Personalized Travel Assistance
We can provide you with up to date recommendations including appropriate immunizations, preventative medications, and counseling on precautionary measures to avoid insect-borne diseases and travelers’ diarrhea. Our goal is to make your trip as comfortable and healthy as possible.
Thailand’s Centre of COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) announced the ending of the nationwide COVID-19 Emergency Decree on 30 September 2022, as the kingdom reclassifies COVID-19 from ‘a dangerous communicable disease’ to ‘a communicable disease under surveillance’ from 1 October 2022.
Source: Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health
Safety and Security
The Kingdom of Thailand continue to attract thousands of tourists and new residents from around the world, all drawn to its diverse landscapes, world-famous cuisine, and ancient culture. Although tourists and residents of Thailand can enjoy relative calm and safety throughout their time in the Kingdom, it’s important to be aware of the current realities facing Thailand.Political Situation in Thailand
The government structure of Thailand is known as a Constitutional Monarchy, currently under King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who ascended the throne in December 2016 following the October 2016 passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Since 2005, Thailand has experienced many instances of political turmoil which include a military coup d’état in 2006 that resulted in the removal of then-Prime Minister Thaksin Chinawat, followed by anti-government protests and conflicts between competing political factions for several years. Despite the formal end of the military government in 2019, the army continues to dominate the new administration. The March 2019 general election resulted in a coalition government led by the military-aligned Phalang Pracharat (PP) party, under the prime ministership of Prayuth Chan-ocha.
Today, the political situation in most of Thailand is relatively calm, with the new constitution having been signed in April 2017. However, the Southern region of the country continues to experience unrest and violence due to ethnic and nationalist insurgents. Officials continue to advise tourists and residents to exercise caution when traveling to these areas, and to always stay informed of the current political climate. In Bangkok, political street protests sometimes take place and could affect traffic.
Thailand has a healthy and fairly consistent system of information and journalism, where the most current political events and realities are covered both in English and Thai. One such outlet is the Bangkok Post.
Safety in Thailand: Road Travel
Traveling within Thailand is relatively simple with buses, trains, planes, and boats making it possible to reach nearly all areas of the country rather easily. Within the city of Bangkok taxis, motorcycles, cars, and an extensive subway system connects the entire city. For those who choose to drive in Thailand, there are some important points to consider regarding the laws and regulations that govern driving in Thailand. The website “Driving in Thailand” provides comprehensive information on the rules, regulations, and expectations that come along with driving in Thailand.
For infection prevention and control measures at Bumrungrad International Hospital
- 5 Simple ways to prevent infection
- Wash your hands and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
- Immediately see the doctor if you have cold or other respiratory infection (runny nose, fever, coughing, or sneezing.
- Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
- If you are sick, avoid close contact with other people.
- Please advise your friends and relatives to stay home if they are sick.
- Make sure you choose a face mask that meets your needs.
- Bumrungrad raises the bar with a UV light disinfecting robot to fight COVID- 19
PREVENTIVE MEASURES FOR YOUR SAFETY AT BUMRUNGRAD INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL
- Guidelines for Receiving Treatment at Bumrungrad International Hospital
![Guidelines.png Guidelines.png](https://www.bumrungrad.com/getattachment/c74b474f-ee0d-454a-9c60-9df9af077172/Guidelines.png)
- The hospital’s highest priority is to provide everyone with the safest environment possible. So, advised you to wear face mask at all times while you are at the hospital-both inside the hospital buildings and outdoors.
![facemask.png facemask.png](https://www.bumrungrad.com/getattachment/71ba66b5-6e9a-4eda-875f-e34ae60b382c/facemask.png)
- Protocols for relatives and guests visiting
Measure are in place to ensure a safe and orderly environment for patient, visitors, and staff, compliant with the safety measures set by the Department of Disease Control
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Respiratory Virus Season Resources
Influenza Viruses Spreading this Season and Update on JN.1 Variant — While COVID-19 continues to cause more hospitalizations than influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV),
right now, more people are going to emergency departments to get care and being diagnosed with flu than COVID-19. With seasonal flu activity elevated across the country,
CDC is tracking which influenza viruses are most common, where they are occurring, and how this might impact the public’s health. Since the fall, emergency department visits have been increasingly driven by flu.
While some recent data suggest flu may have peaked, CDC is watching closely for a second wave of flu activity, which happens during many seasons.
JN.1 is still the most prevalent variant : Remains the most widely circulating variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the United States and globally.
To learn more about this year’s influenza season and for an update on the JN.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2, please visit: Influenza Viruses Spreading this Season and Update on JN.1 Variant | CDC
Healthcare Quality Resources
Stay Alert for Measles Cases — Between December 1, 2023, and January 23, 2024, CDC was notified of 23 confirmed U.S. cases of measles, including seven direct importations of measles by international travelers and two outbreaks with more than five cases each.
Most of these cases were among children and adolescents who had not received a measles-containing vaccine (MMR or MMRV), even if age eligible. To learn more, please visit: COCA Now
SARS-CoV-2, Covid-19
Situation - Thailand
News related to the influenza situation:
- COVID-19 is remains a health threat for Thailand this year
- COVID-19 will remain Thailand’s most significant health threat this year and the number of infections may reach 650,000, with a predicted death toll of over 800, by the end of the year, according to Dr. Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, director-general of the Disease Control Department.
Due to the constant mutation of the virus, he advised people at high risk, such as the elderly, pregnant women, diabetics, those with high blood pressure, the obese, people with chronic kidney problems or cancer, to get vaccinated at least once a year, to wear face masks in crowded places and to wash their hands frequently. (Read more click link ) Update 11 Jan 2024
- COVID-19 will remain Thailand’s most significant health threat this year and the number of infections may reach 650,000, with a predicted death toll of over 800, by the end of the year, according to Dr. Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, director-general of the Disease Control Department.
Global Situation
- JN.1 is still the most prevalent variant
CDC continues to track the rise in prevalence of the JN.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. JN.1 remains the most widely circulating variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the United States and globally.
As of January 19, 2024, JN.1 is estimated to account for approximately 83% to 88% of all currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, an increase from the estimated prevalence of 55% to 68% two weeks ago. JN.1 remains at high prevalence among variants in international travelers and wastewater viral levels, as well as in most regions around the globe. update 22 January 2024
Read more Click link : Influenza Viruses Spreading This Season and Update on JN.1 Variant | CDC - Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Weekly Epidemiological Updates and Monthly Operational Updates ( Read more click link )
Influenza, Avian Flu (Bird Flu),
Situation - Thailand
- News related to the influenza situation:
The number of influenza cases in 2023 has risen fivefold when compared to last year's monthly averages and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now warning against buying artificial influenza antiviral pills labelled oseltamivir that have been smuggled into the country.
(Read more click link )
Global Situation
Cambodia reports 2 more human H5N1 avian flu infections
Over the past few days, Cambodia's health ministry has reported two human H5N1 avian flu cases, which involve patients from difference provinces who were exposed to sick poultry before their symptoms began.
The cases are the first of 2024 and raise the country's number of cases since early 2023 to eight.
Though officials haven't announced genetic sequencing results on the viruses that infected the two new patients, the rash of earlier cases was caused by clade 2.3.2.1c, an older H5N1 strain that has circulated in the region for more than a decade. The clade is different from the 2.3.4.4b clade that is currently circulating widely in wild birds and poultry, with sporadic detections in mammals and people.
Cambodia reported its last human H5N1 cases—one of them fatal—in October. Of the 6 cases reported from Cambodia in 2023, 4 patient died and 2 survived after mild illnesses, according to background information from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
(Read more details click link: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/cambodia-reports-2-more-human-h5n1-avian-flu-infections )
Dengue
Situation - Thailand
News related to the influenza situation:
- Combating Dengue Outbreak and Addressing Overlapping Challenges with COVID-19
- Thailand is currently facing a severe dengue fever outbreak as the rainy season and El Niño approaches, posing a significant threat to public health. The number of cases has surged to alarming levels this year, with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) warning that it could reach a three-year high. To combat this this disease, health authorities are urging local agencies to intensify efforts in curbing the breeding cycle of mosquitoes, which are the carriers of dengue. (Read more click link )
Global Situation
- Dengue - Global situation
- Since the beginning of 2023, ongoing transmission, combined with an unexpected spike in dengue cases have resulted in close to a historic high of over five million cases and more than 5000 dengue-related deaths reported in over 80 countries/territories and five WHO regions: Africa, Americas, South-East Asia, Western Pacific and Eastern Mediterranean Regions globally.
(Read more details click link ) Update 21 December 2023
- Since the beginning of 2023, ongoing transmission, combined with an unexpected spike in dengue cases have resulted in close to a historic high of over five million cases and more than 5000 dengue-related deaths reported in over 80 countries/territories and five WHO regions: Africa, Americas, South-East Asia, Western Pacific and Eastern Mediterranean Regions globally.
- Province Concern
- Chad (Update 16 October 2023)
- Bangladesh (Update 11 August 2023)
- Situation
- Chad - On 15 August 2023, a dengue outbreak was declared by the Ministry of Public Health and Prevention in Chad. As of 1 October, there have been 1,342 suspected cases, including 41 confirmed cases reported across 8 health districts in 4 provinces. Among the confirmed cases, one death was reported. (Read more click link )
- Bangladesh - From 1 January to 7 August 2023, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh reported a total of 69 483 laboratory-confirmed dengue cases and 327 related deaths, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 0.47%. Of these, 63% of cases and 62% of the deaths were reported in the month of July 2023. Although dengue is endemic in Bangladesh, the current dengue surge is unusual in terms of seasonality and the early sharp increase in comparison to previous years, where the surge started around -late June. The CFR so far this year is relatively high compared to previous years for the full-year period. The pre-monsoon Aedes survey shows that the density of mosquitoes, and the number of potential hotspots is at the highest level in the past five years. (Read more click link )
Monkeypox
Province Concern | - The top 5 countries are Spain, England, Portugal, Canada and the Netherlands. (update 31 May 22) - Outbreaks have been found in 33 countries, the latest country is French Guiana. (update 31 May 22) |
Situation | The global situation Monkeypox since 7-30 May 2022 have been reported patients 573 case. 436 confirmed cases and 137 suspected cases of Monkeypox. Observations from the global situation of Monkeypox as of May 30, 2022, countries in Western Europe's case of Monkeypox number has increased continuously. There were 20 more suspected cases in the Netherlands today. The countries with all new cases have a history of travel from other country. Including confirmed cases in Mexico reported a history of travel from Netherlands. |
