Health
What you need to know before getting a hair transplant in Thailand
Hair loss has a way of creeping up quietly. One day, the hairline feels a little higher, the crown a little thinner, and suddenly you’re paying attention to the mirror again. For many people, hair transplantation becomes part of the conversation sooner or later. Thailand...
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From Krabi’s peaceful shores to lasting recovery: Inside Yatra Trauma Treatment Centre
Post-traumatic stress disorder and unresolved trauma don’t operate on your schedule. They show up in unexpected moments: a sudden sound that triggers panic, disrupted sleep, emotional withdrawal in relationships, or coping patterns that gradually become hard to control. For expats living in Thailand and international clients seeking treatment abroad, finding specialised, evidence-based trauma care can …
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Top virologist warns of mutated influenza strain spread in Thailand
A leading virologist has warned the public today, January 8, that a mutated strain of influenza is spreading across Thailand, as reduced vaccine effectiveness contributes to rising case numbers. Professor Yong Poovorawan, a member of the Royal Institute and director of the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine, issued …
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A practical way to think about healthcare when living in Thailand
Living in Thailand means co-existing with a healthcare system that’s brilliant in some ways and frustrating in others. Oftentimes, private hospitals feel like five-star hotels, with doctors trained internationally, and the costs seem reasonable compared to Western countries. Until you’re actually sitting in that consultation room without insurance, watching the bill climb. Here’s the thing …
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Can you get into medical school in Thailand as a foreigner?
The short answer is yes, but the fuller answer is considerably more complicated. Thailand offers international medical programmes that accept foreign students and deliver world-class education. However, the path from admission to actually practising medicine involves significant barriers that many prospective students don’t fully appreciate until it’s too late. If you’re considering medical school in …
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BNH Premier Spine Centre: 20 years of leading spine surgery overseas in Thailand
Living with chronic back or nerve pain can take over every part of daily life, sleep becomes difficult, movement becomes limited, and simple tasks begin to feel overwhelming. For many patients in Western countries, the problem is compounded by long delays in their home healthcare systems. Instead of receiving timely treatment, they often face months …
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How different ages experience healthcare in Thailand (40s, 50s, 60s, 70s)
Thailand offers strong healthcare through public services and excellent private hospitals for all ages. As expats move from their 40s into later decades, their needs shift from simple screenings to managing chronic conditions and planning for long-term care. Planning early helps avoid gaps in coverage, and international insurance like Cigna provides wide hospital access and …
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Warnings of higher pollution levels in Bangkok over New Year
Bangkok authorities have issued a pollution warning ahead of the New Year holiday, cautioning residents that PM2.5 levels are likely to rise as air ventilation weakens across the capital. The Bangkok Air Quality Information Centre released an updated air quality outlook covering the period from December 26, 2025 to January 3, 2026. The forecast highlights …
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A New Year detox & reboot focused on digestion, energy, and clarity at Sole Mio Clinic
January carries a different kind of energy, softer, quieter, more intentional. After the holiday season filled with food, celebration, and late nights, the body naturally asks for a pause. At Sole Mio Clinic, they believe that the healthiest way to begin a new year is to clear what the body no longer needs, giving space …
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Staying safe on the road during Thailand’s Christmas and New Year holidays
Thailand’s Christmas and New Year holidays are a time of joy, travel, and celebration. However, this busy season also brings a sharp rise in road accidents, with hundreds of lives lost each year. Most crashes involve motorcycles, often linked to speeding, drunk driving, and low visibility, making the roads especially risky for both locals and …
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What it’s like to give birth in Thailand as an expat
The Thaiger key takeaways Thailand offers reliable, international-standard maternity care, with private hospitals being the preferred choice for most expats due to English-speaking staff and bundled maternity packages. Giving birth in Thailand can be affordable compared to many Western countries, but costs rise quickly without maternity insurance, especially at international hospitals. Maternity insurance requires forward …
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Diabetic Retinopathy: What you really need to know about your eyes and diabetes
Most conversations about diabetes stay focused on sugar levels, food choices, and long-term health, but the eyes rarely enter the discussion. It surprises many people to learn that the condition can quietly affect the retina, the part of the eye that handles sharp vision. Asst Prof Dr Wijak Kongwattananon, an ophthalmologist at MedPark Hospital Bangkok, …
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The best Thai cities for a quiet, comfortable life
Thailand is a great place for expats who want a quiet life surrounded by nature and modern comforts. These cities offer peaceful living, affordable costs, and easy access to healthcare, making them ideal for long-term stays. With Cigna’s international health plans providing reliable coverage at trusted hospitals across Thailand, expats can settle in and enjoy …
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What expats in Thailand wish they knew before moving here
The Thaiger key takeaways Visa rules, documentation, and reporting requirements are stricter and more complex than most newcomers expect. Healthcare quality varies widely, and many expats rely on private hospitals due to faster service and English-speaking staff. Cultural norms, daily expenses, weather risks, and safety concerns take adjustment but become manageable with preparation. Moving to …
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How Menscape Clinic is shaping the future of men’s health in Bangkok
For decades, men’s health has been treated as a sensitive topic, something rarely discussed openly, if at all. This silence has taken a toll on countless men, affecting their confidence, wellbeing, and overall quality of life. Across Thailand and much of Asia, awareness has traditionally been low. Specialised clinics were uncommon, and social stigma discouraged …
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Dr Wicharn Yingsakmongkol: The quiet pioneer behind Thailand’s most trusted spine surgeries
No one introduces him as a famous professor or the former Head of Orthopaedics at one of Thailand’s largest and most prestigious government hospitals. Instead, patients remember something much more meaningful: a gentle, patient-friendly doctor whose calm voice and confident explanations make them trust him within minutes. They say he gives them hope even before …
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Thailand retirement visa insurance requirement explained (2025 update)
The Thaiger key takeaways Thailand’s OA, O-X, and LTR visas require health insurance. Minimum coverage varies by visa type, so applicants should confirm requirements with the specific Thai embassy or consulate. Local plans are cheaper and meet the basic rules, while international plans offer higher protection and broader access to private hospitals. Thinking about retiring …
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Trat woman collapses after 10 months on diet pills
A 22 year old woman collapsed at her workplace in Trat and was rushed to the hospital late last night, December 3, after reportedly taking weight loss pills for over 10 months. Investigators suspect the pills, which she bought from an online shop, contain sibutramine, a banned substance linked to severe health risks. At around …
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Cigna’s 10% lifetime discount on global health insurance extends into December
Planning for long-term health protection while keeping costs manageable? Now extended into December, Cigna is once again offering a 10% lifetime discount on its individual global health insurance plans. Enrolling in a Cigna Global Individual policy allows you to enjoy reduced premiums for life, no matter where in the world you live. December offer: Save …
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Wattanosoth Cancer Hospital in collaboration with BDMS Wellness Clinic enhances cancer care with ICHOM standards
Wattanosoth Cancer Hospital continues to advance the quality of its cancer care under the guiding concept of Care Beyond Cure. The hospital is committed to providing Total Cancer Care, which means going beyond medical treatment to support the patient’s physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being, as well as fostering a sense of hope. This approach …
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What is the claims process for expat health insurance?
The Thaiger key takeaways Most expat claims move through a mix of direct billing at partner hospitals and reimbursement when treatment is paid upfront. Digital submission is now the standard route, with processing times usually tied to how complete the documents are. Ongoing support, status updates, and follow-ups tend to run through 24/7 customer channels, …
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Expat guide to Thailand’s healthcare system: Public vs private hospitals compared
The Thaiger key takeaways Thailand offers dependable healthcare through both public and private hospitals, each with strengths that suit different needs and budgets. Public hospitals provide skilled doctors and low-cost care, though the process moves at a slower pace with longer queues. Private hospitals offer fast service, English-friendly staff, and modern facilities, but come with …
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How to make sure that your health insurance meets Thailand’s visa requirements
If you plan to stay in Thailand for a long time, you must have health insurance that meets the country’s visa rules. This applies to Retirement (O-A and O-X) visas and Long-Term Resident (LTR) visas. Each visa type requires a minimum level of coverage for both inpatient and outpatient care, and some also need Covid-19 …
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Phuket’s fitness boot camps: Why expats fly across the world to train here
Phuket has built a global reputation for many things, including tropical beaches, vibrant nightlife, and bustling tourism, among them. But in recent years, another scene has quietly exploded on the island’s southern coast: fitness boot camps. From complete lifestyle overhauls to elite-level training, Phuket has become a destination where people fly in, sometimes from halfway …
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Does eating sugar equal killing ourselves? What research really says about ‘slow death’ from sugar
Social media has been sharing quotes like “eating sugar = slowly killing yourself,” to the point that some people are now more afraid of mango sticky rice than cigarettes. In reality, cutting out sweetness completely is impossible. So the question is: when we look strictly at medical research, is sugar really that harmful, or is …
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Is expat health insurance in Thailand actually worth it?
The Thaiger key takeaways Foreigners aren’t covered by public healthcare, making private hospital costs a major concern. Insurance offers financial protection and access to better medical care. Whether it’s worth it depends on your stay length, health, lifestyle, and budget. Thailand is a favourite destination for expats, known for its warm weather, rich culture, and …
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15 early warning signs of cancer that many people overlook
According to the National Cancer Institute, around 140,000 new cancer cases are reported in Thailand every year, averaging about 400 cases per day. However, many people only discover the disease once it has already advanced. The World Health Organization repeatedly stresses that detecting cancer in its early stages significantly increases survival rates. You should pay …
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What to do if you need to fly home from Thailand for treatment
The Thaiger Key Takeaways Always contact your insurer’s 24-hour hotline before arranging any medical transfer. Skipping this step can void your claim. Understand the difference between evacuation (to the nearest qualified hospital) and repatriation (returning home for treatment). The right international health insurance can save you tens of thousands of dollars in medical flight and …
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Travel vs international health insurance: Which coverage do you need overseas?
The Thaiger key takeaways Travel insurance is ideal for short-term trips, covering emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage, but not routine care. International health insurance suits expats and long-term residents, offering full medical coverage, including checkups, maternity, and chronic care. Choosing the right plan helps you meet visa rules, avoid high bills, and access reliable healthcare …
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What are the most common medical emergencies for expats in Thailand
The Thaiger key takeaways The most common medical emergencies for expats in Thailand include motorcycle accidents, tropical diseases, and food or water-borne illnesses. Air pollution and heat-related conditions like heatstroke also pose serious seasonal health risks, especially in northern and coastal areas. Having reliable medical insurance, such as SafetyWing, helps cover emergencies, hospital care, and evacuation, …
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Thai FDA clears shelves of deadly US listeria pasta scare
Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) confirmed that two US pasta products recalled over listeria fears were not imported or sold in the country, easing local health concerns. On high alert after a deadly outbreak in the United States, the Thai FDA launched an urgent investigation following a report from the US Centers for Disease …
