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Will I be able to navigate the airport with mobility difficulties after my hip replacement surgery in Thailand?

Mobility AssistanceTraveling with DisabilitiesAirport NavigationThai PassHip Replacement SurgeryHealthcare in ThailandAssistance CartAirline ServicesExpat Travel in Thailand
May 16, 2022
2 years ago
Caleb ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sawat-di-kráp:

I received good information here. Thanks to the people who helped me. I don't like to repeat questions that have already been asked in other posts, etc.

I submitted everything for Thail Pass. I'm waiting until tomorrow. Since I'm going for a hip replacement at Bumrungrad, I am FAIRLY crippled. I walk with great difficulty. I will need the 'assistance-cart.' I am very embarrassed about this. I was strong when younger.

Will I be able to clear the aiport lines, and all the other stuff? Again, I can barely walk. Thanks everyone.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on airport navigation due to mobility issues following hip replacement surgery. They expressed concerns about managing airport processes and requested assistance details, particularly regarding the use of an assistance cart. Commenters provided valuable insights on arranging mobility assistance through airlines, experiences at Thai airports, and tips for a smoother journey, emphasizing the helpfulness of staff and encouraging a positive outlook on the surgery and recovery.
Оливер *********
Yeah, no sweat. Either call the airline a few days before you go, or tell em at the check in counter. When the guy that assists you got you to your taxi or bus, give him a minimum 100 bht Tip! That's what he lives off!
2 years ago
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Alain ***************
Wheelchair traveler here. Tell the airline to prepare for WHCR. Everything will be smooth and you will even get pushed through all fast lanes. I would prefer to walk and wait fo hours though
2 years ago
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Caleb ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alain **************
 I did contact the airlines through their websites. Thanks for your advice. Is is very clear. Cheers. Also, I think I make it to the seat. I appreciate your careful input. Very cool.
2 years ago
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Caleb ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alain **************
 Both of us. Learning and respecting...
2 years ago
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Caleb ***************
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Bob *********
You really should contact your airline to let them know if you may need assistance at the airport. If you do they will arrange for assistance on and off the aircraft and through the airport with a wheelchair and if there are steps up to the aircraft they have an ambulift for less able passengers. Good luck and best wishes I hope it works out well for you.
2 years ago
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Caleb ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob ********
 Done. Thanks.
2 years ago
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Caleb ***************
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Caleb ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
What's the deal with the Thai pass... waiting... not LOL, but not freaking out either.
2 years ago
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Caleb ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Also, I applied for Thai pass this morning. Still waiting. I assume this is normal. I read different things. Thanks to everyone. I mean that. I really do.
2 years ago
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Caleb ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am looking also for reasonable accommodation ($30/US?) near Bumgrungrad. No stairs and a restaurant/bar. I am not rich but I am not a back-packer. I will be a humble visitor and I will be kind to all and tip well.
2 years ago
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Caleb ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I think I owe you a few beers or a coffee, or something very kool. Who takes time to answer questions like that. I will try and not waste the oxygen in this very generous and helpful FB place. (I hate FB). Also, yes, as per your advice, Winston, I'm just fair, not a power-broker tip boss. You comments GREATLY assisted. Me. I hope you know that.
2 years ago
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Winston ********
@Caleb **************
 welcome Caleb. No. I don't want anything in return. My blessing come from heaven. What goes around comes around so if I do good without expectations, good will come to me and it has. I too am not rich and I would surely have to relocate to Canada if i was sick but at 6my age God has been kind to me and given me good health since a young age and I don't even look my age. Stay positive at all times.
2 years ago
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Winston ********
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Winston ********
@Caleb **************
 When you

book your flight you can always ask for wheelchair assistance. Carry all your medical papers with you about your disability and hip replacement. With wheelchair assistance, the porter will zoom you through getting your boarding pass, priority through immigration, usually either first or last to board depends on your arrival time (if early at the lounge then priority boarding before the other passengers board). ALSO VERY IMPORTANT IS TO ASK FOR AN AISLE PORTABLE WHEELCHAIR. (sorry for the caps but this is imp so i wanted you to notice it). The normal wheelchair doesn't fit in the aisle so they will have to transfer you to this aisle portable. Not every aircraft has this so they will have to ensure it is available for you. Also ensure that they arrange for an aisle portable at Bangkok and also for wheelchair assistance. I hope your flight is a direct one otherwise you need to ensure at your port of origin that they organize the wheelchair and aisle portable at your transfer airport terminals too if you are going via. At Bangkok you will also be assisted with a wheelchair experience. Being generous is ok but don't keep tipping too much every time. The porters will also be assisting you with your baggage check in and in BKK with collecting your baggage so a fair tip without tipping the scales will be ok. Bumrungrad is one of the best, if not the best, and you will be in good care. Check this link for a hotel near the hospital. Wish you the very best. If you need any more information feel free to ask me. hos
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2 years ago
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Winston ********
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Ken ********
Tell your airlines that you can't walk and you need support. So take care of everything. As you're getting older, it happens to all of us! No reason to be embarrassed.
2 years ago
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Caleb ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I will also tip. It is CLEAR to do so. You can't be Buddha, but try to be nice.
2 years ago
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Caleb ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am not afraid. I am humbled. I am crippled. I am in pain. Respect for Thailand and Thai people #1
2 years ago
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Caleb ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes. Winston. Sounds exactly like the Indian proverb of a man with crackers but no teeth. A+ advice.
2 years ago
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Winston ********
@Caleb **************
 Please don't live in self pity. You are far better off than many others. Count your blessing that you are able to get this treatment. Imagine how many others can't and how they must be managing. Always stay positive coz positivity breeds positivity. This has helped me since I was a teenager and read this "I complained because I had no shoes till I saw a man who had no feet." How true, isn't it? You will be good and walk well again and be as strong as you were before. You can read all the success stories in these posts how all have come out good.
2 years ago
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Caleb ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Winston *******
 I don't, Winston. My problems are small. Thanks.
2 years ago
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Caleb ***************
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Cliff *********
A few years ago, I hurt my back while traveling and had to use wheelchair service. It was great.