Situation in Thailand | The situation of Monkeypox in Thailand as of May 30, 2022 has not been confirmed, but there are reports 3 suspected cases. The laboratory test showed no monkey pox. Risk assessment of Monkeypox transmission in Thailand There is an opportunity to meet people with a history of traveling from countries where cases have been reported, for example:Nigeria, United Kingdom, England, Canada, Spain, Portugal |
Epidemiology of the disease | Monkeypox is a sylvatic zoonosis with incidental human infections that usually occur in forested parts of Central and West Africa. |
Transmission | large respiratory droplets , direct contact with body fluids or lesion material |
Signs and Symptoms | Fever, Headache, Muscle aches, Backache, Swollen lymph nodes, Chills, Exhaustion ,and a rash, often beginning on the face then spreading to other parts of the body. |
Prevention | 1) Avoid contact with animals that could harbor the virus (including animals that are sick or that have been found dead in areas where monkeypox occurs). 2) Avoid contact with any materials, such as bedding, that has been in contact with a sick animal. 3) Isolate infected patients from others who could be at risk for infection. 4) Practice good hand hygiene after contact with infected animals or humans. For example, washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 5) Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients. |
Treatment | Currently, there is no proven, safe treatment for monkeypox virus infection. For purposes of controlling a monkeypox outbreak in the United States, smallpox vaccine, antivirals, and vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) |
Avian Influenza A
Province Concern | Avian Influenza A(H3N8) - China - Avian Influenza A (H5N1) - United States of America |
Situation - China | On 25 April 2022, the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China notified WHO of one confirmed case of human infection with an avian influenza A(H3N8) virus. The case is a 4-year-old boy from Henan Province. He developed fever, cough, shortness of breath on 5 April 2022, and was admitted to the hospital in critical condition on 10 April 2022 with severe pneumonia with respiratory failure. Before his onset of illness, the case had consumed chickens that were kept in the backyard but did not have direct exposure to them prior to illness onset. Clinical observation and sampling of the case’s close contacts, environment, local poultry market, and wild bird habitat were conducted, and no infection or any symptoms of illness were found. |
Situation - United States of America | On 29 April 2022, the National IHR Focal Point of the United States of America notified WHO of a laboratory confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H5), in a male from Colorado State. The case developed fatigue on 20 April, during participation in slaughtering poultry from 18 to 22 April, at a commercial poultry facility in Colorado where influenza A (H5N1) virus had been confirmed in the poultry. All individuals who were exposed to poultry and involved in depopulation activities at this facility are being monitored for symptoms for 10 days following the last date of their last exposure and will be tested if symptomatic in accordance with the US CDC guidelines and US Department of Agriculture guidance. Close contacts of the index case are also being monitored. |
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
Province Concern | Oman and Qatar |
Situation - China | On 28 April 2022, the National IHR Focal point of Oman notified WHO of one case of MERS-CoV from Al Dhahira Governorate in Oman. The case, a 34-year-old male, non-health care worker who is a resident of Al Dhahira Governorate the patient has a history of direct contact with animals including dromedaries, sheep and goats at his family farm in Oman. |
Situation - Qatar | Between 22 March and 3 April 2022, the National IHR Focal Point of Qatar reported two laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection to the WHO. The first case was a 50-year-old male, working and living in a camel farm in Al Shaniya Doha. And The second case was an 85-year-old male, dromedary camel owner living in Doha. |
Ebola virus disease (EVD)
Province Concern | Congo |
Situation | On 23 April 2022, the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared an outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) after laboratory confirmation of a case, a 31-year-old male from Mbandaka. The case had symptoms onset on 5 April, and was under home treatment with antimalarial drugs and antibiotics before being admitted on 21 April, he was admitted to the General Referral Hospital in Wangata. He died on 21 April after which a safe and dignified burial was conducted. On 25 April, health authorities confirmed a second EVD case, a 25-year-old woman from Mbandaka who was a family member of the first case. She developed symptoms on 13 April and was treated at home for five days. While symptomatic, she visited a prayer house, a health center, a pharmacy and a nurse’s home. She died on 25 April and a safe and dignified burial was performed on the same day. |
Dengue
Situation in Thailand | From January 1 to April 20, 2022, there were 1098 cases of dengue fever, with 2 deaths. Bangkok area is the highest morbidity rate per 100,000 inhabitants. Expected rainy season will begin to find more patients and deaths from dengue fever. |
Entry Requirements
Prior to confirming your appointment at Bumrungrad International Hospital, you should consider the entry requirements of Thailand. You may need to get vaccinated or apply for a visa in order to enter the Kingdom of Thailand.Health and Vaccinations
As with traveling to most other countries, health authorities advise all travelers to always make sure that they’re up to date on all their vaccinations before the trip. Every traveler needs to be up to date on their routine vaccinations, which are: thediphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, the chickenpox vaccine, the polio vaccine, the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, and your regular flu vaccine.
Additionally, please see the table below for more specific vaccine recommendations that may apply to specific people before entering Thailand.
