I'm looking for a specialist in the field of rheumatology with vast knowledge of SLE (Systemic lupus erythematodes). Preferably one with a Phd., has done some research and is up-to-date on new developments and protocols. I know it's very difficult to find a good rheumatologist in Thailand because most are all about the guidelines and lack the skill to think outside the box.

If anyone knows a good one then please let me know!

There are at least 6 rheumatologists at Bumrungrad who are US trained and US board certified.

This one did her fellowship at the Mayo Clinic and has special clinical interest in SLE:

https://www.bumrungrad.com/doctors/Paranee-Auethavekiat

Or if in the Issan area, Dr. Chingching Foocharoen at KKU Hosp.

Thanks Sheryl, i will take another look at the doctors at bumrungrad.

I had a very disappointing visit with a rheumatologist at bumrungrad approx. a year ago (not the one you linked to). She was kinda narrow minded and not really up to date.

How are the doctors at Chula and Mahidol? The only docs i go along with here in Thailand are the ones with a Phd. and some scientific background, those are usually more open minded, can stand criticism and are willing to look into new research. I don't want another guidelines-doctor with a god-syndrome.

It is rare for a doctor to have a PHD and I also do not find, in my experience, that this is the "key" to the qualities you seek.

What I find makes the most difference is (1) Western training and a period of practice in the the West, especially in the US where patients are feisty and expect to have a strong say in treatment. (2) Age - younger is usually better.

Among the rehumatologists at Bumrungrad the only one I have personnally met is Dr. Virat (https://www.bumrungrad.com/doctors/Virat-Pinyopornpanit) , who was excellent and corrected a misdiagnosis made by previous docs on my sister. His profile does not specifically mention SLE as a special clinical focus, which is why I instead suggested the other doctor. But given how very prevalent SLE is in Thailand he is sure to have had experience with it.

Of course there will be specialists at Siriraj and Chula too (some of whom will be the same docs listed at Burmrungrad - you can be pretty sure anyone whose hours are only on weekends or evenings, is at a government hospital the rest of the time). But while both hospitals have a private channel there is no English language website that allows me to identify docs by specialty and qualification.

Great to hear your sister received a proper diagnosis! It must have been a big relief to her, i know how it is to get sicker and sicker and not receiving any proper diagnosis.

As you recommended i've made an appointment with a rheumatologist at bumrungrad. However, i just received a call from a nurse telling me she doesn't do "second opinions" and i should see the rheumatologist i visited last year..... trying to explain it's not a second opinion but rather a search for a better doctor to receive treatment, my explenation fell on deaf ears....
The nurse apologized for her doctors decision but didn't really answer my question as to WHY she didn't want to have a talk with me.
Oh well, i'll just have to find another hospital to go to then. I've already spent too much money in the last 5 years at bumrungrad, yet again very disappointed.

Try Dr Kanyakorn at Bkk Hospital. She is very thorough , speaks perfect English and has USA training and work experience.

I've seen her and I think she's great.

I've also seen Dr Virat and he is also great and very good Dr.

But if you don't want Bum then I would highly recommend Dr Kanyakorn