Guide to doctors and GPs in Thailand

Whether you''re popping into a clinic for a cold or navigating referrals for something more serious, seeing a doctor in Thailand can be surprisingly straightforward, it all depends on your location and what you''re willing to pay. Keep reading for comprehensive information about doctors, GPs, and medical specialists in Thailand.

• Overview of doctors in Thailand
• Family doctors and GPs in Thailand
• Medical specialists in Thailand
• Who can see a doctor or GP in Thailand?
• How to find a doctor near me in Thailand?
• How to see a doctor in Thailand: step-by-step
• How much do doctor visits cost in Thailand?
• Do I need health insurance in Thailand?
• Overview of Thai doctors'' services
• Practical medical words in Thai
• Useful resources

Overview of doctors in Thailand

Thailand has a solid healthcare system that covers nearly 98% of all residents, including expats. The system is funded through a combination of public and private health insurance, which ensures that everyone can access a broad range of medical services, including doctor visits (หมอ) and emergency care.

According to the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), Thailand has relatively few doctors compared to the rest of the region. In 2023, there were 6.5 doctors per 10,000 residents (ASEAN average: 11.3). That said, the number of doctors can vary a lot depending on the location. For example, Bangkok had roughly 21.6 doctors per 10,000 patients, while Chiang Mai had around 11.9. Meanwhile, underprivileged places like Nong Bua Lamphu had only 2.2.

Thai doctors must be licensed and registered through the Medical Council of Thailand (TMC), which is overseen by the MOPH.

Family doctors and GPs in Thailand

Family doctors or general practitioners (GPs) are often the first stop for most healthcare needs in Thailand. They work at health stations and (some) hospitals, and you are free to choose whichever doctor you prefer.

Standard opening hours for public outpatient departments at government hospitals are generally from 08:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday, though exact times vary. Smaller community health clinics may have more limited hours. Most public facilities are closed on weekends and public holidays.

Private clinics typically have more flexible opening hours. Most operate from 08:00 to 17:00 or later, with many in busy areas offering evening and weekend services. A number of international hospitals and urgent care centers operate 24/7.

Medical specialists in Thailand

If you need more specialized care, the next step is usually to see a medical specialist. Thailand has many specialists across both the public and private health sectors, covering fields like dermatology, cardiology, orthopedics, pediatrics, and more.

Specialists typically work in hospitals or private health centers. Public hospitals usually operate from 08:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday. Some may open on Saturday mornings, but hours vary by location. Private clinics and international hospitals often have longer and more flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Patients need a GP referral to see a specialist in the public sector. Waiting times can be long, especially at major hospitals in Bangkok and other large cities. It may take several days or weeks to get an appointment.

Who can see a doctor or GP in Thailand?

Everyone can access medical care to some degree or another, including asylum seekers, refugees, and tourists. However, for non-urgent medical help, you have to pay large out-of-pocket costs or have health insurance coverage, either public, private, or both.

While both public and private doctors offer great standards of care, the difference is in the accessibility and insurance coverage. Public services are overburdened and understaffed, leading to longer waiting times. Private doctors, on the other hand, cost more but have shorter waiting times and offer longer, personalized visits. They''re also more likely to speak fluent English. For more expat resources, explore our comprehensive guide library.

How to find a doctor near me in Thailand?

If you are in a life-threatening situation, go to the nearest hospital emergency department. You can also use the Thai EMS app or call 1669 for ambulance services or 191, which is the main emergency number in Thailand. If you do not speak Thai, you can ask to speak in English or call the tourist police at 1155.

For non-urgent medical help, you can find doctors and GPs listed on the TMC website. The Department of Health Service Support also keeps an updated list of licensed hospitals in Thailand. For English-speaking doctors, you can check websites like DoctorAnywhere, Doctorsa, and HealthDeliver.

How to see a doctor in Thailand: step-by-step

Step 1: Register with your preferred doctor

If you''re using the public system, you''ll need to sign up for social security. After that, you''ll automatically be registered with the health station in your area. Thai residents are free to choose any doctor they want. Although they can switch physicians freely, most people tend to stick with one GP for practicality and familiarity.

Step 2: Book a doctor''s appointment

Walk-in appointments are very common in Thailand, though peak hours can mean waiting. You''ll typically get seen faster by a doctor when you book in advance. You can do so with a quick phone call to the individual health center or using their online service.

You can typically expect to wait a few days to see a public doctor, depending on the location. Thailand''s private doctor sector has significantly shorter waiting times, often with same-day or next-day slots for both GPs and specialists.

Step 3: Visit the health center

It''s recommended you arrive a few minutes before the scheduled appointment time, as doctors in Thailand are generally quite punctual. Make sure to bring your social security card (for public doctors) or health insurance card (for private services). Also bring your ID and wallet. Some clinics will charge you before the appointment, while others allow you to pay afterward.

How much do doctor visits cost in Thailand?

Without proper health insurance, a visit to a public doctor or GP costs around ฿100–300, depending on the services provided. Specialists typically charge around ฿300–500 for a consultation. You may also face additional charges for lab work, imaging, and prescriptions.

Private doctor visits cost more. For example, private GP clinics charge ฿300–800 for a consultation, while mid-range hospitals charge around ฿800–1,500. If you go to an international hospital, you can expect to pay ฿1,500–2,500+.

Do I need health insurance in Thailand?

Health coverage is a requirement for most entry visas. Public insurance is mandatory for all residents who pay social security. Foreign nationals who cannot access Thailand''s social security scheme will need to pay any medical bills themselves or take out private insurance.

Overview of Thai doctors'' services

Prescription medications

If necessary, the doctor may prescribe you medication, which you can pick up from any pharmacy in Thailand. Some antibiotics and birth control medication can be bought without getting a prescription first.

Medical tests in Thailand

While Thai GPs can do several medical tests on location, other testing needs to be done at the hospital. Many private insurance providers offer annual health checks, including weight and body mass index (BMI), as well as blood and urine tests.

Practical medical words in Thai

Most large hospitals and health centers in Thailand have English-speaking staff. However, it is a good idea to have a phrasebook or a translator app on your phone in case you need to explain more complicated health issues.