For more information please visit www.cdc.gov
Vaccine |
Who Needs It? |
Why? |
Measles |
All travelers: Infants 6 to 11 months old traveling internationally should get 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. This dose does not count as part of the routine childhood vaccination series. |
|
Routine vaccines |
All travelers |
There is a risk of contamination through food or water. |
Malaria |
Most travelers |
CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Thailand take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take. |
Hepatitis A |
Most travelers: Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Thailand. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series. Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given. Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin. |
There is a high risk of contamination through food or water. |
Typhoid |
Most travelers: Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas. |
There is a risk of contamination through food or water. |
Cholera |
Some travelers: There is no longer active cholera transmission and vaccine is not recommended. |
There is a risk for contamination through food or water, especially in areas where there is an active transmission. |
Hepatitis B |
Some travelers: Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages to Thailand. |
Hepatitis B is transmitted through sexual contact, as well as through contaminated needles and other blood products. |
Japanese Encephalitis |
Some travelers: Recommended for travelers who are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis consider vaccination for travelers spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season. |
There have been reports of transmissions in Northern Thailand, as well as the coastal areas of Southern Thailand. |
Rabies |
Some travelers: Rabid dogs are commonly found in Thailand. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Thailand, rabies treatment is often available. Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers) veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens visitors to rural areas since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Thailand. |
Although rabies is not a major risk in Thailand, it can be found in some animals, especially street dogs and cats. |
Yellow Fever |
Some travelers: Required if traveling from a country with risk of YF virus transmission and ≥9 months of age, including transit >12 hours in an airport located in a country with risk of YF virus transmission.1 |
There is no risk of yellow fever contamination in Thailand. However, the government of Thailand requires proof of vaccination against yellow fever from all travelers who are coming from countries that have a risk of contamination. To determine if you are one of these travelers, please see this list from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
Malaria: When traveling in Thailand, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. Areas of Thailand with risk of malaria: Primarily in provinces that border Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, and Laos and the provinces of Kalasin, Krabi (Plai Phraya district), Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Pattani, Phang Nga (including Phang Nga City), Rayong, Sakon Nakhon, Songkhla, Surat Thani, and Yala, especially the rural forest and forest fringe areas of these provinces. Rare to few cases in other parts of Thailand, including other parts of Krabi Province and the cities of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Phuket.
None in the islands of Krabi Province (Koh Phi Phi, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai, and Ko Lanta) and Pattaya City. See more detailed information about malaria in Thailand.
Immigration and Customs
Generally, a foreign citizen who wishes to enter the Kingdom of Thailand is required to obtain a visa from a Royal Thai Embassy or a Royal Thai Consulate-General. However, nationals of certain countries do not require a visa if they meet visa exemption requirements as follows- Nationals of countries which are exempted from visa requirements
- Nationals of countries which hold bilateral agreements with Thailand on the exemption of visa requirements
New process for applying visa to Thailand
For nationals of certain countries are required to apply for a visa only, the E-Visa applicants do not need to submit their passport and original supporting documents in person at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate. People will receive a reference number by email to monitor their application.After the e-Visa application has been approved, a confirmation email is sent to applicants. It is best to print a copy of the confirmation email when you are ready to travel. This will be presented to airlines and Thai Immigration officials when traveling to Thailand.
For more information about e-visa please visit https://thaievisa.go.th/
![visa.gif visa.gif](https://www.bumrungrad.com/getattachment/a4444883-5c65-4de0-be7a-52a20ff1963e/visa.gif)
Thai Custom: Guidelines for Airport Passengers click here
Travel Advice and Support
Once you’ve decided to travel to Bangkok, you may want to learn more about Thailand and how you can make the most out of your trip. The best place to start your research would be the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s website, which covers a wide range of topics such as:- General information about Thailand
- General information about Bangkok
- What to expect from Thailand’s weather
- Frequently asked questions about traveling in Thailand
- Restrictions on narcotics and psychotropic substances in Thailand.
Regulations on opening the Thai bank account for foreigner staying in Thailand/living in Thailand
Disclaimer: This information is the general information based on Bank of Thailand for foreigner which can be varied based on the individual financial institution’s regulations. you’ll need:1. Foreigner with Thai Permanent Residence
- Copy of Household Registration
- Passport
- Work Permit
- Passport
- Non-immigrant B visa for business/work, O-Along-stay visa, or a 3 year non-immigrant visa
- Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR)
- Thailand Privilege
Some banks may ask for more:
- Proof of Thai residency (Thai residence permit, utility bill, rental agreement etc.)
- Proof of residency in your home country (utility bill, bank statement, driver’s license, etc.)
- Proof of property ownership in Thailand
- Letter of reference from your embassy, your home bank, or a Thai educational institution
Travel Checklist
Once your appointment at VitalLife has been confirmed, our medical travel team will send you a packet of important information you need to know before traveling. To help you better prepare your medical travel itinerary, please take a look at this travel checklist.Section I: Traveling by Air
In general, if you have the below conditions; it is prohibited to travel by air
- Have passed 36 weeks of pregnancy (or 32 weeks if you are carrying twins, triplets, etc.).
- Have a recent heart attack or stroke. Or any type of surgery, especially stomach, brain, eye, orthopedic (bone and joint) surgery including stomach, eye, or head injury. Please check with your
- Have an implanted cardiac device such as pacemakers, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD); please check with your doctor before travelling by air. Don’t forget to carry your personal device identification card with you at all times. doctor to see when it is safe for you to travel.
- Have flu-like symptoms with or without tuberculosis like symptoms such as prolonged cough, weight loss, night sweat, fatigue, fever, and chest pain for more than 2 weeks. We strongly advise you to not travel at this stage, and for them to continue treatment with their current care team until his symptoms have resolved completely.
- Are suffering from the below signs and symptoms, please check with your doctor to see when it is safe for you to travel.
- Chest pain.
- Any disease that you can easily spread to other people.
- Severe sinus, ear, or nose infections.
- Breathlessness at rest, difficult breathing.
- Psychotic illness except when fully controlled.
- A fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or greater.
- Skin rash
- Confusion
- Bruising or bleeding (without previous injury)
- Diarrhea that does not go away.
- Vomiting that does not go away (other than motion sickness).
- Keep all of your medications in your hand luggage.
