Last fact-checked: 13 November 2020

Thinking of heading abroad to receive high-quality, affordable plastic surgery in Thailand? This Medical Departures destination guide explains exactly why Thailand has become the world’s leading cosmetic and medical tourism destination – as well as what to expect when you visit a plastic surgery doctor here.

Keep reading to find out how much you can save on different procedures, learn about surgeon qualifications and profiles, and discover how to book with one of our verified partner clinics in the Land of Smiles. 

Thailand in Brief

Thailand is world-renowned as a thriving tourist destination–its blend of cultural tradition, ancient dynasties, modern cities, friendly people, and of course, its outstandingly beautiful beaches and islands continue to enthrall visitors, year in and year out.

From the serenity of North Thailand’s rolling green hills, lush forests, and remote hill tribes to the cacophony and neon-lit brashness of Pattaya to the incomparable beaches of Phuket, Thailand is a curious mix of extremes that draw you in. You only have to visit Bangkok to experience this phenomenon where the old and new coexist happily side-by-side.

Hot on the heels of a flourishing holiday industry is Thailand’s medical travel industry–and it is a major player in attracting patients from all over the world to its highly-regarded healthcare facilities and clinical expertise. According to Patients Beyond Borders, in 2019 Thailand attracted just short of 2 million overseas patients for surgery ranging from gender reassignment to heart procedures, with many who opt to have cosmetic dermatology or dental treatments while they are already in the Kingdom on holiday.

Plastic surgery, and minimally invasive procedures, account for a growing percentage of treatments carried out on overseas patients, mainly because these are usually not covered by insurance, and because it costs considerably less for the treatment in Thailand than it does at home.

A recent Medical Tourism Association patient survey found that cost savings and quality were the major considerations for medical travelers. Thailand ticks both of these boxes admirably, while offering an appealingly exotic location to relax in, unwind and enjoy either pre or post-surgery.

Where Exactly Is Thailand?

Thailand is in Southeast Asia and neighbors Myanmar (Burma), Laos and Cambodia. Bangkok, the capital, can be reached with direct flights from most major cities around the world.

Affordability:

Although plastic surgery procedures are more commonplace and not just for celebrities and the super-rich these days, surgery is still very expensive for the majority of people, especially in countries like Australia, New Zealand, the US, the UK and other Asian nations.

With prices averaging 60% less in Thailand, it is a great option if budget is a significant factor.

Some examples of the cost savings for plastic surgery in Thailand:

• Breast enlargement in Thailand costs on average AUD $5,000 compared to AUD $16,500 in Australia.
• Blepharoplasty (eyelid/eye bag surgery) in Thailand costs on average AUD $1,500 compared to AUD $8,000
• Facelifts in Thailand cost on average AUD $8,000 compared to AUD $25,000 in Australia

[Please note: these prices are approximate estimates based on international data, calculated at the time of writing. You can check the clinic pages on our site to obtain the latest, most accurate pricing.]

Quality Medical Facilities:

Private medical facilities are the mainstay of the medical tourism industry in Thailand and are generally of world-class standards. Thailand was the first country in Asia to be awarded accreditation by the Joint Commission International (JCI), a US organization that monitors quality and is considered to be the ‘Gold Standard’ in terms of healthcare.

Doctor Training and Qualifications:

Medicine is a respected profession with only the best candidates admitted to Thai medical schools. With globalization medical training throughout the world now tends to be similar. In Thailand, doctors train for a minimum of six years–including one year in basic science; two pre-clinical years and three clinical training–and only after these are fulfilled and a series of exams passed, including the national medical licensing examinations, does a medical student graduate as a doctor.

After graduation, doctors then spend one year as an intern and two practicing in rural areas before they can apply for specialist training in areas such as plastic surgery, or residencies.

Many doctors opt to do their specialist training abroad, honing their English skills as well as their medical expertise.

