The doctors in these facilities are all salaried although they are permitted some private practice when not on duty at the public facility. They charge a fee for their private practice services. A small but growing number of people have private health insurance that enables them to pay for care in both public and private hospitals. As in many countries there is a waiting time for non-emergency surgery. This has prompted a growing number of Tha s to take out private health insurance to pay for care in the private hospitals.
Private hospitals are numerous in the large cities and in resort areas.
In Bangkok, the yellow pages of the English language telephone directory list over 150 hospitals - public and private. Although the quality varies, many of the private hospitals provide excellent care. There are a number of Thai military hospitals which are staffed and equipped to provide excellent care, but civilian access to these facilities, including access by foreigners, is only possible on referral. Because of tradition, as well as the costs of care, a great many Thai people still rely on traditional, herbal medicine. The information contained above is intended for general reference purposes only and is neither a complete medical guide for travelers to this region nor a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam.