Ex-Pat's dilemna: Medical costs

A local friend, a fellow Ex-Pat found out a while ago that he has cancer.
He needs an operation to survive.

Problem is, no money, insufficient savings.

His Embassy (Australian) stated that he has lived overseas for over 12 years, so they do not provide emergency evacuation to Australia, where treatment would be virtually free .

The local red cross has provided strong pain medication and is willing to get him to an appropriate hospital. Problem is, they expect him to pay for the 100,000 baht operation (US$2860).

Local donations have amounted to a little more than 10,000 baht.

This is yet another potent example to all Ex-Pat's and those considering retiring in Thailand to ensure proper medical coverage or sufficient money in the bank for medical emergencies.

True, most medical services are inexpensive compared to western countries, but unlike many western countries, hospitals can refuse treatment if payment is not guaranteed.

An example: Heart surgeries range from 100,000 to 1 million baht.