Dr. Apichart Thanapatcharoen
Obesity/Bariatric Surgery
43+
Years of Experience
About Dr. Apichart Thanapatcharoen
With more than 40 years of experience, Dr. Apichart Thanapatcharoen is a Senior Consultant General Surgeon at Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. He is a specialist in gastrointestinal surgery, laparoscopy and colon cancer surgery.
-
Professional Background
- Years of Practice: 40+ years (since 1983)
- Medical Degree: MD, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand (1983)
- Board Certification: Diploma, Medical Council of Thailand (1989) (Thai Board of General Surgery)
- Mini-MBA in Health, Chulalongkorn University (1998)
- Degree: Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (M.D.) from Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Procedures Performed: Colon cancer surgery, colectomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, appendectomy, hernia repair, gastrectomy, thyroidectomy, gastric bypass, breast surgery and splenectomy.
-
Innovations and Contributions
- Expert in patient education topics related to colon cancer surgery and advanced laparoscopic techniques
- Conducted research papers in general and laparoscopic surgery practice (co-author)
Dr. Thanapatcharoen speaks both English and Thai, and is amongst Thailand's most experienced general surgeons with over 40 years of surgical experience.
Good to know
Speciality
Language Spoken
Awards
- • Thai Board of General Surgery Certification
Senior Consultant Surgeon
Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital
Resident/Surgeon
1983 - Present
Hospital Affiliations
Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital
Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital is one of the top multi-specialist private hospitals in Bangkok. It was ranked at #2 in Thailand by Newsweek/Statista in 2025. The hospital scored an 85.79 --- ## Accreditation & Recognition - **Accredited by JCI** since 2007 - First designated as a **Mother & Baby-Friendly Hospital** by the **World Health Organization (WHO)** and **United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)** in 1999. - Global recognition for excellence in **Women’s and Family Health** has been a cornerstone of Samitivej’s international reputation. --- ## Fertility & Reproductive Services Patients are served from **more than 38 countries**; Samitivej’s fertility program also includes the entire range of **Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)**: | Treatment | Details | |---|---| | **IVF** (In Vitro Fertilization)| Success rate of up to **44%** | | **ICSI** | Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection | | **IUI** | Intrauterine Insemination | | **Egg Freezing** | Fertility Preservation | --- ## Oncology The oncology department works with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), USA. This collaboration provides patients access to: - **International Clinical Trials** - Innovative cancer treatments that have not yet become widespread throughout Southeast Asia --- ## International Patient Services From initial consultation to post-treatment follow-up, a committed team ensures that each patient receives seamless care as an international patient: - **Multi-language staff**, allowing for easy communication across language barriers - **International Patient Coordinators**, providing individualized support and assistance - **Concierge Service**, coordinating every aspect of your visit from start to finish --- ## Part of the BDMS Network As part of the network of medical facilities provided by **Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS)**, Samitivej consistently delivers **the same level of quality care** at all of its various sites located throughout Bangkok.
Learn MorePerformed by Dr. Apichart Thanapatcharoen
Obesity/Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery abroad covers gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass, gastric balloon, and revisional weight loss procedures performed by experienced bariatric surgeons. These life-changing operations are not limited to weight reduction alone, they resolve obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. The cost factor drives most patients toward bariatric surgery abroad. A gastric sleeve that costs $18,000 to $30,000 at home may be available for $4,000 to $8,000 abroad at equally accredited hospitals with board-certified bariatric surgeons and comprehensive pre- and post-operative programs. Leading international bariatric centers offer shorter waiting times, comprehensive nutritional and psychological evaluation, and dedicated aftercare support. Patients consistently report more structured preparation, individualized surgical planning, and thorough follow-up care than they received at home. The surgeon's bariatric certification and the program's aftercare structure are the most important factors to consider. Always confirm the program includes a dietitian, psychologist, and long-term follow-up plan for clarity with plan. Dietary compliance, supplementation adherence, and lifestyle changes after surgery are what ultimately determine long-term success.
