Last fact-checked: January 2024

Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS) has become an increasingly accessible and safe option for individuals seeking to physically change their birth-assigned gender to the gender that corresponds with their true personal identity.

One large stumbling block for transitioning people is the financial burden of this surgery in certain countries. However, with the cost of SRS in Bangkok three or four times less than in the West, the Thai capital has emerged as a global hub for world-class care in the field of medical gender reassignment.

Find out more about how you can obtain effective and affordable treatment in the Thai capital, as well as comparative international prices, recommended SRS surgeons in Bangkok, and other important things to know before, during and after your life-changing trip to Southeast Asia.

Gender reassignment surgery, also known as sex change surgery or gender affirmation surgery, has been a discipline where Thailand has been a global leader since 1975 when the first surgery was performed in Bangkok. This life-changing procedure can be one of the most important decisions a person can make, and Bangkok is a desirable destination for undergoing SRS.

Improved surgical techniques and the globalization of healthcare services have made SRS more common–and increased acceptance worldwide. Patients now have easier access to specialty procedures at much lower prices than in North America, the UK, and Australia, with savings of around 60%-70%.

SRS has helped thousands of individuals who suffer from gender dysphoria, a condition that can be highly destructive to one's daily life. It can prevent people from leaving the house, getting and maintaining a job, and having healthy relationships. However, gender dysphoria is a treatable condition, and therefore people no longer have to live with depression and other associated psychological issues.

Research has shown that most people who undergo SRS report improved long-term mental health and quality of life. Studies have also found that the odds of needing mental health treatment decreased by 8% each year after the gender-affirming procedure.

Thailand has long been the hub for SRS, helping thousands of transgender and non-binary individuals transform. For decades, Western patients have been travelling to Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, to undergo SRS rather than proceeding with the surgery in their home country–and the driving force behind Thailand’s success goes far beyond lower costs.

Highly Experienced Surgeons

Thai surgeons lead the world with their SRS expertise and specialized techniques, which produce highly functional and natural-looking reassignment transformation–all with the lowest possible cost and without compromising quality. Surgeries are performed in Bangkok by surgeons who have often received part of their training in Western countries such as the US, UK and Australia. In addition, many top clinics in Bangkok employ staff from overseas, making English the standard language of communication throughout their facility.

Advanced Medical Facilities

When it comes to selecting a hospital for SRS, Bangkok is a top choice for patients from all reaches of the globe. This is primarily due to the city's impressive array of leading-edge, internationally accredited medical facilities, which offer patients a high level of care that’s both affordable and of exceptional quality.

In fact, Thailand is home to more than 60 hospitals that have been accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) --the highest number of such hospitals in Southeast Asia. In addition, our partner clinics offer advanced medical facilities that adhere to strict international hygiene standards for the utmost safety and peace of mind.

Thailand’s Progressive Social Acceptance

The country's accepting and open-minded approach towards the LGBTQ community, especially towards transgender people, has created an atmosphere where foreign patients can feel secure and valued. Healthcare staff and nurses are not only highly trained but also compassionate, understanding, and sensitive to the unique needs of transgender patients. They provide personalized care and support to ensure that every patient receives the best possible treatment and experience during their stay.

Are expensive surgical costs holding you back from fully embracing your true self?

Undergoing SRS involves multiple costly procedures, which can add up to a huge amount of money. And even if you do qualify for a subsidized program at home, you may have to endure long wait times and bureaucratic delays.

However, you can take control of your situation and live the life you want by getting high-quality SRS in Bangkok.

SRS refers to a variety of procedures and the exact cost of your treatment will depend on the procedures required. Here’s a general breakdown:

Male-to-female bottom surgery, a vaginoplasty in the US could cost as much as USD $25,000 - 30,000 (AUD 36,000 - 44,000)

In Bangkok, the same procedure at our top clinics averages around USD $7,000 - $12,000 (AUD 10,700 - 18,450)

Medical Departures collaborates with a network of certified clinics and hospitals that work with highly qualified surgeons with extensive experience in SRS procedures.

Before any clinic or hospital is listed on our site, our team verifies doctors' backgrounds, and accreditations, as well as looks into past patient reviews. We only endorse clinics and hospitals that have successfully passed our rigorous verification process to guarantee the highest quality of medical care for patients booking through our site.

