Bangkok is not only known for its rich culture and bustling streets but also for its world-class medical facilities.
Private hospitals usually steal the spotlight, but Bangkok is home to many government hospitals that provide amazing value for the money.
Let's walk through the top 5 public hospitals in the city, showing you where you can get top-notch care on a budget.
How do public hospitals differ from private hospitals?
In Bangkok, public hospitals are government-funded and provide affordable healthcare services, primarily catering to Thai citizens under the universal healthcare system but also open to foreigners. Government hospitals tend to have longer wait times and more basic amenities, but they offer competent care at a lower price and are accessible across the city.
Private hospitals in Bangkok, offer a more luxurious experience with state-of-the-art facilities and shorter wait times, often attracting expats, well-off Thai and medical tourists. They come with a higher price tag but also boast international accreditations such as JCI-accreditation and a multilingual staff to cater to a global clientele. These hospitals are well-suited for those who prioritize comfort and convenience in their healthcare experience. To find a suitable private hospital, visit our list of top private hospitals in Thailand.
Best Public Hospitals in Bangkok
1. King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital
King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, a prestigious institution affiliated to Thailands #1 university, offers a blend of top-tier medical services and compassionate care situated right next to Lumphini park.
Since its inception in 1914, it has grown into a sprawling medical complex with a capacity of 1,435 beds and a myriad of specialized centers of excellence. The hospital's affiliation with the Thai Red Cross Society and Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Medicine means many Thai healthcare professionals that later progress to Thailand's top private hospitals, graduate and train here.
It is renowned for its comprehensive cancer center, cardiology department, and advanced transplant unit and has been the choice of various Thai dignitaries, reflecting its status as a trusted healthcare provider. Its medical staff includes some of the nation's most respected clinicians and surgeons, many of whom have been recognized with national and international awards for their contributions to medicine.
- Located next to Lumphini Park, easily accessible by MRT (Si Lom station) and BTS (Sala Daeng)
- Renowned for cancer center, cardiology department and organ transplant unit but provides a wide range of services
2. Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital
Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital is the largest government hospital in Thailand and is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
As Thailand's largest hospital, it boasts over 2,200 beds and serves as a pivotal referral center for the nation, handling a staggering 3.8 million outpatients each year. Its wide array of 61 specialty clinics ensures that patients receive highly specialized care tailored to their unique needs.
The hospital's excellence is underscored by its affiliation with Mahidol University and its status as a teaching hospital, which attracts the brightest medical minds from Thailand and other countries in the region. It is a hub for pioneering research and has been instrumental in advancing medical practices in Thailand.
Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun was the first government hospital in Thailand to receive JCI-accreditation, seen as the "gold standard" for international healthcare accreditation. The hospital received the first JCI-accreditation in 2013 and has since added two more JCI-accreditations for their knee replacement and hip replacements.
Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital has been entrusted with the care of members of the Royal Family, underscoring its reputation for providing care of the highest standard. The hospital's medical team includes renowned specialists who are at the forefront of medical research.
- Largest government hospital in Thailand with a capacity of over 2,200 beds and 61 specialty clinics
- First public hospital in Thailand to receive JCI-accreditation in 2013
- Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok, easiest to reach by taxi or Grab car as there is no BTS or MRT station nearby
3. Ramathibodi Hospital
Ramathibodi Hospital, also known as the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, is a university hospital of Mahidol University. It functions as a teaching hospital for undergraduate students of the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital.
Nestled near the serene Chitralada Palace grounds and Victory Monument, is a cornerstone of medical care and education in Bangkok. Since its opening in 1969, it has expanded to include over 1,300 beds and has the capacity to treat up to 5,000 outpatients daily.
The hospital is recognized for its outstanding departments of neurology, nephrology, and pediatrics, among others, and has received numerous accolades for its clinical and research excellence. Ramathibodi Hospital is also regarded as one of the final referral centers in Thailand for rare and complicated diseases.
4. Thammasat University Hospital
Thammasat University Hospital is a leading tertiary-level facility located on the prestigious Rangsit campus in Pathum Thani Province (North of Bangkok), Thailand. With over 30 years of history, the hospital has evolved into a premier public institution affiliated with Thammasat University and under the Ministry of Education.
As a teaching hospital for various faculties, including Allied Health Science, Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, and Public Health, Thammasat University Hospital offers care in a wide array of medical subspecialties. The hospital treats over 1,500 outpatients daily and has 844 beds for inpatients.
The new Thammasat Advanced Medical Center (THAMC) building began services on June 17, 2024, offering a premium medical experience and excellent patient care. This state-of-the-art facility integrates cutting-edge technologies and features modern amenities such as underground parking and EV charging stations.
Thammasat University Hospital focuses on providing advanced technology in complex disease treatment, supporting research and innovation through the Medical Genomics Center, enhancing teaching and learning, and organizational development to support medical personnel. The hospital also emphasizes minimally invasive surgery and endoscopic procedures to reduce post-operative pain and hospital stays.
The THAMC building features outpatient services with modern medical technologies, inpatient services utilizing advanced technology for reduced recovery time, and specialist units including an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and advanced Operating Rooms (OR). Experience world-class care at Thammasat University Hospital, where expertise meets innovation.
5. Rajavithi Hospital
Rajavithi Hospital offers comprehensive medical services to both local and international patients. Founded in 1951 as the Women's Hospital, it has evolved into a multi-specialty facility and is now the largest hospital in Thailand's Ministry of Public Health system. With a capacity of 1,200 inpatient beds, Rajavithi Hospital treats up to 1 million outpatients annually.
Rajavithi Hospital is known for its expertise in cardiology, neurology, and oncology, with a team of highly qualified and experienced specialists. The hospital has seven Centers of Excellence that provide specialized care in areas such as ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat), trauma, and head and neck cancer. It serves as a major organ transplant facility and operates a large trauma unit
The hospital is easily accessible via taxis, buses, and the BTS Skytrain Rajavithi Hospital is a teaching hospital for the College of Medicine, Rangsit University hasreceived accreditations and awards for its medical services and commitment to healthcare excellence.
Conclusion
The public hospitals listed above offer an affordable alternative to Bangkok's high-end medical facilities. While they may not have all the frills and modern amenities that private hospitals take for granted, they provide reliable care at a fraction of the cost.
When choosing between government-funded public hospitals and private institutions, consider your priorities: budget or comfort. Public hospitals are often more accessible to locals under Thailand's universal healthcare system but also welcome foreign patients who can pay out-of-pocket for their services.
In conclusion, Bangkok has numerous government-funded public hospitals that provide excellent care at an affordable price. With this list of top 5 public hospitals, you'll have access to world-class healthcare without breaking the bank.
.svg){kind=small}