General Surgery
General surgery abroad covers hernia repair, cholecystectomy, appendectomy, thyroidectomy, colorectal surgery, and abdominal procedures using minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic techniques. These procedures address common surgical conditions with high precision, minimal scarring, and rapid recovery. General surgical costs vary greatly between countries. A [laparoscopic](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/laparoscopic-surgery) cholecystectomy that costs $15,000 to $25,000 at home may be available for $2,000 to $5,000 abroad at equally accredited hospitals with board-certified general surgeons performing high-volume, low-complication procedures. [Leading international surgical centers](https://curemeabroad.com/) offer shorter waiting times, advanced laparoscopic and robotic capabilities, and streamlined pre-operative and post-operative care. Patients consistently report receiving more attentive surgical planning and recovery support than they experienced at home. The surgeon's laparoscopic experience and the hospital's accreditation are the most important factors. Confirm the surgeon's annual procedure volume and complication rates. Following postoperative wound care instructions, activity restrictions, and dietary guidelines directly influences recovery speed and long-term outcomes.
Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery abroad covers minimally invasive keyhole procedures for abdominal and pelvic conditions including cholecystectomy, hernia repair, appendectomy, bariatric surgery, and gynecologic operations. Small incisions, a high-definition camera, and precision instruments replace large open cuts, resulting in less pain and faster recovery. Laparoscopic surgical costs differ substantially between countries. A [laparoscopic procedure](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/fertility-treatment/laparoscopic-hysteroscopy-and-sonohysterography) that costs $15,000 to $30,000 at home may be available for $2,500 to $7,000 abroad at equally accredited hospitals with experienced laparoscopic surgeons performing high-volume, low-complication procedures. [Leading international laparoscopic centers](https://curemeabroad.com/) offer shorter waiting times, single-incision surgical options, and structured same-day or next-day discharge protocols. Patients consistently report receiving more streamlined, efficient surgical experiences than they found at home. The surgeon's laparoscopic case volume and the hospital's minimally invasive surgical accreditation are the most critical factors. Confirm the surgeon regularly performs your specific [laparoscopic](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/laparoscopic-surgery/laparoscopic-hiatal-hernia-repair-procedure) procedure. Following postoperative wound care, activity limitations, and dietary instructions directly influences healing and outcomes.
Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment abroad gives patients an access to world-class oncology centers offering chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation, and surgical oncology. Multidisciplinary tumor boards of oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists collaborate to design personalized treatment plans. Oncology care costs can be financially devastating in many countries. Advanced cancer treatments that cost $80,000 to $200,000 at home may be available for $15,000 to $50,000 abroad at JCI-accredited hospitals with equally qualified oncologists and the latest treatment technologies. International cancer centers provide comprehensive care including PET-CT imaging, genomic tumor profiling, and access to clinical trials not available locally. Dedicated oncology case managers guide patients through every step of their treatment journey. The oncologist's experience and the hospital's technology are the most important factors to consider to ensure authenticity. Always confirm your treating team includes board-certified oncologists and that the facility is accredited by a recognized international body. Adherence to your full treatment protocol, nutritional support, and psychological well-being during treatment all significantly influence outcomes.
Weight Loss Program
Medical weight loss programs abroad offer medically supervised, evidence-based weight management combining nutritional therapy, GLP-1 pharmacotherapy, behavioral coaching, exercise medicine, and body composition monitoring. Programs are designed for sustainable, healthy weight loss — not short-term dieting — and address the metabolic and psychological drivers of obesity. Comprehensive medical weight loss care is expensive and fragmented in many countries. A medically supervised weight loss program that costs $8,000 to $20,000 at home may be available for $2,000 to $6,000 abroad at equally qualified medical wellness centers with physicians, dietitians, and behavioral coaches. Leading international medical [weight loss](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/obesity-bariatric-surgery/weight-loss-medications) centers offer thorough metabolic and hormonal assessment, personalized nutrition and pharmacotherapy plans, and structured exercise programs with ongoing monitoring. Patients consistently report more individualized, science-based weight management than they found through commercial slimming programs at home. The physician's expertise in metabolic medicine and the program's long-term support structure are the most important factors. Confirm the program includes a clinical dietitian and behavioral health support. Sustained lifestyle changes in eating habits, physical activity, sleep quality, and stress management are the essential foundation for maintaining weight loss results long-term.