Below are our top recommended clinics and hospitals for SRS in Bangkok:

1. MAXi Cosmetic Surgery

MAXi Cosmetic Surgery Clinic is conveniently located in Samyan, Bangkok, a few minutes walk from the MRT metro station. The head of this JCI-accredited facility is Dr. Kanit Wittayavanichai, a registered Fellow of the International College of Surgeons. Dr. Kanit has 14 years of experience as a general surgeon and eight years as a board-certified plastic surgeon; he also teaches general surgery to medical students at Thammasat University

Transgender surgery at MAXi Clinic utilizes a specific technique that hides all scars around the labia (majora and minor), resulting in a natural-looking neovagina with internal sensation.

2. Kamol Hospital

Located in the trendy Wang Thonglang district of Bangkok, Kamol Hospital opened its doors in 2009 and is led by Dr. Kamol Pansritum, a world-renowned plastic surgeon.

With 27 years of experience, Dr. Kamol has performed over 10,000 transgender-related procedures to date; he and his team of world-leading specialists currently perform more than 2,000 male-to-female and female-to-male SRS every year. Some of his more advanced techniques include Penile Peritoneum Vaginoplasty or PPV - the procedure is performed laparoscopically through small incisions, leaving little to no visible scarring. Dr. Kamol’s surgical techniques aim to preserve all the erotic nerve endings to create multiple points of special arousal. Dr. Kamol is one of the few surgeons in Bangkok who can perform a phalloplasty (FtM bottom surgery).

Kamol Hospital is JCI-accredited and recognised as a leader in aesthetic, cosmetic, and transgender care by the following healthcare monitoring organisations:

The Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of Thailand

The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)

The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS).

World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)

3. Yanhee Hospital Health & Beauty

As one of Thailand's leading healthcare providers, Yanhee International Hospital offers a wide range of medical services and is well known for its cosmetic procedures and SRS. The (ISO) 9001:2000 and JCI-accredited hospital has state-of-the-art equipment and over 400 beds in a self-contained 15-storey building conveniently located in Bangkok’s attractive Riverside district, just a few minutes walk from the MRT station. Patients from more than 162 countries have had treatments at Yanhee International Hospital.

The leading team of board-certified SRS surgeons at Yanhee Hospital are highly experienced and have been trained at the best medical institutions in Thailand and abroad. All are associated with some of the major medical organizations, such as the Board of Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery of Thailand and The Medical Council of Thailand.

A variety of advanced SRS techniques are available to patients depending on their budget and personal requirements.

4. Bangkok Plastic Surgery

Bangkok Plastic Surgery Hospital is a private world-class surgical centre located in bustling downtown Bangkok. The hospital features the most advanced medical equipment, modern rooms and a luxurious reception area.

Dr. Pichet Rodchareon is the Chief Plastic Surgeon at the Bangkok Plastic Surgery Hospital–with 37 years of experience specialising in transgender surgery. He received his MD in 1984 from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, and a Diploma from the Thai Board of Plastic Surgery in 1991.

He is an active member of the following professional organisations:

The Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of Thailand

The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)

The Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons of Thailand,

World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)

Dr. Pichet is widely known as one of the best surgeons in Bangkok offering SRS and facial feminization surgery. He and his team of specialists have completed over 3,000 top and bottom SRS surgeries to date–with some of his popular surgical methods including vaginoplasty with penile inversion and sigmoid colon techniques.

5. Asia Cosmetic Hospital

Established in August 2012, Asia Cosmetic Hospital is situated in Nonthaburi–just north of Bangkok and within walking distance of an MRT station. It’s a renowned plastic surgery centre that treats thousands of medical tourists annually for various plastic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, facelift, facial feminization surgery and SRS.

Chief surgeon, Dr. Tanongsak Panyawirunroj, has more than 18 years of experience and is a member of the Medical Council of Thailand and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).

The JCI and HA-accredited Asia Cosmetic Hospital was also recognized as the "Best Regional Hospital" by the Socrates Committee, Oxford.

Dr. Tanongsak has performed more than 10,000 successful procedures to date, ranging from facial surgery to sex reassignment procedures. He and his team of highly-skilled doctors and staff are committed to providing personalized care and treatment plans that cater to the requirements and unique preferences of each individual seeking SRS.

Note: Medical Departures is partnered with top clinics around the world including other popular SRS destinations like Phuket and Istanbul.

SRS procedures generally involve transitioning from male to female (MtF) and female to male (FtM); each of these requires a different set of procedures.

A trans woman or MtF may require top surgery such as breast implants; for bottom surgery, vaginoplasty with penile inversion is commonly sought.

For a trans man or FtM, top surgery involves breast masculinization surgery; bottom surgery typically involves penile reconstruction via phalloplasty or metoidioplasty techniques.

The following are some of the SRS procedures available in Bangkok:

Vaginoplasty (MtF):  Restructuring of the penis into a neovagina in a way that promotes function and preserves sensitivity. The most common method is the penile inversion technique which involves creating a vaginal canal and labia from the scrotal skin.

Phalloplasty (FtM):  A complex surgical procedure that creates a natural-looking and functioning penis. A neophallus (new penis) is constructed by using the skin, blood vessels and nerves from usually the forearm or thigh. The urethra is lengthened within the neophallus for urination. The scrotum can be created by using labial tissue - and testicular and erection implants can be inserted a few months after surgery.

Breast Augmentation (MtF): Enhancement of breast size in order to achieve a more feminine shape. Implants made of silicone or saline can be inserted under the breast tissue or chest muscles through small incisions in the armpit, under the breast or around the nipple.

Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS): A set of surgical procedures used to alter facial features for MtF patients to appear more feminine. Depending on the individual’s facial anatomy, procedures may include jaw, chin and forehead contouring, cheek augmentation, brow lift and rhinoplasty.

Facial Masculinization Surgery (FMS): Similar to FFS above, FMS is for FtM patients looking to achieve masculine facial features. The set of procedures may include forehead contouring, cheek and jaw augmentation and Adam's apple enhancement.

Tracheal Shave: A surgical procedure to reduce the size of the tracheal, which is also known as Adam’s apple. It involves a small incision on the chin to shave off parts of the thyroid cartilage resulting in a more feminine appearance.

Orchiectomy: A surgical procedure that removes the testicles as a step in the MtF transition process. An orchiectomy can help achieve a better feminine hormonal balance as testosterone production is mainly produced by the testicles.

Voice Feminization Surgery: A surgical procedure to alter the vocal cords and components of the larynx or voice box in order to create a higher pitch and more feminine voice. This procedure cannot be combined with a tracheal shave; if required, patients should wait at least three months after having a tracheal shave to proceed with the voice feminization surgery.

A Sex Reassignment Surgery is considered a major surgery and will require five to ten days of hospital stay afterwards, depending on the type of surgery the patient underwent and the doctor’s recommendation. Proper post-operative care is essential to ensure successful healing and minimal to no complications. A vaginoplasty generally involves a hospital stay of five to ten days, while a phalloplasty may require no less than a week stay. Patients should prepare to stay in Thailand for two weeks after surgery.

To protect the sutured area, the patient will need to sleep with legs spread out for five to seven days. During this period, the patient will be on a soft or liquid diet. Walking is encouraged after a week for five to ten minutes a day. Depending on the rate of healing, hormone prescription may resume after a week with the doctor’s approval.

While major complications are rare–providing you choose a highly-skilled surgeon and well-equipped facility –you can minimize risks by following pre and post-op protocols.

Associated risks include:

Bleeding

Infection

Swelling

Changes to sexual sensations

Urination difficulties

Trouble Walking

You should see your healthcare provider if you experience the following after surgery:

Bleeding for more than a few days.

Wounds that change colour or won’t heal.

Pain that persists after several weeks.

Your surgeon will walk you through any possible risks associated with SRS and anaesthesia during your initial consultation.

Preparing for a SRS trip overseas can be a challenging process. Bangkok is a mega-metropolis that is simultaneously exciting and chaotic, particularly for first-time visitors.

Here, we have compiled a list of recommendations and tips that will help you plan your itinerary for this ultimate life-changing journey.

Accommodations in Bangkok

Bangkok offers lodging and other amenities that are ideal for post-op recovery. Depending on your budget and preference, you can choose anything from super affordable hotels to ultra-luxurious 5-star hotels, as well as relaxing wellness retreats. We recommend staying close to your chosen hospital as you will have to make multiple visits to your doctor prior to surgery.

Contact our Customer Care Team for help with choosing accommodation during your trip for SRS in Bangkok.

Flights

Bangkok International Airport (BKK) is easily reachable from most major cities around the world, with direct flights arriving from more than 100 airports from over 50 countries. Flight time from Sydney to Bangkok takes 9.40 hours, from London is 11.30 hours and from Dubai is 6.35 hours.

How Long Will I Need to Stay in Thailand?