- Drink plenty of water to help prevent hydration and to help loosen your sputum and allow you to keep your chest clear from low humidity levels in air cabin.
- During a long-distance flight of 4 hours or longer Also see https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dvt/travel.html, deep vein thrombosis can occur as a result of this inactivity; make sure you get up and walk about regularly when permitted by the staff on the aircraft. Bend and stretch your legs and wiggle your feet at regular intervals (for example every 30 minutes) to encourage your circulation.
- If you have a higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, your doctor can help you work out what measures you may need to take prior to flying. This may include graduated compression stockings, aspirin, or anticoagulants
- If you will need oxygen during the flight, this must be requested in advance. A Medical Information Form, stating your current clinical condition and the reason for oxygen requirement, must be filled out and submitted to the airlines. It may take 3-5 working days to process and subjected to the airlines approval.
Section II: Pre- Procedure Preparation
- Please inform your doctor before vising us if you have an existing medical condition for which you are taking medication and/or you have undergone any previous surgeries.
- If you are taking anticoagulants like aspirin, Persantin®, Ticlid®, Plavix®, warfarin, Orfarin®, heparin, and Fraxiparine®, herbal supplements, and vitamins, especially vitamin E, stop these medications/supplements at least one week before the procedure or as recommended by your doctor.
- If you have any underlying diseases: cardiovascular disease / diabetes / high blood pressure / asthma / cancer / or others including any allergic to any medications and any medicines you are taking, current treatment and correlating diagnosis, please inform physician in advance.
- Check if your passport is valid and if you need a visa to travel to the destination country.
- Decide how you will finance your medical payment, such as cash or credit card, and make sure additional cash in the local currency. Call your bank or card insurer to forewarn them that you may process a large payment abroad. This is to prevent banks from treating the transaction as suspicious and blocking your account.
- Ensure that you have contact information to your clinic, transport provider and patient assistant.
- Inform your employer about your absence at work due to medical travel.
- Check the weather forecast for Bangkok and prepare yourself.
- Arrange assistance at home when you are abroad.
- Check if it is necessary for you to get certain vaccinations.
- Remember to make your appointment at the clinic and pay the reservation fee if needed. Double check the dates.
- Purchase appropriate flight tickets. Make sure someone will pick you up from the airport.
- Remove any nail polish as the color of your nail plate may help indicate your health condition.
- Mobile phone with a charger
- Personal documents such as ID card, passport and visa
- Credit/debit card and some additional cash in the correct local currency.
- Medical records, including current diagnosis, films (X-ray, MRI, CT scan, ultrasound), biopsy results and your contact information.
- Daily medication, if any, in original packaging; any type of information regarding any chronic diseases that you may have.
- Items for leisure and entertainment purposes during your medical travel; for instance, books, magazines and music players
- Comfortable pajamas and bathrobe if your medical procedure requires overnight stays; for instance, it is recommended that you wear shorts instead of long trousers if you have a knee surgery scheduled; for a shoulder operation, you may consider bringing a zip-up blazer
- Comfortable undergarments and socks
- Shoes to walk around the clinic – if you are undergoing plastic or another upper-body surgery, then you may take slippers. In the case of the orthopedic procedure, please bear in mind that you need some more stable footwear trainers.
- A basic set of toiletries such as soap, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, comb, sanitary napkins, shaving kit, hair band, lip balm and face wash
- Towels
- A set of clothes for your physiotherapy and rehabilitation, if it is required after surgery; this may include tracksuit and a pair of sneakers
- Largely depends on the purpose of your medical travel, you may consider visiting sightseeing destinations; if that is the case, bring casual clothes and comfortable shoes; however, if you may undergo procedures that affect mobility, such as a hip replacement, you should consider bringing comfortable loose trousers, blazer and elastic shorts.
- Sleep essentials such as earplugs, pajamas and your favorite small pillow.
Special Announcement
Political statusCOUNTRY RISK ASSESSMENT
A4
Country Risk
See the country risk analysis provided by Coface.![](https://www.bumrungrad.com/getattachment/b06cef58-b288-43f6-8700-07a1cfd4dc8a/COUNTRYRATINGS-Coface.png)
Weather Status
Live Weather Click here
Patient Information and Education
Patient's RightsWe can provide better medical care when you and your family work together as partners with our staff. While it is our responsibility to advise you of your rights as a patient; you also have responsibilities in your treatment and care. We urge you to ask questions, cooperate, and be proactive in the medical care plan. If you have questions or concerns, please discuss with any staff member or manager.
While you are in our hospital, you have certain rights as a patient:
- Patients have fundamental rights to get medical care from healthcare professionals without discrimination as stated in the constitution.
- Patients have the rights to receive truthful and adequate information about the illness, investigation, treatment, as well as benefits and risks from healthcare professionals in an appropriate language before making a decision to consent except in a case of emergency and life-threatening conditions.
- Patients with life-threatening conditions have the rights to receive immediate medical attention from healthcare professionals without the need to request for help.
- Patients have the rights to know name and profession of the responsible healthcare providers.
- Patients have the rights to ask for an opinion of another healthcare professionals and have the rights to request for a change to other healthcare professionals or medical facility that comply with the terms and conditions of respective health insurance.
- Patients have the rights to confidentiality of medical information except when a consent is provided or when the information is required by healthcare professionals to provide direct medical benefits.
- Patients have the rights to be completely informed before making a decision to participate in human subject research
- Patients have the rights to make a request for information in their medical record that comply with hospital rules and regulations as long as the request does not violate the rights of others.
