Krabi, Thailand | November 2025: An Indian tourist’s account of receiving costly medical treatment in Thailand has prompted online discussion about hospital billing practices and the risks linked to consuming unfamiliar edible products abroad. The case has also sparked wider debate about Thailand hospital charges for foreigners, especially in a country known globally as a major medical tourism hub.
The traveller, identified as Monika Gupta, shared a video stating that she and a friend became ill after consuming gummies purchased in Phuket. According to her statement, both individuals developed symptoms about one hour after ingestion. She reported that her friend experienced chest heaviness, breathing difficulty and repeated vomiting, which she estimated occurred roughly 20 times within 15 minutes. She contacted a hospital in Krabi and sought emergency care.
She stated that she believed the symptoms were linked to the gummies. However, the cause of the symptoms has not been medically confirmed. No toxicology report, laboratory test or hospital statement has been released to verify the source of the reaction.
Ms. Gupta stated that hospital staff administered intravenous drips to both patients. She said the initial estimate shown to her was 17,500 baht for both individuals. After treatment, which included several hours of sleep and a missed flight, she was informed that the final bill was 36,000 baht, which she calculated as approximately ₹1 lakh.
When she questioned the revised amount, she was told that the 17,500 baht estimate applied to one patient. In her video, she also mentioned seeing three to four nearby patients with similar symptoms who had reportedly consumed the same brand of gummies.
Her account began circulating widely on social media, with viewers questioning the cost difference and whether edible products sold to tourists might be linked to a pattern of hospital visits.
In a subsequent video, Ms Gupta issued an apology for causing “misunderstanding” regarding Thai hospitals. She did not withdraw her concerns about the gummies but clarified that she did not intend to generalise about Thailand’s healthcare system. She shared guidance for travellers, including checking doses of edible cannabis products, starting with small quantities, carrying travel insurance and considering government hospitals when possible.
Data shows that medical costs for foreign nationals in Thailand vary widely depending on whether the facility is public or private:
Outpatient doctor visits in private hospitals typically range from 1,000 to 2,500 baht for uninsured foreigners.
Private hospital room charges may range between 4,000 and 10,000 baht per night, excluding treatments.
Wellness or vitamin IV infusions advertised by some clinics may cost around 3,000 to 4,000 baht per session.
Emergency treatment and observation can substantially increase costs, especially for international patients who are billed without local insurance protections.
Thailand is a major medical tourism destination with a multi-billion-dollar healthcare market, and private hospitals often have separate pricing structures for international patients. This can lead to higher charges even for short-duration treatments.
Reactions to edible gummies can occur due to unpredictable absorption, variable dosing and individual sensitivity. Symptoms such as vomiting, chest discomfort and altered consciousness can prompt medical providers to administer IV fluids, antiemetic medication and observation to monitor airway, breathing and circulation.
Such interventions can increase the final bill depending on hospital category, duration of monitoring and additional tests performed.
No official statement from the Krabi hospital involved has been published. The claims of an organised “scam” remain unverified. The information available at present is limited to Ms Gupta’s account and publicly available hospital pricing data. There is no confirmed evidence linking hospitals and product sellers, and no regulatory findings have been released regarding the gummies involved.
Check ingredient and dose information before consuming edible products.
Seek itemised cost estimates whenever possible before treatment in private hospitals abroad.
Carry travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Public hospitals may offer lower tariffs than private international-patient facilities.
Keep all medical bills and treatment documents for reimbursement or dispute resolution.
The Thaiger. “Indian blogger apologises for accusing Krabi hospital of scamming foreigners.” November 2025. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/indian-blogger-apologises-for-accusing-krabi-hospital-of-scamming-foreigners
PCF Care. “How Much Does It Cost to See a Doctor in Thailand Without Insurance.” 14 September 2024. https://www.pcfcare.com/blog/9243/doctor-in-thailand-without-insurance pcfcare.com
Pacific Prime Thailand. “The Cost of Medical Treatments in Thailand.” 20 March 2025. https://www.pacificprime.co.th/blog/the-cost-of-medical-treatments-in-thailand/
Bookimed. “Vitamin Infusions in Thailand – Costs and Packages 2025.” 10 February 2025. https://us-uk.bookimed.com/clinics/country%3Dthailand/procedure%3Dvitamin-infusions/
Expert Market Research. “Thailand Medical Tourism Market Size, Share & Growth 2034.” 2025. https://www.expertmarketresearch.com/reports/thailand-medical-tourism-market
GoDigit. “Medical Tourism in Thailand: Features, Benefits & Tips.” 2025. https://www.godigit.com/procedures-and-tests/medical-tourism-in-thailand
(Rh/MSM)