Depending on the type of procedure, it is recommended that you stay in Bangkok for about three weeks for your SRS treatment. Your surgeon will advise how long you’ll need to stay in Bangkok for post-surgery care.

SRS patients should arrive in Bangkok about four days before surgery as they’ll need time for a pre-operative consultation and health check or medical clearance as well as a few days of bowel cleansing procedure which is necessary for SRS.

Getting Around the City

Most of our top clinics and hospitals in Bangkok are conveniently located within walking distance of the BTS or MRT metro station. Taxis are widely available on the road; be sure to confirm the use of a taxi meter before you start the ride. For the most reliable and honest option, book from Grab Taxi app. Generally, your clinic will provide transportation to and from your post-operative appointments, as well as airport transfers to and from the hospital.

Legal Documentation

Certain documents are required before surgery. Check with your doctor before the trip to see if any of the following or additional documents are needed.

Referral from psychiatrists

SRS is regulated by the government and according to Thai law, a patient is required to have two referral letters from a licensed psychiatrist to confirm the diagnosis of gender dysphoria, and that they recommend surgery for the patient. The first referral must be from a psychiatrist from the patient’s country. The second referral letter needs to be from a psychiatrist in Thailand. This can be arranged by the hospital administrator who can book the appointment before your surgery.

HIV test

You’ll need to take an HIV test before your SRS, either from home or Thailand as long as the result is valid within three months (check the time requirement with your clinic). While having HIV does not disqualify you from undergoing SRS, however, the hospital must know your status to prevent any issues during surgery as well as during your post-op recovery. Some hospitals may charge a fee for additional protective surgical equipment.

Proof of hormonal treatment

Documents such as a prescription or a letter from a doctor indicating that you have been taking hormones for at least one year may be required, depending on your hospital.

Other health-related documents

If you have a health condition that requires regular medication, make sure to discuss this with your surgeon during the initial consultation to prevent any complications that could arise. Also, present any physical examination certificates obtained from your physician back home.

Insurance

Depending on your situation, some Australian citizens may have access to their superannuation to pay for the SRS in Bangkok. For those with private medical insurance, your policy may cover parts of the treatment in Bangkok. Check with your medical insurance provider to see if you are eligible.

Medical Departures can help you acquire additional medical insurance from recommended independent insurance providers who offer various health plans at affordable rates.

Q. How long after SRS can I have sexual intercourse?

A. Sexual intercourse should be avoided during the three-month recovery from SRS, as

well as exercise and other strenuous activities.

Q. Do I need to stop smoking before my SRS?

A. To experience better post-recovery outcomes, it’s highly recommended that you stop smoking one month before your surgery. Cigarettes deplete the body of oxygen that is needed for optimal healing.

Q. How often should I dilate after an MtF SRS?

A. During the first year, two to three times daily is recommended - after one year, patients can dilate less often to maintain vaginal depth and width. Dilation cannot be substituted with sexual intercourse. (Note: This applies to "PIV method only" (penile inversion vaginoplasty).

Q. What forms of payment are accepted?

A. Check with your clinic to find out what methods are accepted.

Most clinics accept cash, major debit or credit cards and bank transfers.

Get the Best Price Guarantee when booking through Medical Departures. We make sure our patients get the most affordable rates possible.

Don’t let your neovagina cost you an arm and a leg. Book with us today and save up to 70% of the cost back home. To get started,  browse through the list of qualified SRS hospitals in Bangkok and contact our Customer Care Team. Make the change today and start living the life you deserve.

Sources:

Mental health benefits associated with gender-affirming surgery. Website accessed 15 August 2023.
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/mental-health-benefits-associated-with-gender-affirming-surgery/

A person’s odds of needing mental health treatment declined by 8% each year after the gender-affirming procedure. Website accessed 15 August 2023.
https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/news-releases/study-finds-long-term-mental-health-benefits-of-ge

JCI - Joint Commission International. Website accessed 15 August 2023.
https://www.jointcommissioninternational.org/

The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). Website accessed 15 August 2023. https://www.isaps.org/

International College of Surgeons. Website accessed 15 August 2023.
https://icsglobal.org/

The Development of Sex Reassignment Surgery in Thailand: A Social Perspective. Website accessed 15 August 2023.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3977439/

Where to stay in Bangkok? Website accessed 15 August 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3977439/

Where to stay in Bangkok? Website accessed 15 August 2023.
https://nerdnomads.com/where-to-stay-in-bangkok