- A parent or legal guardian may exercise the rights on behalf of the patient who is under 18 years old or physically or mentally incompetent.
If You have Questions, Concerns, or Comments
Please contact us in one of the following channels
- Tell our staff directly (attending nurse or doctor)
- Write your comments on a patient feedback card and give it to one of our staff or put it in one of the suggestion box located throughout the hospital
- Call our Contact Center (dial “00” for internal hospital line or 0-2066-8888 from outside)
- Send us an e-mail to: [email protected]
Patient’s Responsibilities
- Patients are responsible for asking for information and potential risks before signing an informed consent for diagnostic or treatment procedure.
- Patients are responsible for providing truthful and complete health and other information to the responsible healthcare professionals
- Patients are responsible for cooperating and following healthcare professionals’ recommendations about medical care and should notify when the compliance may not be possible.
- Patients are responsible for cooperating and complying with the following hospital’s rules and regulations:
- Patients are responsible for providing complete and correct information for reimbursement from an insurance company as soon as possible after receiving an invoice from the hospital.
- Patients are responsible for providing a copy of advance directive, living will, and written decision of preferred treatment options
- Patients are responsible for the medical appointments or inform the hospital if rescheduling is needed.
- patients are responsible for direct cooperation with hospital management representatives to resolve a complaint.
- Patients are responsible for bringing only personal items essential for the hospital stay but not valuables.
- Patients are responsible for not leaving the hospital facility without a permission from the doctor or nurse to ensure patient safety.
- Patients are responsible for receiving medical and nursing care only from the hospital but not by other persons or by themselves except when instructed by the hospital to do so.
- Patients are responsible for treating healthcare professionals, other patients, and visitors with courtesy and respect.
- Patients are responsible for informing about health insurance benefit with proper documentation to the hospital.
- Patients are responsible for being aware of the following facts:
- Healthcare professionals who perform standard and ethical practice are protected by law and have the rights to be protected from unfair accuse.
- Medical care refers to a current medical practice that is based on scientific evidence to show higher benefits than risks to the patient.
- Medical care cannot diagnose, prevent, or treat all diseases or condition.
- Any medical care can result in unexpected consequences despite the fact that the healthcare professional have been extremely careful in any situation.
- Any test for disease screening, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring might have inaccurate result because of technological limitation and other uncontrollable by current standards.
- Healthcare professionals have the rights to choose an evidence-based medical treatment option in a given context and limitations as well as to consult or refer the patient as appropriate.
- Healthcare professionals may consult or refer the patient who are not in an emergency or life-threatening condition.
- Medical care provided by healthcare professionals might be compromised if necessary health information is not disclosed by the patient.
- Emergency room is only for patients who are in emergency and life-threatening condition.
ETHICS CONSULTATION
Our VitalLife’s Ethics Committee is available to consult with patients and families who face ethical issues or questions regarding their care choices. To arrange for a consultation please call +66 2 0668899 and tell the representative you’d like to speak with a member of the Ethics Committee.
Hotel Accommodation
The following hotels have granted corporate rates for patients of Bumrungrad International Hospital. Click here!Finding Your Way to VitalLife
We are committed to providing world-class service to our international patients at VitalLife. We offer a personalized approach to serving the unique needs of our patients, and it starts the moment you land in Bangkok.Bumrungrad Airport Representative
Bumrungrad International Hospital has a dedicated airport representative team to assist you as soon as you arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. After immigration and customs checks, please proceed to Exit B or C (depending on where you collect your luggage) and walk towards Gate 9. The Bumrungrad Airport counter is located diagonally across Exit C of the Arrival Hall as shown in the picture above. More InformationYour airport representative can help you with the following
• Arrange Bumrungrad shuttle van services (one-way only) for your arrival.
For the shuttle service from Bumrungrad International Hospital to Suvarnbhumi Airport, please reserve a seat at Customer Service Counter on the Ground floor of the Hospital Building and Clinic Building at Bumrungrad International Hospital or call +66-2-011-3168 at least 1 day in advance during 07:00 – 20:00 hrs daily.
• Book an appointment in advance.
• Make changes to your appointment upon arrival.
• Make hotel reservations upon arrival.
Bumrungrad Shuttle Van Service
We provide complimentary shuttle van service from Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Bumrungrad or hotels close by the hospital. For reservation, please send your request at least one day in advance to [email protected] (Patient is required to have a booking with our doctor). The departure time of the shuttle van depends on the prevailing traffic conditions.At Suvarnabhumi International Airport, there are many transportation options available. This includes
- Free airport shuttle bus between Suvarnabhumi and Don Muaeng
- Free shuttle bus within the airport between the terminals and public transport centers.
- Bus Terminal
- Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) bus line, the largest city bus system in Thailand
- Airport Rail Link
- Airport taxis
- Public vans
Getting a Taxi from Suvarnabhumi
If you would like to head to Bumrungrad on your own, we recommend getting a taxi from the airport. There is a taxi stand located on the ground level of the Main Terminal Building. Generally speaking, the queue might be long, but it tends to move fairly quickly. Simply let the staff at the taxi stand know your destination. To head straight to Bumrungrad, our hospital name is sufficient as are well known in Bangkok.All drivers should the taxi meter in Bangkok, and the fare automatically starts at 35 THB. There is an additional surcharge of 50 THB for getting a taxi from the airport, and this is payable to the driver at the end of the journey. We recommend that you take the highway from the airport, as the elevated freeway takes you right into the heart of Bangkok, very close to Bumrungrad.
