Bangkok Hospital remains trusted destination for Bangladeshi patients

Dhaka : Bangkok Hospital continues to attract a steady stream of Bangladeshi patients seeking specialized treatment, supported by advanced medical technology, experienced physicians, and comprehensive patient services despite growing competition in the regional medical tourism market.

Dr Shakti Ranjan Paul, an Internal Medicine Physician at Bangkok Hospital, shared these insights in an interview with The Bangladesh Monitor at the hospital's Dhanmondi office in Dhaka.

Leading specialties

Dr Paul said oncology remains one of Bangkok Hospital's strongest specialties, supported by advanced PET/CT scanners and regularly upgraded radiation therapy systems.

Cardiac care is another major strength. The hospital performs complex procedures, including repeat bypass surgeries, while using technologies such as CartoSound for treating difficult arrhythmia cases. Routine cardiac interventions, including angiograms, stent placements, and bypass surgeries, are also widely performed.

Dr Shakti Ranjan Paul

Spine surgery is another key specialty, with surgeons using O-arm imaging technology to improve surgical precision and reduce the risk of nerve damage.

Technology, patient support

According to Dr Paul, Bangkok Hospital's strengths lie in its combination of advanced technology, experienced physicians, and Thailand's high nursing standards.

As the flagship of a 54-hospital network across Thailand, the hospital benefits from large-scale investments in medical technology. It introduced Gamma Knife radiosurgery in 1997 and PET/CT imaging in 2007, upgrading the technology again in 2010.

He also highlighted interpreter services as a major advantage, saying they play an active role in supporting patients throughout their treatment rather than simply translating conversations.

Support for Bangladeshi patients

The hospital's Bangladesh office provides end-to-end assistance, including doctor selection, appointment scheduling, visa support, and travel arrangements.

Staff review patients' medical reports and recommend appropriate specialists free of charge, helping simplify what can otherwise be a complex process.

Bangladesh remains key market

Bangladesh ranks among Bangkok Hospital's top international source markets by revenue. Dr. Paul estimated the hospital currently treats between 70 and 100 Bangladeshi patients daily, or roughly 3,000 each month.

Patient numbers fell during the COVID-19 pandemic before recovering strongly. Demand increased further following India's tighter visa policies for Bangladeshi citizens, although arrivals have recently moderated as Indian visa services gradually normalized.

Quality over cost

While treatment in Thailand generally costs more than in Bangladesh and India, Dr. Paul said Bangkok Hospital focuses on long-term value rather than upfront price.

Using bypass surgery as an example, he explained that the hospital often uses              chest or stomach arteries instead of leg veins, offering longer-lasting results and reducing the likelihood of future surgery.

Emergency, follow-up care

Bangkok Hospital provides 24-hour emergency support for international patients, including assistance with emergency medical visas and air ambulance coordination when necessary.

After returning home, most Bangladeshi patients receive follow-up care through telemedicine, allowing them to consult their physicians remotely while avoiding additional travel expenses.