CureMeAbroad
Dr. Rapheephat Tanompetsanga

Dr. Rapheephat Tanompetsanga

Obesity/Bariatric Surgery

24+

Years of Experience

About Dr. Rapheephat Tanompetsanga


Dr. Rapheephat Tanompetsanga is an experienced general surgeon and hepatobiliary surgeon of Bumrungrad International Hospital and Vejthani International Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. His specialty is laparoscopic liver, pancreatic and bariatric surgery.

  • Professional Background

    • Years of Practice: 22+ years (since 2002)
    • Medical Degree: MD, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand (2002)
    • Certificate: General Surgery, Chulalongkorn University (2009)
    • Fellowship: Advanced Laparoscopic & Bariatric Surgery, Chulalongkorn University (2016)
    • Fellowship: Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery at Tokyo Women's Medical University, Japan (2024)
    • Hospital Affiliations: Bumrungrad International Hospital, Vejthani International Hospital, Life Cancer Center, Bangkok
    • Procedures Performed: Laparoscopic hepatectomy, laparoscopic pancreatectomy, bariatric surgery (sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass), ERCP, Laparoscopic Hernia repair (TEP, TAPP, IPOM) and cholecystectomy
    • Memberships: Royal College of Surgeons of Thailand; IASGO (2019)
  • Innovations and Contributions

    • Publication of the first study of Total Laparoscopic ALPPS for metastatic liver tumors (Surgery, Gastroenterology, and Oncology, 2019).
    • Speaker at ELSA 2015 and ELSA 2019 on advanced laparoscopic techniques (oral video presentation)

Dr. Tanompetsanga speaks English and Thai, and has international training in complex minimally invasive surgery and hepatobiliary surgery.

Good to know

Speciality

Obesity/Bariatric SurgeryGeneral SurgeryLaparoscopic SurgeryCancer TreatmentWeight Loss Program

Awards

  • ELSA Oral VDO Presentation Recognition
  • Invited Speaker - Severe Acute Pancreatitis

Consultant Surgeon (General Surgery)

Bumrungrad International Hospital

Consultant Surgeon

Vejthani Hospital

Clinical Fellow

2024 - 2024

Clinical Fellow

2015 - 2016

Hospital Affiliations

Bumrungrad International Hospital

Bumrungrad International Hospital

Bumrungrad International Hospital is an internationally recognized, 580-bed multi-specialty hospital located in the center of Bangkok, considered one of the top medical destinations in Southeast Asia. --- ## Accreditation In 2002, Bumrungrad became the first hospital in Asia to be accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI), which they have continued to maintain through seven cycles of accreditation. --- ## Medical Staff - Over 1,200 doctors employed - More than 210 internationally certified by boards from the US, UK, Australia, and Japan - Over 200 staff members providing interpretation services in 30+ languages --- ## Technological Resources Technology | Description IBM Watson for Oncology | AI-assisted cancer treatment MAKOplasty Robotic Arm | Robotic surgical procedures TrueBeam STx | Radiation therapy PET-CT Scanning | Advanced diagnostic imaging Hybrid Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory | 24-hour cardiac care --- ## International Services - 23 Global Referral Offices around the world - Direct billing to 100+ insurance companies - VIP Airport Transfer Service available --- ## Rankings & Recognition > Newsweek ranked Bumrungrad the #1 hospital in Thailand for the fifth consecutive year and #100 in the world in 2025. --- ## Cost & Quality At a significantly lower price point than major Western medical centers, Bumrungrad achieves results comparable to those of leading Western institutions.

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Vejthani Hospital

Vejthani Hospital

VEJTHANI HOSPITAL, also referred to as the King of Bones, is an internationally recognized JCI accredited tertiary care hospital with 263 beds, located in Bangkok and has performed over 10,000 joint replacement surgeries while providing treatment for more than 300,000 patients each year from more than 100 different countries. --- ## Rankings & Accreditation - **6th consecutive accreditation** by **the Joint Commission International (JCI)**; valid until **28 February 2028** - **Seven clinical care programs have been certified (CCPCs),** including: - **First certification worldwide** for **treatment of Hepatitis B** - **Worldwide first certification for Infertility Treatment** - **Southeast Asia's first certification for Lumbar Decompression Surgery** - **Healthcare Asia Awards "Hospital of the Year,"** **2022** - **Asia Pacific Best Specialist Hospital in Orthopaedics** — *Newsweek*, **2024** --- ## Orthopaedic Centre In addition to being a leading centre for orthopedics in the region, Vejthani's flagship program offers some of the most advanced technology available in the world. More than **5,500** minimally invasive orthopedic surgical procedures have been completed: | Technology / Technique | Details | |---|---| | **MAKOplasty Robotic-Assisted Surgical System** | Precise robotically assisted placement of implants during total hip replacements or partial knee replacements | | **O-arm 3D navigation system** | Provides advanced intraoperative guidance and imaging for spinal deformity correction, tumor excision and other complex spine cases | | **Techniques of Minimally Invasive Surgery** | Allows patients to recover faster and spend less time hospitalized after their procedure | --- ## Vejthani Fertility Center (VFC) A well-known fertility clinic in Thailand that employs a team of globally trained reproductive specialists and utilizes all the latest ART laboratory technologies: - The VFC reports a high success rate for ICSI treatments (**70%),** which is one of the highest rates reported in the region. - Offers full service in assisted reproduction technologies (ART). - Utilizes state-of-the-art equipment in the ART laboratory. --- ## Global Recognition & Awards | Award | Year | |---|---| | **Healthcare Asia Awards "Hospital of the Year"** | 2022 | | **Newsweek's "Asia Pacific Best Specialist Hospital in Orthopaedics"** | 2024 | | **JCI CCPC WORLDWIDE FIRST:** Hepatitis B & Infertility Treatment | Ongoing | | **Southeast Asia First JCI CCPC:** Lumbar Decompression Surgery | Ongoing | --- ## International Patients From arrival to recovery, Vejthani provides one of the most streamlined international patient experiences found anywhere in Southeast Asia. - Provide 24 hour international patient coordination; - Available translation services are provided in **20 + Languages;** - Has dedicated booths at Suvarnabhumi Airport to assist patients traveling abroad; - Support patients throughout their entire medical journey.

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All Procedures

Performed by Dr. Rapheephat Tanompetsanga

Obesity/Bariatric Surgery

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

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

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

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

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Dr. Rapheephat Tanompetsanga

Dr. Rapheephat Tanompetsanga

Rapheephat Tanompetsanga has been practicing medicine since 2009, giving them over 16 years of clinical experience. They currently serve as Bariatric & Laparoscopic Surgeon and have built a focused career in bariatric & laparoscopic surgeon, bumrungrad international.

Dr. Rapheephat Tanompetsanga

Dr. Rapheephat Tanompetsanga

You can request a consultation with Rapheephat Tanompetsanga through CureMeAbroad by submitting your details. Video consultations are available for international patients before travel through CureMeAbroad.

Dr. Rapheephat Tanompetsanga

Dr. Rapheephat Tanompetsanga

Bariatric surgery with Rapheephat Tanompetsanga 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.

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