If you get a taxi from the airport or anywhere around Bangkok, it is best to make sure you that you have small notes such as 100 THB as taxi drivers do not often carry a lot of change. In Bangkok, tips are accepted gratefully by taxi drivers. For a journey from the airport to Bumrungrad, 20 THB is a good tip.
Maps and Directions to VitalLife
VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center, a subsidiary of Bumrungrad International Hospital and located in the same campus, strives to provide personalized medicine that not only promotes health, but encourages illness prevention initiatives for anti-aging as well as resilient aging. Having practiced for more than 20 years our dedicated and experienced professionals from the international medical community have a proven track record of success with patients.VitalLife office
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Business Center Service
The Business Center is a central point of information and contacts, providing support and help to all patients and their families with their travel documentation. This includes visa extension, clerical duties and other secretary support services. We are here to ensure that medical travelers admitted to Bumrungrad and their families are well assisted during their stay in Bangkok. Click here to learn more.What to expect before and after your discharge
Being discharged may be exciting and stressful at the same time. We offer this guide to help you understand the discharge process and what to expect after departure. Keep in mind that healing doesn’t stop after you leave, and it is important to follow your doctor’s medical advice after departure.Discharge Plan
At VitalLife, patients will be first assessed by physicians before written discharge orders are issued. To ensure that you are ready for the discharge process, the written discharge order must be recorded and filed in your medical records prior to the discharge.Traveling by Air
If you need to travel by air to return to your home country or another travel destination, you will need to as your doctor to certify a Fit for Travel Medical Certificate, as well as a list of medications you will require abroad. The Fit for Travel Medical Certificate is only valid for seven days from the date of issue. Please ensure the following before making travel plans:- Ask your physician for a summary of medical reports, lab tests and X-ray results
- Gather the contact information of your clinic, transport provider and patient assistant
- Inform your physician and nurse where your destination is
- Confirm transportation plans at the airport in the destination you are headed to
Against Medical Advice
Patients and Medical travel patients who refuse all types of diagnostic, treatment both inpatient and outpatient; Patients and Medical travel patients have to follow the hospital policy by signing “Consent :Against Medical Advice”Educational Resources
It is important to understand the educational resources and recommendations that your doctor gives you at the discharge. The following list includes some of the important takeaways at discharge. Please do not hesitate to contact your doctor if you have any questions.At discharge, patients will:
- Be informed and educated about the drugs and medication that they have been given.
- Be taught how to manage and adapt to the environment so that it does not affect their health condition; how to utilize community resources and deal with the economic and social problems which may affect their condition.
- Understand the goal of treatment, learn how to observe their own symptoms and know when to notify the physician or nurse about significant symptoms. Patients will have sufficient knowledge to handle any emergency situations by themselves appropriately before arriving at a hospital.
- Understand their own health status such as limitations and effect from their medical condition. Patients will be able to handle daily activities, cope with the health limitation, aid recovery and prevent complications from happening.
- Understand and realize the importance of follow-up appointments. Patients should understand the need to ask for help in the case of emergency, as well as the treatment outcome and treatment plan to the other units which may be applicable.
- Have the know-how in selecting nutritional food that is best for their health condition.
Follow-up
Patients will be contacted by VitalLife after the discharge for a follow-up regarding their medical conditions and satisfaction towards our services. Please provide the contact details to our nurses so that our coordination physicians and cultural support officers can follow-up with you.Level of Satisfaction for Health Experience
Your feedback towards our healthcare services is valuable to our organization as we strive to improve our services every day.Patient Finance and Insurance Information
At Vitallife Scientific Wellness Center, we intend to make our customer’s experience with us a satisfying oneOur pricing policy is transparent and price estimation is provided for procedures. Care is customized, therefore, the cost of treatment will vary among customers. The estimated price represents a possible range of costs only and should not be interpreted as the actual costs of treatment. Pre and post procedure expenses, complication, underlying problems, and home medication, are excluded from the price estimate and will be the responsibility of customer upon discharge date. Medical expenses not covered by a Third Party Payor will be the responsibility of customer upon discharge date.
For self-pay customer, we discuss the costs of procedures and any high cost treatment with our customer before the care begins. Full deposit is required for all procedures including Medical Check up Package. Once the procedure is done and if there is excess deposit, the money will be refunded to customer. We will also refund in full if the procedure is cancelled in advance unless specified otherwise.
If payment is by credit card, the refund will be through credit line which is subject to the exchange rate of the date of refund. If payment is by cash/debit card, the refund will be by cash or money transfer. All wire transfer refund is subject to bank service charge, exchange rate, the difference of the bank buying and selling rate of the currency.
There are several payment options that customer can choose from.
Payment Options
- Payment by cash, credit card and debit card is accepted. Cheques are not accepted except for Cashier Cheque.
- Wire Transfer can be done from overseas through:
Bank name: | Bangkok Bank Public Co., Ltd. |
Bank address | 11/1 Soi Nana Nua, Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand |
Bank telephone number: | +66 2253 4496 |
Pay to: | Vitallife Corporation Limited. |
Hospital address: | 68 Sukhumvit Soi 1, Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Thailand |
Saving account: | 197-0-46899-5 |
Swift number: | BKKBTHBK |
In order to confirm the transfer promprtly, please specify the customer's name and Hospital Number (HN) on the pay-in slip. Once the transfer is completed, please ask the bank for the SWIFT MT103 notification form and fax or email it to the clinic at:
Office | Fax number | |
Cashier | +66 2011 4229 | [email protected] |
- E-Payment: Vitallife Wellness Center has set up an alternative way for customer to pay medical bill through an on-line system or "E-payment" in order to facilitate the payment process. The E-payment method is safe, fast and accurate. Customer/relative/friend can easily pay the bill or make deposit through on-line system without coming to the company. There is no service charge for the E-payment. Customer who choose to pay through E-payment can just inform the cashier. The E-payment link will then be sent to the e-mail address of the customer/relative/friend. Only VISA and MasterCard are welcome for this type of payment.
