Medical Negligence in Thailand: Legal Assistance for International Patients
ASAP Law expands its legal services to assist patients and families seeking advice about suspected medical negligence in Thailand, including those who have since returned overseas.
Medical treatment should be delivered with appropriate care, skill and professional attention. When that standard is not met and a patient suffers harm as a result, there may be grounds to seek legal advice and pursue compensation.
Medical negligence can arise in a wide range of circumstances, including:
Elective and non-elective surgery, including planned operations and urgent or emergency procedures.
Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, including breast augmentation.
Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis.
Dental procedures and treatment.
Anaesthesia, medication errors and complications arising from treatment.
Maternity care, birth injuries and post-operative care.
Inadequate hospital treatment, monitoring or follow-up.
Not every complication or unsuccessful medical procedure amounts to negligence. Each case must be assessed on its individual circumstances, including the treatment provided, the harm suffered and the available medical evidence.
Your rights under Thai law
Thai law provides a legal basis for seeking compensation where negligent conduct causes injury or harm. Section 420 of the Thai Civil and Commercial Code addresses civil liability for wrongful acts, including harm caused to another person's body or health.
Whether a claim can be brought, and what compensation may be available, will depend on the facts and evidence of the particular case.
The one-year time limit:
Under Thai law, medical negligence claims are generally subject to a one-year limitation period.
For claims based on wrongful acts, this period generally begins when the injured person becomes aware of the wrongful act and the person responsible.
This means the deadline does not necessarily begin on the date of the operation or medical treatment. The timing depends on the circumstances of the case.
If you believe that you or a family member may have experienced medical negligence, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Waiting too long could affect your ability to pursue a claim.
Received treatment in Thailand but now living overseas?
Returning to your home country does not automatically prevent you from pursuing a legal matter in Thailand.
International patients may have legal options under Thai law even if they now live in another country. Depending on the circumstances, a Thai lawyer may be able to represent and assist a client remotely, coordinate the collection of relevant records and manage legal proceedings in Thailand.
Living overseas does not mean you should assume that no action is possible.
If you received treatment in Thailand and have since returned home, it is still worth seeking advice about your legal position, particularly given the one-year limitation period that may apply.
How ASAP Law can assist
ASAP Law provides a free consultation and legal guidance to individuals and families concerned about possible medical negligence in Thailand.
Our first step is to understand what happened, consider the circumstances and explain the legal options that may be available. Where appropriate, we can advise on obtaining medical records, assessing the available evidence and the possible next steps.
We understand that dealing with the consequences of medical treatment can be stressful, particularly when you are also trying to navigate an unfamiliar legal system. Our aim is to make the process clear, professional and easily manageable.
Taking the first step is straightforward.
If you believe that you or a family member may have suffered harm through medical negligence in Thailand, contact ASAP Law to arrange an initial discussion.
You do not need to know whether you have a valid legal claim before contacting us. We can listen to your concerns and help you understand what information may be needed to assess your situation.
ASAP LawMedical Malpractice Lawyer, Bangkok, Thailand
Medical Negligence & Patient Claimsasap-law.com, laura@asap-law.com
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