Urology
Urology treatment abroad covers prostate cancer surgery, kidney stone management, bladder procedures, male infertility treatment, robotic prostatectomy, HoLEP laser surgery for BPH, and urologic oncology at internationally accredited urology centers. Options range from minimally invasive [endoscopic procedures](https://curemeabroad.com/blogs/ercp-procedure-endoscopic-retrograde-cholangiopancreatography) to complex robotic-assisted urological surgery. Urological surgical costs are high and waiting times are long in many countries. A robotic radical prostatectomy that costs $40,000 to $80,000 at home may be available for $8,000 to $18,000 abroad at equally accredited hospitals with experienced urologists performing high-volume robotic and endoscopic procedures. [Leading international urology centers](https://curemeabroad.com/) offer shorter waiting times, high-volume robotic urology programs, and comprehensive pre- and post-operative coordination. Patients consistently report receiving more thorough urological evaluations and attentive surgical planning than they experienced at home. The urologist's robotic or endoscopic case volume and the hospital's urology accreditation are the most important factors. Confirm your surgeon's annual procedure volume for your specific indication. Adherence to post-surgical follow-up schedules, PSA monitoring, and continence rehabilitation directly determines functional outcomes after urological surgery.
Gynecology Treatment
[Gynecology treatment](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/gynecology-treatment/caesarean-section) abroad covers hysterectomy, fibroid surgery, endometriosis excision, PCOS management, pelvic floor repair, cervical cancer treatment, and minimally invasive gynecologic procedures. Options range from diagnostic laparoscopy to complex robotic-assisted surgery for gynecologic malignancies. Gynecologic surgical costs and waiting times are major concerns in many countries. A [laparoscopic hysterectomy](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/laparoscopic-surgery) that costs $20,000 to $35,000 at home may be available for $4,000 to $9,000 abroad at equally accredited hospitals with board-certified gynecologic surgeons experienced in minimally invasive techniques. Leading international gynecology centers offer shorter waiting times, robotic surgical capabilities, and dedicated women's health coordinators. Patients consistently report receiving more personalized care and more thorough pre-surgical counseling than they experienced at home. The gynecologist's subspecialty training and the hospital's surgical technology are the most important factors. Confirm your surgeon is certified in minimally invasive or [robotic gynecologic surgery](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/robotic-surgery/robotic-gynecology-surgery). Recovery outcomes are significantly influenced by adherence to postoperative activity restrictions, follow-up pelvic ultrasound, and hormonal management where applicable.
ENT
ENT treatment abroad covers cochlear implants, endoscopic sinus surgery, hearing restoration, tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, vocal cord surgery, and skull base procedures performed by sub-specialized otolaryngologists. Options range from outpatient procedures to complex surgeries addressing hearing loss, [chronic sinusitis](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/ent/functional-endoscopic-sinus-surgery-fess) and head and neck conditions. [ENT surgical costs](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/ent/united-states/cost) in many countries are high and waiting times are long. A cochlear implant procedure that costs $50,000 to $80,000 at home may be available for $12,000 to $25,000 abroad at equally accredited hospitals with experienced ENT surgeons and comprehensive audiology support. Leading international ENT centers offer shorter waiting times, advanced diagnostic audiometry, and dedicated international patient coordinators who facilitate seamless care for overseas patients. Patients consistently report more thorough ENT assessments and attentive post-operative follow-up than they experienced at home. The ENT surgeon's subspecialty training and the center's diagnostic technology are the most important factors. Confirm your surgeon is fellowship-trained in the relevant [ENT subspecialty](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/ent/costs). For cochlear implants, post-implant auditory rehabilitation and consistent mapping appointments are essential for optimal hearing outcomes.
CureMeAbroadIs Absolutely Free
Just discovery so you can choose what's right for you!
World's No. 1 Medical Discovery Platform
Dr. Apichart Thanapatcharoen
Apichart Thanapatcharoen has been practicing medicine since 2006, giving them over 19 years of clinical experience. They currently serve as Bariatric Surgeon and have built a focused career in bariatric surgeon, samitivej hospital.
Dr. Apichart Thanapatcharoen
You can request a consultation with Apichart Thanapatcharoen through CureMeAbroad by submitting your details. Video consultations are available for international patients before travel through CureMeAbroad.
Dr. Apichart Thanapatcharoen
Bariatric surgery with Apichart Thanapatcharoen typically costs 50-70% less than equivalent procedures in the US or UK. The final price depends on the procedure type (sleeve, bypass, or mini bypass), length of hospital stay, and pre-surgical workup. CureMeAbroad can provide a detailed quote after reviewing your medical profile.
How many years of experience does Apichart Thanapatcharoen have?
Dr. Apichart Thanapatcharoen
Apichart Thanapatcharoen has been practicing medicine since 2006, giving them over 19 years of clinical experience. They currently serve as Bariatric Surgeon and have built a focused career in bariatric surgeon, samitivej hospital.
Which You Wanted To See
Topic Related
