Rheumatology in Thailand

Rheumatology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and therapy of conditions that affect joints, bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles, including those known as rheumatic diseases, or autoimmune conditions. Physicians who have had special training in rheumatology are called rheumatologists. Some of the conditions that rheumatologists diagnose and treat include:

Chronic back pain, Lupus, Inflammatory arthritis of the hips, knee, or shoulders, Rheumatoid arthritis, Tendinitis, Osteoporosis, Psoriatic arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Giant cell arteritis, Bursitis, Scleroderma, Behcet’s disease, Polymyalgia rheumatic, Paget’s disease, Polymyositis, Dermatomyositis, Ankylosing spondylitis, Gout, Reiter’s syndrome, Sjogren’s syndrome, Reactive arthropathies, Sarcoidosis, Idiopathic juvenile arthritis.

While rheumatologists diagnose and treat rheumatic diseases, they do not perform surgery. They perform examinations and procedures that help them diagnose, manage, and treat rheumatic conditions. These include:

• Complete physical exams.
• Lab tests, which usually involve taking samples of joint fluid, urine, or blood to check for anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP) antibodies, synovial fluid, rheumatoid factor, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein.
• Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, bone density scans (DXA), or ultrasounds.
• Lumbar punctures.
• Joint aspiration.
• Synovial biopsy.
• Joint injections.
• Bursal injections.
• Hyaluronic acid injections.

How Long Should I Stay in Thailand?

Rheumatology procedures are usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you should be able to leave the hospital or clinic on the same day. Depending on your condition and the type of procedure you will have, you may also be allowed to travel home immediately after. However, it is generally recommended that you stay for 2 to 7 days as you may need to attend a follow-up appointment to discuss the test results with your rheumatologist (if you undergo a diagnostic test) or to monitor your condition.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

The recovery time depends on your specific condition. After the rheumatology procedure itself, you may not need any downtime, although you will need to take it easy for at least two days after some procedures, such as a lumbar puncture. If your condition causes painful symptoms, your rheumatologist will also recommend that you rest until the pain and discomfort subsides. Make sure to discuss your recovery timeline, including when you can return to work and perform strenuous activities.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your rheumatologist will likely prescribe you medications. It is important that you take the medications as directed. You may also be suggested to see undergo physical therapy or occupational therapy. Physical therapists will teach you exercises that can help you move your joints and improve their strength, while occupational therapists can teach you how to ease the strains on your joints when performing your day-to-day activities. Lifestyle changes are important as well, such as maintaining a healthy weight and staying active. Since most rheumatic diseases are long-term diseases, you probably will need regular checkups.

What's the Success Rate?

With cutting-edge technology, continuous research, and a better understanding of the joints, bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles, rheumatology procedures are now more accurate and safer. The procedures are also highly successful, giving patients higher satisfaction rates and improvement in their quality of life. 

Are there Alternatives?

The alternatives depend on your specific condition. It is best that you talk to your general physician first, who will be able to refer you to the relevant specialist. If you require surgery, for instance, you need joint replacement surgery, your rheumatologist will refer you to an orthopedic surgeon.

Rheumatology in and around Thailand

About Thailand

Thailand is consistently voted one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, leading the way for Asian countries with over 60 state-of-the-art JCI-accredited facilities. The country is renowned for its tropical beaches, floating markets, stunning royal palaces, and Buddhist temples. The vibrant capital, Bangkok, blends tradition and modernity with its ultramodern cityscape featuring brand-new high-rise condominiums side-by-side with quiet, serene canalside communities. As per the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phuket, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, and Pattaya are the most sought-after tourist spots outside Bangkok, each boasting excellent yacht chartering opportunities.

Each year, Thailand opens its doors to hundreds of thousands of medical tourists. These individuals traverse the globe to receive treatment, with a significant number hailing from the local SE Asia region, Australia, the United States, and the Middle East. Recently, there has been an upsurge in the number of visitors coming in from China for medical purposes. 

The reasons for Thailand's popularity as a medical tourism destination are its outstanding private healthcare system, attractive tropical climate, and competitive pricing. In the list of top medical tourism destinations worldwide, Thailand currently holds the third position. The procedures that attract most patients are cosmetic surgeries, including breast augmentations, gender reassignment surgery, and CoolSculpting, along with cardiac surgery, orthopedics, and urology.

Popular Parts of Thailand

Thailand, with a population of just under 70 million people spread over an area of around 500,000 square kilometers, has several regions and cities that are widely popular with both natives and tourists. Offering a diverse blend of urban and rural experiences, beach life and inland natural beauty, each part of Thailand offers a unique angle into the rich and complex Thai culture.

Arguably the most popular area of Thailand is the capital city, Bangkok. Consistently ranked as one of the most visited cities in the world, Bangkok is an ever-buzzing urban hub with its busy streets, modern lifestyle, magnificent temples and opulent palace, alongside a pulsating nightlife. This city is typically the entry gateway for a vast majority of the 30 million tourists who visit Thailand each year. Known for its glimmering cityscape and vibrant food scene, Bangkok is indeed a compulsory stop in every traveler's itinerary.

While Bangkok is the country's urban heart, there's more to Thailand than just its capital. Among the other popular regions are the beachside island paradise of Phuket and Koh Samui, the city of Pattaya, and Hua Hin - each of them a haven for beach lovers and anyone seeking a laid-back vibe away from bustling city life. However, for those who prefer the call of the inland and a dash of adventure, Chiang Mai, nestled in the lush jungles of northern Thailand offers a refreshing and unique proposition with its derivative local culture, serene temples and interaction with native wildlife.

Weather and Climate in Thailand

Known for its truly tropical climate and scorching temperatures, Thailand, in general, is hot and humid all year round. The coastal locations do benefit from the cooling sea breeze, a luxury urban Bangkok is denied. Average temperatures range from 28°C (82°F) up to 35°C (95°F). However, during the Hot Season (March to June), temperatures can top 40°C (104°F).

The infamous Rainy Season tends to start in July and continue through to October; during this time expect heavy rainfall, often amounting to flooding in some areas. It will remain warm to hot but humidity levels will rise and the mosquitos will come out to play!

November to February is often referred to as the Cool Season when less rain is expected and the temperatures tend not to rise above 35°C (95°F).

From a tourist perspective; the High Season lasts from November to March and the Low Season from April to October. But be aware of the Shoulder Seasons of April to June and September to October, when Thailand is less impacted by the Rainy Season and less busy with tourists – these can be the ideal times to visit.

In a nutshell, Thailand is a Shorts and T-shirt Country, you’re never really going to be cold, so pack light; shorts, t-shirts, vests, skirts, singlets, and light dresses. Maybe pack jeans and shoes if you’re planning on going to a swanky roof-top bar in Bangkok or to a temple where flip-flops are not acceptable.

Don’t forget mosquito spray as the little pests can get everywhere; big ones and little ones! Always protect against the sun; with high factor sunscreen and UV-protective sunglasses. The usual medications found at home should be available in most pharmacies.

Getting around in Thailand

With the Suvarnabhumi International Airport being serviced by some of the world’s major airlines, tourists can fly into Thailand from almost anywhere in the world, sometimes with a connection along the way. All the popular regions have their own international airports, with the exception of Pattaya, which is just a 90-minute taxi ride from Bangkok. However, arrival destinations are slightly limited outside of Bangkok, but the likes of Emirates and Qatar Airways will fly into Phuket International Airport. The rest, mostly fly in from local countries on budget airlines, including Scoot, SilkAir, AirAsia, and Lion Air to name a few.

For domestic flights, the airports are nicely linked in Thailand with flights from as little as $45 USD one way. There are several budget airlines servicing these routes, including Thai Lion Air, AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and Thai Smile.

The train allows for even cheaper travel within Thailand and is far more comfortable than spending hours sitting on a bus. Bangkok has the BTS, or Skytrain, which allows for fast transfer from the airport into the city. Given the traffic in central Bangkok, the BTS offers a great alternative to being stuck in traffic jams.

Taxis are great, however, be sure to confirm the price before you begin your journey or better still, insist the ride goes on the meter – that is how you guarantee the cheapest and fairest price. But expect traffic in the city and any built-up areas.

Tourist Visas in Thailand

Before you travel to Thailand, it is important to stay updated with the latest visa requirements. While a number of countries are eligible for visa-free entry, the rules can sometimes shift, making it essential to verify before you travel.

If you are travelling from countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Australia, Singapore, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea can enjoy a stay of up to 30 days in Thailand without needing a visa. On the other hand, if you are visiting from China, India, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan, you will be granted the facility of a visa on arrival.

To get a visa on arrival here are the requirements:
1. You need to have a valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity. 
2: You would need to show proof of a round-trip ticket within 30 days and confirmation of your accommodation for the first night in Thailand. 
3. You need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds for your visit, which is 10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family. 

Don't forget to carry a recent passport-sized photograph. The fee for a visa on arrival is 2,000 THB, and you can pay it via cash or credit card.

For more information, click here.

Additional Information

1. The Thai Baht (THB) is the local currency. 1 USD is approximately around 34.5559 on average as of  2023.
2. ATMs are readily available across Thailand and accept virtually all major bank cards (Visa, Mastercard). Credit card payment is accepted in most established restaurants and outlets, with the more local food vendors, for example, only accepting cash.
3. Thai is the local language but due to the extremely well-established tourism industry in Thailand, English is spoken by most locals who work with tourists, and often signs will have an English translation.
4. Buddhism is the primary religion in Thailand, with a large Muslim population in the south. The Royal Family is deeply revered throughout the country and should never be disrespected.
5. There are many public holidays in Thailand, which aren’t always on the same day each year, including Songkran (Thai New Year), which is celebrated in mid-April, Labor Day, and Coronation Day in early May, Asanha Buja in July and Constitution Day in December.