The Best Hospitals in Bangkok

The Best Hospitals in Bangkok

Posted by Mark Philip

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Whether it’s during the time of an alleged pandemic or simply for the couple of weeks that you plan to stay for – it’s always worth considering a few of the top hospitals in any city, especially one that happens to be largely non-English speaking.

This is now more prevalent than ever as travel rules and restrictions are constantly changing.  It is a growing  requirement in many countries now that travellers obtain health checks, certification, and often medical insurance before issuing visas or extended stays.

Thailand is no exception, and thankfully is fairly straightforward in its approach to hospitals should you ever require the services of one for any reason.

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There is actually a massive volume of state and private hospitals across Bangkok, hence here we cover just a mere handful.

The main thing for foreigners to know is that most Thais will avoid going to a state hospital if they are able, and will opt instead for one of the many privately-owned, international standard (and highly expensive) affairs.

In terms of service, patient care, medical equipment and facilities, there isn’t actually that much to pick between many of the city-centre type international hospital facilities.

They are all pretty good and pretty expensive – that seems to be the general local consensus — certainly by way of comparison to a Thai hospital, which is generally much cheaper but also way too overcrowded, and may usually require hours and hours of endless waiting.

So there are at least 5 really good-quality hospitals in Bangkok where you’re pretty much guaranteed the best medical services – at a price.

As they are privately-owned, these facilities are also somewhat notorious for prescribing endless courses of prescriptions at inflated prices, so it pays to bear that in mind.  Everything is business in Thailand, even hospitals and schools.

The majority of private hospitals in Bangkok may be considered on par with western standards.

With state-of-the-art medical equipment and facilities, the majority of the doctors in these places tend to have been internationally trained, and hence levels of English are also more acceptable than what might be encountered in any government facility presently.

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Many private Bangkok hospitals in fact offer special promotional packages to attract foreign attendees and patients, and that may be one of reasons the environment and rooms look and feel a lot like hotels!

The following small selection of some of the best Bangkok hospitals is in no particular order.  Specific rankings, either past or current, will vary according to year and organisation listing.

All of the top private hospitals featured here have been or are among the higher ranks of international-standard facilities in the city, although there is an ever-expanding list of other Bangkok medical facilities.

1.  BNH (Bangkok Nursing Home)

Even though BNH is one of the oldest hospitals in Bangkok, the facility is a modern, 120-bed establishment of international standards.

The hospital actually dates back to 1897 when Bangkok’s British community of that time established the first premises (on Phaya Dejo Road).  The current building on Convent Road was erected at the beginning of the century and, in comprises a ‘King Chulalongkorn Memorial Wing’ which was officially opened by His Majesty King Vajiravudh in 1912.

Over the years, BNH Hospital has grown and improved considerably along increasingly modern lines.  It is now considered a first-class international medical institution, and home to some of the most sophisticated and up-to-date facilities available in the country.

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Both inpatient and outpatient services are available at Bangkok Nursing Home on a 24-hour basis. 

Address: 9/1 Convent Road, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand

Tel: +66 (2) 686 2700

2.  Bangkok International Hospital

Bangkok International Hospital’s is another award-winning, first-class facility offering excellent medical and nursing care.

The hospital has been accredited by US, European, Australian and Japanese Medical Boards, as well as the standard certification ISO 1900-2000 from the Ministry of Health in Thailand.

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With first-class amenities and expertise in medical technology, this Bangkok hospital is considered one of the leading providers of private medical care in Bangkok and Thailand.

This facility is also renowned as a Heart Hospital, a Neurology Centre, and a Cancer Treatment Hospital, with all of these specialised facilities comprising the most advanced medical equipment.  Thankfully, they also have a specific international team (including translators) on hand if required.

Address:2 Soi Soonvijai 7, New Petchburi Road, Bangkapi, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310

Tel:+66 (0)2 310 3000

3. Bumrungrad International Hospital

Apparently the largest private hospital in SE Asia, Bumrungrad International Hospital is a pretty large-scale affair to say the least.

Located in the heart of the central city area of Sukhumvit, this Bangkok medical facility has around 5,000 employees, 1,000 physicians, and more than 900 nurses.  It contains around 600 beds for inpatients, and has the capacity to manage 5,000 outpatients a day.  Phew!

