Consent forms and second opinions

Before surgery, anaesthesia, chemotherapy or a scan with contrast dye you will be asked to sign a ใบยินยอม. Staff should explain the procedure, its risks and the alternatives; you can ask them to say it again in plain Thai or request an interpreter. If the patient cannot sign, the closest relative signs. Thailand's Declaration of Patients' Rights includes the right to information and to a ความเห็นที่สอง. Asking is not an insult, but say it gently, for example as the family's wish, and thank the doctor first. For a second opinion elsewhere, request a copy of the records (เวชระเบียน) and your scans on a disc or link; there may be a small fee and a wait of a few days.