Job Discussion Forums

[TawtViet]

I have been thinking quite awhile about coming to Thailand when suddenly I find I may have developed some diabetes. This is all new to me and I am to trying my best to eat right, exercise, etc. I only have some symptoms and haven't had a full check by a doctor. If I really have to go on insulin and other care would I have the resources to take care of myself well in Thailand?

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

^ Absolutely no problem.

Luckily I haven't needed a doctor since arriving in Thailand 18 months ago,

but my friends tell me that the doctors & clinics here are very good.

And there's no shortage of pharmacies either, with lots of little corner drug stores

where the pharmacist gets to know you personally -

what you need, how much, how often you need it, etc.

Generic and brand-name medications are widely available

and practically all medications (including antibiotics) are available

without a prescription.


Here's a decent list of the major hospitals in Bangkok:

http://www.click4apartment.com/bkk_hospitals.asp

[Henry_Cowell]

Expats living throughout Asia (south, southeast, and even east) frequently come to Thailand because of the excellence of the medical care. It's just about the best.

[tedkarma]

There is quite good quality medical care in Thailand. But, there is also some pretty poor care. Even the good care though, will cost you only a fraction of what you might pay in a western country.

For anything serious I go to Bumrungrad or Bangkok Hospitals - otherwise, I stay local with Bangkok-Phuket Hospital (on Phuket).

Henry is right - particularly at Bumrungrad - you'll see Arabs, Japanese, Indians - all in search of good care.

I have a page on Medical Care in Phuket that has links to the above mentioned hospitals at: http://phuketdelight.com/medical.htm

You'll also find medicine much cheaper - with some Thai generics super cheap.

Don't worry about it - you'll probably get better care here than there. Also the active life here and all the walking instead of driving - will get you in shape and put the bosh on the diabetes. (Okay, so I don't know ANYTHING about medicine . . .)

[TawtViet]

Thanks guys, that is great news. I am going a little crazy in Japan and really want to experience the land of smiles. I do feel so secure in Japan in regards to the (developed country's) medical care available. I have had quite a fear come over me with my somewhat of a health crisis but you took away my fear of venturing out.

[joe beets]