I was traveling Air Asia from Kunming, China to Don Muang, Bangkok with a one day layover and then on to Saigon, Vietnam.

The attendants brought me to the airline counters, security, immigration/customs, luggage pick up and taxi stand at three different countries….. It was quite helpful even though I was miserable. I didn’t even have to leave the wheelchair most of the time.

Also I was first onto the plane (and last off).

I have not had mobility problems before and I better understand what it’s like.

Don’t worry. The airline staff are super helpful especially in Thailand.
2 years ago
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Caleb ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
No idea. I'm uninsured. Gambling it's cheaper than USA: because it's not emergency. Wheelchair does not count as emergency. I have my dad's credit card. Does that make me a bad person? I need to stay around Bumrungrad for $30/night: no stairs: I'll change later if I have to. Plus going straight into the hospital.
2 years ago
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Cliff *********
@Caleb **************
 it was a free service.
2 years ago
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Cliff *********
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Jw ********
Care to share the cost of your proceedure at Bumrungrad?
2 years ago
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Caleb ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Bumrungrad, then, maybe 600,000 that?? I simply ran out of time/energy/pain quotient. I won't be able to walk more than another week. Yes, that bad, friend. I may have some other problem, though all my blood came back good. Long covid? (not LOL). It sucks. Thanks for your tip; straight to google. How could I not know that? I know everything (lol). Cheers.
2 years ago
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Caleb ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am very thankful. Since I am not rich, I am using this superb information. I appreciate your time, input, and frank answer. Super.
2 years ago
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Kool *******
@Caleb **************
 Bangkok Hospital is also a private hospital, and much more expensive than the university hospitals. Be fully aware that private hospitals are the most expensive, and it does not mean they have better doctors. By doctor at Ramathabutri hospital did her residency at the university of Washington trama center, and is one of the top pain specialists in the world.
2 years ago
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Kool *******
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Terry **********
@Jw *******
 just google, around 350,000 in Bangkok hospital.
2 years ago
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Caleb ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jw *******
 No idea. I'm uninsured. Gambling it's cheaper than USA: because it's not emergency. Wheelchair does not count as emergency. I have my dad's credit card. Does that make me a bad person? I need to stay around Bumrungrad for $30/night: no stairs: I'll change later if I have to. Plus going straight into the hospital.
2 years ago
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Caleb ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Absolutely... I simply told him, I expect 25% cost of US. I could be wrong. Maybe a cheaper hospital (?) I have no choice. I will work it off.
2 years ago
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Kool *******
@Caleb **************
 be aware that you picked the most expensive hospital in Thailand. You would be much better using one of the university hospitals, and much much cheaper. Ramathabutri hospital, part of the Mahidol university system, has an excellent orthopedics section, as does Chulalongkorn hospital. They are two of the top orthopedic hospitals in Thailand, and about half the cost of Bumrungrad. As far as your plane flight, when you buy your ticket it has a section to check if you need a wheelchair assistance, make sure you check that.
2 years ago
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Kool *******
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Winston ********
@Caleb **************
 surprising you don't check costs before hand or you are using your dad's card so it doesn't matter to you. But be fair to your dad too, right?
2 years ago
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Winston ********
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Wyn **********
I had knee replacement 11 years ago best thing i ever did. My tip after these ops keep positve do your physio and dont treat the new joint like a piece of china go for it you will discover a new life especially in the warmth here in Thailand.
2 years ago
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Edna *******
You sure will, nothing to be embarrassed about. When you book your flight just note you need assistance. I just came back in February after two months in Thailand. Best thing I ever did for myself. Also you may want to request a bulkhead seat. A lot more room.
2 years ago
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Pauline *******
Also at the start of your journey the airline will arrange assistance at check-in to get you to your departure gate. I have arthritic knees so it's a great help trying to navigate the massive airports we need to travel through. Good luck with your surgery.
2 years ago
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Carol ********
See this as a temporary difficulty and nothing to be embarrassed about, my brother had a double hip replacement and now he is pretty mobile, focus on how great you will be post op
2 years ago
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Caleb ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Respect, Consideration, Generosity, Humbleness. Thanks!
2 years ago
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Caleb ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Winston. You are very unusual. You are extraordinarily kind. I will be on this end listening. I am a man of fewer words. I am still learning things.
2 years ago
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Winston ********
@Caleb **************
