD DONORS, AT PIH

http://www.thaisnews.com/news_detail.php?newsid=150896

INTERVIEW WITH VACHIRA DOCTORS INCLUDING VIDEO TOUR OF HOSPITAL

http://www.thaisnews.com/news_detail.php?newsid=151526