you are right. I am Thai who is thinking about retiring in Thailand. My family opts to be taken care of at the private hospitals as there is no long waits. My father had his hips replacement at Bamrungraj Hospital about 15 years ago for 700,000 baht and mom had hips replacement for 400,000 baht (I think) at Samitivej Hospital 2 years ago. Even though you are at private hospitals, I can see difference in pricing. I think it depends on where you go. If you goes to public hospitals, make sure you go early. And yes, it would be much cheaper. I have an insurance in Maryland and the wait for a new doctor is about 2-3 months. Now, I am in search for a primary care physician. I called several doctors and they said they did not take any more new patients. I never heard of that in Thailand. You will see a doctor and do not have to wait that long.