 My wife suffered from ALS and she was embarrassed even to take the walker to work and she struggled till I made her see sense. Believe me, the people were so helpful and accommodating from the time she used the walker at work. Once my wife took bad on a flight from LHR to YYZ. They refused to let us charge her bipap machine and she had difficulty to breathe. She could have died coz we were still 3 hrs into landing at Toronto. to cut a long story short paramedics were on standby at Toronto airport. In the aircraft there were 2 nurses but nothing much they could do. when we landed not a single person got up. everyone stayed put in their places till the paramedics boarded, attended to my wife and took her out of the aircraft. In times of need, it will surprise you how helpful people can be no matter which part of the world they come from. That's why I help anyone in whatever capacity I can. Unfortunately my wife passed away over 3 years ago when her bipap stopped working at night and she suffocated and died. I was working nights to take care her during the day. Irony i worked just across the road from my condo but she called voicemail 3 times instead of calling me. She was totally bedridden., couldn't even turn herself
2 years ago
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Winston ********
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Caleb ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am so weak from lack of exercise... will know more later. Thanks to all.
2 years ago
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Caleb ***************
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Caleb ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you Pauline. Thank you Don... Respect, Consideration, Generosity, Humbleness. Thanks!
2 years ago
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Carol ********
The assistance cart sounds like a good idea, it’s a bit of a walk once you have landed. Have the hospital arranged for any assistance for you?
2 years ago
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Caleb ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Btw, screaming-out-loud: not LOL - haha.
2 years ago
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Caleb ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Winston. What a kool champ! I am locked into the flight. But I am not locked into the hospital (!) I am not rich - but I am not a back-packer either. If you have any info on an alternate hospital, very nice. Like I said, I have no HOSPITAL booking. You are 'an old Asian hand,' meaning: you know the terrain, friend. Thanks for everything!
2 years ago
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Caleb ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am reading and will be referencing. Thanks! Very unusual.
2 years ago
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Winston ********
@Caleb **************
 what's unusual?
2 years ago
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Caleb ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Winston *******
 Your degree of helpfulness and assistance. Thanks!
2 years ago
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Winston ********
@Caleb **************
 I am who I am. There have been many who have helped me so I just pay back to society whenever I can. Any way if you need anything i will do it if I can.
2 years ago
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Winston ********
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Winston ********
@Caleb **************
 In one of my comments I have sent you a link for hotel near Bumrungrad
2 years ago
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Winston ********
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Caleb ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Carol *******
 No, but I will get on that tomorrow. It is Bumrungrad. An entire day of booking and red tape. I am very tired.
2 years ago
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Winston ********
@Caleb **************
 If you give me some details of your flight #, day and arrival time etc. I can phone Bumrungrad and check with them what assistance they can provide you. You are paying them good money and they have a reputation to maintain so I think they will provide some assistance for you from the airport may be an ambulance or something to pic you up too. Let me know if you would like me to do that for you. I am not in Bangkok but in another Province on the border but a phone call is of no problem lol. So let me know. I did live for a year in BKK though. An American friend of mine has been in Thailand for about 5 years and he only visits Bumrungrad. so i know it's reputed.
2 years ago
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Carol ********
@Caleb **************
 it is!
2 years ago
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Carol ********
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Don ********
Ask the airlines that you are flying with. They will point you in the right direction. Usually will have everything set for you when you get here.
2 years ago
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Pauline *******
If you have requested mobility assistance through your airline there will be someone waiting with a chair as you leave the plane. They take care of everything including fast tracking through immigration and getting your luggage. They a very good and helpful.
2 years ago
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Caleb ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Pauline ******
 Thank you Pauline. Thank you Don... Respect, Consideration, Generosity, Humbleness. Thanks!
2 years ago
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Native ****************
@Caleb **************
 Great suggestions and like a good boy scout, wise to reserve this ahead of time just in case. Calling the Airline and keeping a contact persons name (Inflight Manager/ Check-in Senior Hostess/ Inflight Supervisor) for your flight and direct number is also a good thing to have. If you dress business appropriate, you would be allowed a free upgrade if they are not full. Safe travels !
2 years ago
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Native ****************
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Pauline *******
Also if you're doing a stopover there will be assistance for your transit which is a great help
2 years ago
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Pauline *******
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