Healthcare and insurance

Hospitals near campus#

Siriraj Hospital, one of Thailand's largest hospitals, is directly across the river from Tha Prachan, reachable by a short cross-river boat. Several other hospitals and clinics, both public and private, serve the wider old-city area. Private hospitals tend to have shorter waits and more English-speaking staff, generally at higher cost than public hospitals.

Insurance expectations#

Many universities, including Thammasat, expect or require international students to hold valid health insurance for the duration of their stay, sometimes as a visa or enrolment condition. Confirm the specific requirement and any university-arranged options with TU International Affairs. Keep your insurance documents (physical or digital) accessible in case a hospital asks at check-in.

Emergency numbers#

Emergency contact numbers

Situation	Number
Medical emergency / ambulance	1669
Police	191

For non-urgent care, going directly to a hospital's outpatient department is usually faster and cheaper than calling an ambulance.

Pharmacies#

Pharmacies are common across Bangkok, identified by a green cross sign. Pharmacists can often help directly with minor ailments without needing a doctor's visit. Bring the name of your regular medication (or its active ingredient) if you take something specific, since brand names differ from your home country.

Registering with a health provider#

Some students choose a regular clinic or hospital near where they live for routine care, rather than deciding only when something goes wrong. Do this in your first few weeks.

If you're ever unsure#

Thai hospitals are used to treating international patients. If in doubt about how serious something is, get checked.