What are the steps for an American to get the medical tests required for a 5-year Thai visa?

Jul 8, 2021
3 years ago
Dave *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
What is the best way is for an American to get the tests for the 5-year visa?

When I mention it to doctors they usually laugh. [Must NOT have prohibitive diseases (Leprosy, Tuberculosis, drug addiction, Elephantiasis, third phase of Syphilis)].
2,093
views
1
likes
46
all likes
24
replies
0
images
16
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
Obtaining the necessary medical tests for a 5-year Thai visa can be challenging for Americans. Key steps include finding a doctor or clinic willing to sign the required medical form. Many individuals report success with their regular physicians, but some face hurdles, such as excessive testing or reluctance from healthcare providers. Low-cost health clinics specializing in immigrant health services may offer a viable option. Moreover, for most prohibitive diseases, a doctor's observation is often sufficient, and not all tests are mandated; however, a blood test for tertiary syphilis might be necessary. Ultimately, each case may vary, and shopping around for the right provider is often recommended.
Benjamin ******
I'm going to shut this down. You will have to shop around for a doctor, however the consulate is not going to want to see the blood work for any prohibitive diseases, except maybe tertiary syphilis. I recommend shopping around and finding the lowest price doctor/ clinic possible who's willing to sign off the form.

Good luck!
Dave *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks everyone!
Scott ********
See your regular doctor. The first time I did this for a visa my regular doctor asked questions, I answered, and he signed the form. No problem. The second time I did this I had a new doctor (thanks Tricare) and explained how I did it the last time. Consider her unimpressed. She wouldn’t sign anything and ordered tests for EVERYTHING! She tested for multiple diseases and all kinds of drugs. It’s a good thing the taxpayers paid for all those tests because I’m sure they were expensive.
John *********
I was told by Los Angeles embassy it could be completely by observation by your doctor
Bobby ********
John Pirillo. It seems Americans have the biggest problem getting this form signed. I don't know why this would be. In Australia from I understand, no-one has had a problem. Their GP will do it without batting an eyelid
Steven ********
I also had a very difficult time finding a doctor to sign the form. After searching for a few days finally went to clinic that does tests for immigrants. It was pretty expensive. He wanted blood tests for most of them. He had to call the labs to even see if tests were available. It was the biggest hassle for me to get the VISA. The other issue i had was the doctor kept the original results and made me a copy. The thailand embassy said they needed the original. They took my application with condition i mail the original to them.I think part of the problem was doctors are fearful of lawsuits and didn't want to sign something they were not familiar with.
Brook ********
Testing is not required and completely unnecessary.
Mike ******
Clinics that deal in occupational medicine or clinics that assist international travelers could work. I got my first OA Visa Medical Certificate completed at a clinic that conducted occupational rehab and medical services. The clinic actually conducted the blood tests and even did a Chest X-ray. The cost 5 years ago was about $300. The challenge might be in getting the actual form signed by a doctor because it both English and Thai. At first the Doctor did not want to sign it because he did not what the Thai words said. But in the end he signed it and the Thai Embassy accepted this form.
Wannikea *********
An interview with your doctor doing a physical exam and asking a few questions should be enough for them to sign off on the form, a syphilis blood test can complete the exam.
Benjamin ******
What the Thai government is seeking is the form signed by a doctor. Tests for these illnesses can be done using any method the doctor desires, including visual tests (for Elephantiasis or Leprosy, for example) or by asking you questions. I *NEVER* heard of the government asking for the test results.

GO to your local medical clinic (even a free clinic) and ask them to sign the form. Let them know you do not need blood tests or other exams done and you just need that form signed.
Don-Laura *******
Nope, never have been asked for the results. Find a doctor friend or relative who can knock it out for free 🙂
Lloyd ********
I have always handed in both the medical cert and the blood work cert, always seperate forms
Lloyd ********
A blood test is required to test for tertiary syphilis
Benjamin ******
@Lloyd *******
Does the Thai government ask to see the blood work though? I heard they can do blood tests for Elephantiasis as well.
Paul ************
I’m in USA, my primary physician, had me sign release of information, 3 days later had the document in hand.
Tod *********
IF you're in the US it can be hard to find a doc or health care provider that will just pencil whip that form and sign off on it.

Believe it or nto your best bet is to find a low cost health clinic in your city and go there. Most of the docs there will just look at that form, realize it's totally worthless as the paper it's printed on and sign off on it
Bobby ********
See your regular doctor. He or she will have your records and can sign it off when they know your medical history. The tests themselves would cost a fortune
Ade ******
@Bobby *******
My GP practise wouldn't. Used a private GP for £180. Elephantiasis was by sight. The rest were blood tests.
Bobby ********
Ade Long. Difference perhaps between Australia and UK? I had no problem at all. Same doctor for over twenty years.
James ********
@Mervyn *******
not if you are in your home country applying for the visa.
Marty *********
My doctor just signed the form. I dropped the form off at his office and I picked it up the next day. I never even saw him.
Lloyd ********
Any and every hospital will do the tests, it would appear to be the same as the medical for a work permit.
Lloyd ********
Ah ok
Tod *********
@Lloyd *******
I believe the O/P is in their country and it can be tough to get that signed off in a "real country" :O
Thai Visa Advice
... members · 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice