Having a Baby in Bangkok

Giving birth in a foreign land could be stressful and frightening, especially for expectant mothers. 

As Bangkok has many reputable hospitals, health care shouldn't be a problem. Hospitals in this city have modern facilities sufficient to take care of the needs of both the mother and child.

Private hospitals naturally charge higher than the government hospitals. Nevertheless, the rates may still appear inexpensive for most expats if compared with the pregnancy cost in the United States or in European countries.

Maternity Leave

Expectant mothers in Thailand are entitled to 90 days paid maternity leave. This applies to both locals and foreigners who have already worked for seven months prior to getting pregnant. The employer and the Social Security Office of Thailand will each pay 45 days of the leave. To avail herself of this, the mother should sign up in the Social Security Office.

The mother should regularly visit her Obstetrician/ Gynecologist for monitoring and pre-natal examinations, especially during the last two months before the birth. For those interested in having either a natural or a water birth, Samitivej Hospital is the only one in Bangkok offering these options.

International health insurance is accepted. However, the coverage may vary. Normally, it would include pre-and post-natal examinations such as ultrasound, normal or caesarean delivery, post-natal treatment or surgery (if there is a need), and other regular hospital fees.

Children born of foreign parents in Thailand do not become Thai nationals, but for those with one Thai parent, Thai citizenship is automatically acquired. Registration should be done within 30 days from the birth date. This can be accomplished in any of the many district offices in Thailand. If one of the parents is not Thai, the birth should also be registered at the foreign embassy.