How to Find Burmese or Khmer Speaking Doctors in Thailand

For many Burmese and Khmer-speaking people living in Thailand, a language barrier can be a major challenge when seeking medical care. Being able to explain your symptoms and understand a diagnosis in your native language is crucial for your health and safety.

The good news is that there are several reliable ways to find doctors and healthcare services with Burmese or Khmer-speaking staff. This guide will show you where to look, from major hospitals to local community centers.

Your First Step: Ask Your Community

The most direct and trusted way to find a doctor who speaks your language is to ask people you know.

Ask friends and family: They may have personal experience or know someone who does. Word-of-mouth recommendations are often the most reliable.
Join Social Media Groups: Look for Facebook groups for Burmese or Cambodian communities in Thailand. You can post a question, and people will often share their recommendations for doctors and clinics that they trust.

Using Hospitals with Interpreter Services

Many large hospitals, especially in big cities and tourist areas, have dedicated services for international patients. They can provide interpreters who speak various languages, including Burmese and Khmer.

How It Works: When you arrive at the hospital, go to the International Patients Department or the information desk. Tell the staff that you need an interpreter for your language. They will then arrange for a qualified interpreter to assist you during your appointment with the doctor.
Recommended Hospitals: Major hospital networks like Bangkok Hospital and Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok are well-known for their excellent interpreter services. Other large hospitals in cities like Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya also offer similar services.

Community Health Centers and NGOs (Often a Great Option!)

For many migrant workers, community health centers and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are an excellent choice. These organizations are specifically dedicated to providing healthcare to migrant populations and often have staff who speak their native languages.

Why They Are a Great Option: They are often more affordable than private hospitals, and their staff are trained to work with the unique health issues faced by migrant communities. Many of them have interpreters on-site or a network of bilingual staff.
Example Organizations: Foundations like the Migrant Assistance Program (MAP) Foundation in northern Thailand and other similar groups work to provide healthcare and support to the migrant community. You can search online for "migrant health NGO Thailand" to find a center near you.

Hospitals in Border Provinces

Hospitals in provinces that border Myanmar or Cambodia are very likely to have Burmese or Khmer-speaking staff.

For Burmese Speakers: Hospitals in provinces like Tak (especially in Mae Sot) and Kanchanaburi have long-standing experience treating patients from Myanmar. It is very common to find interpreters or medical staff who are fluent in Burmese.
For Khmer Speakers: Hospitals in Sa Kaeo province, near the Cambodian border, are also well-equipped to serve patients who speak Khmer.

No one should have to suffer a health issue because of a language barrier. By using these resources and asking your community, you can find a doctor who can help you communicate and get the medical care you need.