Tourist Locations for pre and post-op recovery:

Thailand is well-geared for tourism, and with many private medical facilities established in popular tourist destinations, medical travelers will find that the ever-growing infrastructure more than meets their needs.

Many people recuperate in luxury hotels, quite affordable in Thailand, after their discharge from the hospital, finding all the facilities and services they need just a call away with room service.

Where to Stay in Thailand?

Plastic surgery patients have a multitude of options in Thailand of where to stay–depending upon your preferences and budget. Some would prefer to be in the center of the action in Bangkok, while for others the peacefulness of the North in cities like Chiang Mai may be more appealing–and that’s not forgetting all those glorious beach resorts.

For your post-surgery accommodation in Thailand, you’ll find myriad options to suit all budgets and tastes, as well as some nearby hotel suggestions and special promotions on our clinic listing pages.

Is Thailand Safe?

For the vast majority of visitors, safety in Thailand is not really an issue compared to any other city in the world. Most problems for tourists here arise on the roads, which are among the most dangerous in the world, particularly when young, inexperienced drivers rent mopeds as a means of getting around the backpacker-favorite islands in the south. 

Terrorism remains a small threat in certain seldom-visited provinces in the south, namely Pattani, Yala, Narathiwas and Songkhla on the Thai-Malaysia border; it's also advised to exercise extra caution around the Thai-Burma and Thai-Cambodia borders.

Crime threats are generally low–especially in comparison to many US cities–but be aware that pickpockets and bag snatchers, particularly in crowded, tourist areas are on the lookout for those with their guard down.

Follow the rules of the travel road and you can expect to be safe and secure in Thailand.

This is where booking with Medical Departures can be of help. We have conducted background checks with all our partner clinics. We conduct onsite visits and try to give you a clear idea of the clinics with high-definition photos on our site. We also verify doctors’ qualifications, listing these and professional memberships. Finally, we’re aware that among the best opinions on the services provided are those from the people who have used them–our patients, and we publish authenticated reviews on our site too–positive and negative.

Do Doctors Speak English?

Yes, they do. Most private hospitals employ the best medical staff in the country. Often these specialists have trained overseas in English-speaking countries; thus, language problems won’t be an issue.

Unfortunately, we can't say you won't have any communication problems when ordering street food, but hand gestures and translation apps can go a long way!

You may not feel up to doing too much after your plastic surgery, so it's best to schedule holiday plans prior to your procedure, so you can relax and enjoy a holiday without the limitations of post-surgery recovery.

Of course, Thailand has a myriad of options to choose from–and most people are aware of its astounding beaches and related activities–from swimming to scuba diving and sea kayaking to jet-skiing.

The island of Phuket remains one of the most popular destinations for beach bunnies, although it’s so big that it doesn’t necessarily feel like an island. Patong is still the busiest beach and town, catering to an up-for-it-crowd who party all night and sleep it off on the beach. There are other more low-key beaches on the island, including Kata, Karon, and Rawai, as well as the upscale Ao Bang Thao and Hat Surin. There’s also Phuket Town – the island’s capital – which has a laid-back artsy vibe about it and is a great place to mooch about on a lazy day.

Northern Thailand is a somewhat different experience. The verdant, mist-clad hills cloaking hidden villages and trails beckoning adventure. Chiang Mai is the North’s hub and its wide, leafy thoroughfares offer a serene respite from the crowded beach resorts, as well as cooler temperatures. Adorned with temple spires, the city mixes the ancient and modern extremely well and is easily navigable on foot. Just outside the city, adventure tours from zip-lining to rafting can get the adrenaline going in the heart of the jungle.

No trip to Thailand would be complete without spending some time in Bangkok–Thailand’s sprawling metropolis. Bursting with energy, the city is a compulsive blend of ancient and modern, and this sets the tone for any stay in Bangkok, where paradox is par for the course. From mouthwatering street food to swanky restaurants, austere temples to raucous red-light districts, upmarket shopping malls to floating markets–you’ll want to sample it all.

