Doctors in Bangkok
Finding a pediatrician and family doctor in Bangkok. What to sort out early.
Many expat families in Bangkok see a pediatrician at one of the city’s private hospitals, and many stick with one doctor for checkups and vaccines so someone knows their kid’s history. Recommendations from other parents are a common starting point. This guide covers what to compare and what to set up before you need it. It isn’t medical advice. For anything about your child’s health, talk to a doctor.
Find your pediatrician before you need one
The worst time to choose a doctor is at 2am with a feverish baby. Pick one while everyone is well. Book a routine checkup, see how they talk to your child and to you, and ask how to reach them or their team out of hours. If it doesn’t click, try someone else. Switching is common.
Hospitals and clinics
Bangkok’s large private hospitals, including Bumrungrad International, Samitivej Sukhumvit, BNH and Bangkok Hospital, have pediatric departments and English-speaking staff. Smaller private clinics are often quicker and cheaper for simple things. Public hospitals cost less, with more Thai spoken and longer waits. Many families use a mix.
Vaccines and records
Thailand’s vaccine schedule may not match the one from home. Bring your child’s vaccine records to the first visit and ask the pediatrician to line them up with the schedule you want to follow. Keep a copy of everything, because you’ll need it for school.
Save these numbers now
- 1669, Thailand’s emergency medical services number.
- Your hospital’s own emergency line. Most private hospitals have one.
- Your insurer’s hotline and your policy number.
Know where the nearest emergency room is from home and from school. If something feels wrong, don’t wait for a reply in a group chat. Call for help.
Insurance and costs
Check which hospitals your insurer bills directly, and whether outpatient visits are covered or only hospital stays. Private hospitals usually ask how you’re paying before they admit anyone. Ask for a cost estimate before planned procedures.
Beyond the pediatrician
Families here also look for a family doctor for the adults, a dentist who’s good with kids, and specialists like ENTs, allergists and child psychologists. For postpartum mental health and English-speaking therapists, see our postpartum support guide. If you’re pregnant, the having a baby in Bangkok guide covers choosing an OB.
Asking other parents for recommendations
Hospital sites list doctors. They can’t tell you which one is calm with a screaming toddler, who explains things without rushing, or which clinic sees walk-ins on a Sunday. Other parents can, and their experience helps you choose, though it doesn’t replace a doctor’s advice. In The Village, these recommendations are shared in the Health & Doctors group.
For everyday bumps and colds, mom advice on home remedies is one mom’s take on the small stuff.
Try the groups
Ask who other moms trust.
Join free for 14 days. You’re added to every topic group, including Health & Doctors, from day one. Ask which pediatrician other moms use near you. Cancel any time.
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Common questions about doctors in Bangkok
- How do I find an English-speaking pediatrician in Bangkok?
- Most of Bangkok’s large private hospitals have English-speaking pediatricians. Ask other parents or the hospital for recommendations, then book a routine checkup to see if the doctor is a fit before you need them urgently.
- What number do I call in a medical emergency in Thailand?
- 1669 is Thailand’s emergency medical services number. Also save your nearest private hospital’s own emergency line, and know the way to the closest emergency room.
- Should I use a hospital or a clinic for my kids?
- Many families use both: a hospital pediatrician for checkups, vaccines and anything serious, and a local clinic for quick, simple visits. Ask your doctor what they’d prefer you do out of hours.
- Will my child’s vaccine schedule change in Thailand?
- It might. Bring your records to the first appointment and ask the pediatrician to match them to the schedule you want to follow.
- Can I ask health questions in a mom group?
- You can ask other moms about their experience and who they recommend. For symptoms or anything medical, talk to a doctor, and in an emergency call 1669.