Chiangmai Ram Hospital Hospital in Chiang Mai, Thailand

I sought medical attention while on holiday with symptoms strongly suggestive of acute food poisoning. Unfortunately, the care I received was both disappointing and, at times, difficult to justify.

Rather than a focused, symptom-led assessment, I was directed through a number of investigations that did not appear clearly aligned with my presenting complaint. What was particularly concerning was the lack of explanation. At no point was a clear rationale provided for these tests, which made the overall approach feel unfocused and raised questions about clinical judgement.

The conduct of the nursing staff also detracted from the experience. Interactions felt abrupt and lacking in basic empathy. There was a repeated emphasis on payment throughout my visit, with my ability to pay being confirmed multiple times despite there being no indication that this was in question. This felt disproportionate and, in a clinical setting, somewhat inappropriate.

Despite the volume of investigations carried out, my original symptoms were not meaningfully addressed, and I left without a clear or effective treatment plan.

The cost of care further compounded the issue. I was presented with a significantly high bill that did not seem proportionate to the clinical value provided. In the absence of clear justification for the investigations performed, the charges felt excessive.

As this was my first experience of private healthcare in Thailand, it has been a notably negative one and has unfortunately influenced my initial impression of the system.

As a patient abroad, you rely on clear communication, sound clinical reasoning, and a degree of trust in those providing care. On this occasion, those expectations were not met. I would strongly encourage others to seek clarity on both clinical decisions and costs before proceeding with treatment.