Medical Tourism for Minors?

BANGKOK, Thailand — When it comes to appearance, teenagers are willing to think outside the box. MediThai.net, a non-profit information provider for foreigners who are looking for medical services in Thailand, reports a steady increase of youngsters, who are searching for information on plastic surgery abroad.

When MediThai.net started providing information on dental clinics and LASIK treatment in Thailand, there were no obvious attempts of minors to gather information beyond what was available on the MediThai.net website. Since MediThai.net added a section on cosmetic surgery only a few months ago, a new type of emails started arriving in the webmaster’s inbox. Often anonymous inquirers were seeking information on parental consent requirements, minimum age and backpacker deals in places like Bangkok, Phuket or Koh Samui. One visitor requested information about virginity restoration options and prices in Bangkok. Although spelling and style suggested that the email was from a minor, it might also have come from a misguided parent.

In most cases the content of the emails indicates that the parents of the sender are not willing to support cosmetic surgery and that therefore a low cost option abroad is being considered. Internet savvy teenagers are more likely to know about the worldwide success of Thailand as a medical tourism destination than older generations. While MediThai is not aware of medical institutions in Thailand who operate on teenagers without parental consent, fake IDs have always been easily available in and around the famous Kao-san road in Bangkok, where most budget hotels are located.

So, if your son or your daughter after fruitless discussions with you about smaller or bigger breast, a straighter nose or LASIK eye surgery suddenly develops a keen interest in a holiday in Thailand, you might want to ask a few questions. This is not to say that Thailand is an unsuitable location for cosmetic surgery, but if you plan to go for the cheapest clinic without parental consent requirements, you are probably asking for trouble in any country.
MediThai will continue to provide information about medical tourism in general and more specifically options for foreigners, who are looking for medical services in Thailand, but will not cater to the special interests of minors.

About MediThai
MediThai aspires to provide all the information you need, to find the best medical facilities in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand. MediThai.net is a completely independent information provider and is not affiliated with any dentist, clinic, hospital or intermediary service provider in this industry.

www.medithai.net