Sea view, but not from the condo this time

It was the second week of our – my friend Winai and myself – staying in the condo at Pattaya Hill, Pra-Tam-Nak. At the beginning of November, the weather is pleasant, not too hot and almost no rain.

We came from the countryside to spend some time by the sea. And to celebrate my birthday. We usually do that at the Jomtien Complex, in one of the restaurants in a complex near the beach at the end of Tappraya Road. There are also nice bars there, not as busy as the ones in the center of Pattaya, and no hassle. Just having fun eating and drinking with friends.

The year before that annual trip could not take place, was on my birthday with a pancreas disorder in the AEK Udon International Hospital (See Diary of David Diamant). This year we were looking forward to it, so we would celebrate double next week on November 13th.

But one night, a few days before the festivities, I became terribly ill. As pale as a corpse, literally spewing bile. My friend immediately raised the alarm. Was it that pancreas again? Folded over on the floor in pain. Remember, here we go again!

Pattaya International Hospital

Winai advised me to go to the hospital quickly. Was there – (un)fortunately enough? – none so far, so Winai does. Wash some of my milk, and obey steadily. Arrived by car to soi 4 on Beach Road, to the emergency department of Pattaya International Hospital. Anamnesis, told about my previous hospitalization in Udon Thani to the doctor. And read a report from my treating doctor in Belgium, who told about my medical condition in English.

Then came the manager, a pretty lady from the International Department (ID). Asked my details. Gave my card from Mutas, the international emergency center of my Belgian health insurance fund. She asked for 10.000 baht in advance. Despite my weak condition, I was able to inform her that Mutas should be contacted. They are available 24/24 7/7 and in such a case they will send a voucher to guarantee payment.

Told her the 10.000 baht wasn't necessary at all, although could have easily put it. The lady disappeared – leaving a stern look – with Mutas' card. Came back 15 minutes later - smiling excessively - with a confirmation fax from them. So that was already arranged. Only now from the emergency room to the room, after all, now that it was certain that it was a paying patient… !

In the room there was of course a sick bed, dresser with TV, a double sofa that could serve as a bed. Terrace with two chairs. Was intubated and given pain relief.

The manager ID came by with pajamas, slippers, and a bag with toiletries. Also a dressing gown, towels, all printed with the logo of the hospital. One can learn something from that in Belgium.

BangkokPattaya Hospital

A scan of the pancreas had to be made in the morning, but they didn't have such a device. In a wheelchair, and by ambulance to the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital (BPH). Winai remained faithful and still troubled with me.

In the BPH the same song. Upon receipt, they asked 20.000 baht for the scan: to be paid in advance. Told them about Mutas, gave them the ticket and fax they sent to Pattaya international. The lady frowned, and said if you give 20.000 baht now you can go under the scan, otherwise you have to wait.

Chose the second, thought it better to follow the rules of Mutas, how else can you ever recover that money, if it is correct, etc. But here too, after 20 minutes the lady came back with a big smile, and drove me straight to the scan. Afterwards with the protocol etc. back to 'my' hospital on soi 4.

Now, I understand very well that people ask for advances. There are tourists who travel to Thailand by chance. But not or poorly insured. And in the bar great Jan, but if they get really sick, they are dying without money at the emergency. Have seen a few. That is very unfortunate, but yes, think before you start!

From a medical point of view, after three days, it gradually came back more and more well. The doctor came by a lot, she thought I was an 'interesting medical case'. Don't elaborate, that would be too long. Only acquaintances came to visit, we could sit comfortably on the terrace, and drinks came from the minibar, which was actually a table fridge (self-filled).

Even the beachboy of the chairs on the beach where we have our permanent place, had heard of it. It was there at one point, with one puang malai. Lucky pendant of jasmine flowers, among others. What a nice gesture. Coincidentally the day of my birthday!

Dismissal, lots of paperwork

Discharge followed on day 7. So check out, and was directed to a desk downstairs. There was a sign on the desk saying 'old patient check-out'. Hey. Was just 40, so… Lots of paperwork, medical reports received, seen the doctor for a while, and then to another counter to pick up medication.

Oddly enough, he had to pay for it himself, now, he was well helped, thought it was a good hospital, and actually paid with pleasure. Was 700 baht and actually it mainly contained vitamins, and some classic painkillers that you can also buy in 7-Eleven. Way too much for what it was, that 700 baht but now thought yes, give them that.

Big party in the evening

Relieved, Winai and I arrived home to our condo. Winai beamed, because he had not seen his bed for seven days. The sofa in the hospital room. Went shopping, prepared something, we ate, and then he spent the whole afternoon on the phone. Well, his experiences and heart vented, the whole adventure probably told in scents and colors to his friends. Thought that was good, was very grateful to him. Big party in the evening, but strictly supervised the diet, because I wouldn't want to go back to the hospital this year.

Months later in Belgium, I still tried to submit the receipt of the medication (700 baht) to the health insurance company. And… the amount was refunded in full. Belgians also know something about stinginess, I thought .

David Diamond

David Diamant is 42 years old, a widower, and lives in Belgium. Worked in the diamond industry in Antwerp, the former Soviet Union and Asia until 1997. Afterwards he had a career in the social sector in Antwerp, which ended abruptly in 2009 after a serious internal disorder, which manifested itself in Thailand. Since then he has been on sick leave.