Of course, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t. Domestic flights on local discount airlines are affordable; crisscrossing the country and spending a day or two elsewhere may be within your scope of planning.

Wherever appeals, you can be sure that Medical Departures has partner clinics in all the popular locations across the country, and so you won’t need to compromise on your ideal location for your plastic surgery in Thailand.

Flights arrive at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport daily from around the world, and you can also fly directly to Phuket and Chiang Mai.

Getting Around in Thailand

• Domestic flights are plentiful and inexpensive if you are traveling between cities.
• Trains offer a slower, perhaps richer alternative, and there are overnight sleepers if you are traveling long distances.
• Inter-city buses, with four different options ranging from non-air-conditioned to VIP
• Songthaews–in rural areas these open-ended vans with two rows of seats facing each other supplement the bus services
• Taxis and motorcycle taxis are prevalent in the cities, as well as the ubiquitous tuk-tuks

Flight Times (approx.) from Other Major Destinations to Thailand:

• Los Angeles to Bangkok – 17 hours
• New York to Bangkok – 18 hours
• Toronto to Bangkok – 17.5 hours
• London to Bangkok – 12.5 hours
• Sydney to Bangkok – 10 hours
• Auckland to Bangkok – 12.5 hours

Visa Requirements:

There is a visa exemption for American, Canadian, British, Irish, Australian and New Zealand passport holders allowing patients from these countries to enter Thailand for 30 days without a visa. It is possible to extend this for a further 30 days but you will need to apply at the immigration office and before your permission to stay expires.

If you plan to stay for longer than 30 days, you can obtain a visa prior to travel.

What Payment Methods Are Accepted in Thailand?

You will need to check the individual clinic listings on our site to see what payment methods are accepted. Generally, cash is only accepted in Thai Bahts, but other methods include bank transfers, traveler's checks, debit cards and credit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard and Amex.

When Is the Best Time to Visit for Plastic Surgery in Thailand?

Our partner clinics and hospitals in Thailand are open all year round and so it’s up to you whether you need to get a good deal on flight and accommodation costs by going out of season.

Thailand is a tropical country and generally humid throughout the year. The North has its driest period from November to May, and the Southwest monsoon is from May to November. In the South the monsoon rains are from April to October on the West coast, but from September to December in the East.

You don’t need to put off by the monsoon season. True, there will be intermittent downpours, but they are more likely to occur in the late afternoon/early evening. November to February is a pleasant time of year to visit as it is slightly cooler from the Northeast monsoon.

Search our vast range of listings across Thailand for quality-checked doctors and clinics.

If you’re ready to book see below for ways to make your free appointment. You can also get in touch with our Customer Care Team for free; they will be more than happy to discuss your plans for plastic surgery in Thailand.

Sources:

Bangkok.com. Website accessed: 4 November 2019. http://bangkok.com/

Medical Tourism Association. Website accessed: 14 November 2020. https://medicaltourismassociation.com/content.php/index.html?url=index&lang=en

Thai hospitals scoop up medical tourism awards. Royal Thai Embassy, Washington DC. March 2019.https://thaiembdc.org/2019/05/13/thai-hospitals-scoop-up-medical-tourism-awards/

Chiang Mai. Lonely Planet. Website accessed: 4 November 2019.https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/chiang-mai-province/chiang-mai

Is Bangkok Safe? Warnings and Dangers Travelers Need to Know. Smarter Travel. 9 August 2019. https://www.smartertravel.com/tips-bangkok-warnings-dangers-stay-safe/

Williams, Sarah. When's The Best Time of Year To Visit Thailand? 2 August 2018. https://theculturetrip.com/asia/thailand/articles/whens-the-best-time-of-year-to-visit-thailand/

Lukaszewicz, Hannah. 35 Awesome Things To Do In Thailand. Getting Stamped. 12 March 2019. https://www.gettingstamped.com/things-to-do-in-thailand/