The service gives a substantial boost to Thailand's competitive position as it seeks to attract more global visitors to its world-class medical facilities.

Bangkok International Hospital launches its immigration service today. The unit, in cooperation with the Immigration Department, provides visa facilities for foreign patients, as well as tourists who come to use the hospital's services or stay in a hotel near the Hospital.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation

"With the opening of the unit, the hospital intends to provide a special immigration service to facilitate foreign patients and foreign tourists as well as expatriates," said CEO Chatree Duangnet.

He said hospital staff would help with visa extensions and other necessary services in its Concierge Department. Service time is Thursday afternoons.

Bumrungrad and Samitivej hospitals have also been providing space for immigration officials to come once a week and process paperwork. Having an in-house facility is far more convenient than having staff shuttle back and forth every day with the paperwork between the hospital and the Immigration Department's head office in Soi Suan Phlu.

Thailand's health, wellness and medical facilities are becoming increasingly popular all over the world. Previously, people wanting to avail themselves of such facilities first had to determine which type of visa they held and the duration of stay permitted.

Visitors come to Thailand on different types of visas. Citizens of 41 countries and territories receive a 30-day visa-free stay, 20 nationalities receive a 15-day visa on arrival, and the rest must apply for a visa beforehand.

The different types of visas have various terms and conditions related to extensions of stay. Some are extendable, while others are not. Many come to Thailand under a 90-day tourist visa specifically for treatment, while others take advantage of their presence in Thailand under a 15-day visa on arrival to receive a check-up and follow-up treatment, if any.

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

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

An Immigration Department form must also be filled out, which is normally handled by the hospital. A fee of Bt1,900 is levied by the department, and the hospital may add a service charge. The extension is normally granted immediately.