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So there are a few reasons why this place tends to be the main or first stop-off point for not only international patients, but also the locals.  On top of that, the hospital was the first from close to 1,000 hospitals in Thailand to receive the Hospital Accreditation of Thailand, and was the first hospital outside of the United States to receive the Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA).

In fact, Bumrungrad International Hospital has a long list of awards to date, with some of the most recent being the 2018 Medical Tourism Hospital of the Year in the Asia Pacific, Most Trusted Hospital in Thailand 2018, and Hospital of the Year, also in  2018 . 

The hospital has been known as something of a ‘one-stop medical services centre since around 2005.  Bumrungrad provides in-house lab testing, so most tests can be completed in less than an hour meaning you don’t have to wait for weeks to get the results.

Without a doubt one of the best hospitals in Bangkok, Bumrungrad treats more than 1 million patients every year, with around half of that number hailing from over 190 countries across the globe.  But beware, they charge a pretty penny for all of this added ‘luxury’!

Address: 33, Soi Sukhumvit 3, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110

Hours: 24-hour

Tel: 02 066 8888

4. Vejthani Hospital

 Vejthani Hospital is the place to head for if you find yourself in the unfortunate position of having any issues with bones or joints.   This hospital has actually been one of the first in SE Asia to implement Robotic Spinal Surgical Systems, including the adoption of the O-Arm Navigation System, a widely-lauded, advanced medical technology in the field.

Vejthani is apparently able to provide some of the best total orthopedic solutions in Bangkok, including major surgery such as that required for the spine, hip and knees (including replacements), along with sports therapy and pediatric orthopedic surgery.

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Established for almost 3 decades now, Vejthani Hospital has taken many steps during that time to continue to provide top quality medical care, from a patient-centric aspect, which may contribute somewhat to the fact that around 300,000 patients are serviced here every year. .

Staff comprises internationally trained medical professionals, cutting-edge medical equipment, and world-class standards in the healthcare field.  These are some of the reasons why this top Bangkok hospital is the choice of locals, expats, and medical tourists alike – as is the case with the majority of international-standard facilities.

Address: 1 Soi Ladprao 111, Khlong Chan, Bang Kapi District, Bangkok 10240

Hours: 24-hour

Tel: 02 734 0000

5. Samitivej Hospital

Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital opened its doors more than 40 years ago, and is now considered another leader of healthcare provisions in Thailand.

This Bangkok heathcare facility has long history and proven track record of providing quality care and innovation.  In fact, it was the first hospital in Thailand to be awarded ‘Mother and Baby-Friendly Hospital’ status by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF.

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The usual high-level range of facilities and services is available at Samitivej Hospital Bangkok, and it is favourite of locals and expats anywhere near the area, perhaps as it is a little more compact than some of the other, grander affairs in this region of the city, and hence a little less chaotic?.

There are just 270 beds at Samitivej, with more 1,200 caregivers and other staff to facilitate patients’ requirements.

Address: 133 Klang Alley, Sukhumvit 49, Khlong Tan, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Tel+66 (0)2 022 2222

6. Sikarin Hospital

 This 240-bed, relatively unknown hospital on the Eastern side of Bangkok has been providing patients with comprehensive medical care for more than 27 years.

It boasts various specialized centres, from cardiology and orthopaedics, to plastic and cosmetic surgery.  All of these specialized centres are equipped with the most modern and advanced medical technologies. 

All treatments are performed by experienced and skilled specialists who have received continuous training and stay up to date with the latest medical advancements.

Sikarin Hospital also offers hotel-style rooms, suites with VIP options, translation services, and round the clock care – all for the convenience and comfort of their patients.

Upon entering the hospital, you will immediately feel its calm and welcoming atmosphere, which helps to make it a little less stressful when you’re about to undergo treatment.

Bangkok hospitals are all about patient care in the private sector, so hopefully if you need the services of one of the best, you won’t be too far away from at least one of these suggested options.

Address: 976 Lasalle Road, Bang Na, Bangkok 10260

Hours: 24-hour

Tel: 02 366 9900