Two of Bangkok’s leading hospitals popular with foreign patients have set up in-house visa extension facilities to help those who have to overstay their visas while undergoing medical treatment. The facility gives a substantial boost to Thailand’s competitive position as it seeks to attract more global visitors to its world-class medical facilities.

In both cases, the Bumrungrad and Samitivej hospitals are bearing the expenses of providing the space and having Immigration officials come in once a week to process the paperwork. Have the facility in-house is far more convenient for them than having staff shuttle with the paperwork back and forth from the Immigration Division head office in Bangkok on a daily basis.

Thailand’s health, wellness and medical facilities are becoming increasingly popular all over the world. Thus far, people seeking to avail of these facilities have had to first see which type of visa they are holding, and the duration of stay permitted.

Visitors come to Thailand on many different types of visas. Citizens of 41 countries and territories get 30-day visa free stay, 20 nationalities get 15-day visas on arrival while the rest have to apply for visas beforehand. Full details of the visa requirements are available on www.immigration.go.th or www.mfa.go.th.

The different types of visas have various terms and conditions related to extension of stay. Some are extendable and others not. While many people come to Thailand under a 90-day “tourist visa” specifically for treatment, others are taking advantage of their presence in Thailand under a 15-day visa-on-arrival to get a check-up and any accompanying treatment, if necessary.

Either way, many find that an extension of stay is required. The Immigration Department acknowledges that patients who seek bonafide treatment should be given an extension so as not to incur an over-stay fine upon departure.

Extensions are now being granted for periods of one month to 90 days, depending on which type of visa the patient is holding. A doctor’s certificate is required (organised by the hospital) along with original passport, a photocopy of the passport and one photograph.

An Immigration Department form also has to be filled out, which is normally handled by the hospital. A charge of 1,900 baht is levied by the Immigration Department and the hospital may add a service charge. The extension is normally granted immediately.

Bumrungrad International
This centre was set up on 17 August 2005 to serve Bumrungrad’s in-patients, their relatives, tourists and general public. It is open every Wednesday from 13.00-16.00 hrs, 3rd Floor, of Bumrungrad Hospital Building,

Bumrungrad Hospital
33 Sukhumvit 3 (Soi Nana Nua), Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2667 1000
Fax:+66 (0) 2667 2525
E-mail: info@bumrungrad.com

Samitivej hospital (Sukhumvit):
This was opened on 27 April 2006 to serve in-patients as well as tourists, students and retirees on long-stay visas. It is open every Thursday from 0900-1500 hrs at Building No. 1, 1st Floor, Samitivej Hospital.

Samitivej Hospital
133 Sukhumvit 49, Klongtan Nua, Vadhana, Bangkok 10110
Tel: +66 (0) 2711-8000
Fax: 662(0)2391-1290
Email: info@samitivej.co.th

For further information about visas to Thailand: http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2381.php#Type