- Western Union is a financial service company that offers person-to-person money transfer (plus fee) that can be done the next day or within the day. It has agent locations all over the world.
- Credit Card Pre-Authorization. Relatives and friends can authorize Vitallife Wellness Center to charge his/her credit card without being present at the company by scanning and sending the following documents to the related department
- A copy of the credit card that is still valid both front and back. Please specify the security code (three digit number) on the copy and certify by writing ‘Correct Copy’ and sign.
- A copy of the passport that is still valid/official ID card with photo/Driver’s license. Please certify by writing ‘Correct Copy’ and sign.
- A consent letter authorizing Vitallife Wellness Center to charge your credit card. Please see example below.
"I herewith authorize Vitallife Wellness Center to charge my credit card number: .................................................., security code (three digit number): ..............., expiration date: ......................... to pay for th medical expenses of Mr./Mrs./Ms.: .................................................. Hospital Number (HN): .............................. in the amount of
.............................. (numerical and written amount). Please sign your name and date."
*American Express and Diners Club credit card are not accepted for this type of payment.
- Alipay/WeChat
Notes
- Always make payment directly to cashier at the cashier counter only, unless payment is done by e-payment or money transfer. Vitallife does not have policy allowing staffs to handle customer’s financial transaction on customer’s behalf. Vitallife will not be responsible for any financial transaction that is done between customer/customer’s relative/customer’s representative and Vitallife staff personally.
- Transfer process may take days/week(s) depending on each bank. In order to avoid delay of service, please check with your bank.
- Customer is responsible for the exchange rate and the bank service fee when doing wire transfer.
- Money transferred is strictly for medical use only. Please do not transfer extra money for personal use.
- Itemized details are provided upon request.
- Before travelling outside your country, inform the Bank issuer of your credit card. Please check credit limit since extension of the credit limit may be needed. Inform the Bank about the price estimate that you received from the Companyl. Confirm with your card provider on any charges that may occur by using the credit card oversea.
- The exchange rate will be based on the local bank’s rate. If customer is to be refunded by credit line, it will be refunded in Thai Baht which will be converted into customer’s home currency at the destination bank and it is subject to the bank exchange rate, and the buying and selling rate.
- Additional costs are possible, depending on customer’s condition and physician’s treatment plan. Any medical expenses not cover by the third party, will be the responsibility of the customer. Payment is due upon discharge.
- There are several Representative Office oversea to help provide information and arrange appointment for medical travelers at no cost.
Refund Policy
- If medical expense is less than deposit, customer can contact cashier to receive refund once treatment is done.
- Cancellation of procedure, customer will receive full refund right away unless the cash refund amount is high, customer will be refunded the next day the latest (please also see no refund policy below).
- Company receives Guarantee Letter from embassy to cover for all treatments after customer deposited. If the company receive partial guarantee, partial deposit will be kept pending on extended guarantee.
- Refund on non-contract insurance deposit will be refunded once customer receives payment from contracted insurance within 30 days. Refund amount depends on the amount guaranteed.
- Deposit/payment paid by cash, debit card, money transfer, Alipay/WeChat will be refunded by cash or money transfer. Payment paid by credit card will be refunded through credit line which may take up to 3-4 weeks, depending on the cycle of the credit card statement.
- If customer wish to receive cash refund when paid by credit card, credit card commission of 2-3% (depending on the type of credit card), and VAT 7% will apply.
- Original receipt must be returned to Finance for refund.
- Cash refund will be refunded back to customer. If relative/representative/friend wish to receive the cash refund on customer’s behalf, must present consent letter from customer authorizing relative/representative/friend along with signed copy of a valid passport to collect the cash refund. The recipient of the cash refund must also provide a copy of a valid passport for identification.
No Refund Policy
- There will be no refund on the procedures that we have to prepare medication in advance or for medication that has to be ordered from oversea especially for the customer. Customer will be informed beforehand.
- Once procedure started but customer decides to stop the procedure, any medical expenses incurred after the visit was opened shall be the responsible of the customer.
- There will be no refund if the borrowed or rental item was not returned or damaged.
- There will be no refund on pharmacy and medical supplies.
- There will be no refund on any online purchase
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance provides coverage for medical expenses, for flight accidents, losses incurred while traveling. Please study the coverage types and ensure your policy covers your needs. For medical travelers, standard travel insurance may not cover complication during or as a result of treatment. Medical tourism complications insurance should be considered. As it is designed for travelers seeking medical treatment internationally. Some policies protect you by covering medical treatment complications that may arise.Advice for Medical Travelers
- Contact your insurance company if they will cover treatment overseas.
- Check if you have to pay out of pocket and file reimbursement afterwards.
- If you have pre-existing condition, confirm with your insurance if the treatment will be covered.
- Find out about your deductibles, co-insurance and the maximum amount of medical coverage.
As VitalLife focus on Wellness and Longevity Healthcare, a customer will have to do the self-pay in full amount. In case of reimbursement request, we will provide documents needed and the customer files claim with insurance directly