The Complete Packing & Preparation Guide for Your
Bangkok Surgery Package

Before You Fly: Visas, Insurance & Medical Tests

Well before you start packing, there are a few essential administrative and medical steps to complete. Getting these sorted early means less stress in the final weeks before departure.

Visa & Passport

• Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months upon arrival in Thailand
• As of July 2024, Australian citizens and travellers from 92+ countries can enter visa-free for up to 60 days
• From March 2025, visa-free stays reduce to 30 days — but you may apply for a 30-day extension at a Thai Immigration Office (THB 1,900) for a total of 60 days
• For stays longer than 60 days, apply in advance for a tourist visa or consider a long-stay visa (e.g., Elite Visa or Destination Thailand Visa)

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Standard policies often exclude pre-planned elective procedures, so look for a policy that explicitly covers medical tourism or cosmetic surgery abroad. We recommend considering Medi Travel Shield for Australian clients, or requesting a quote from Global Protective Solutions — quotes are valid for 30 days and cover up to 4 major surgeries per trip. Bring all documentation to the hospital on admission day.

Medical Tests (Within 3 Months Pre-Surgery)

Complete the following blood work and tests with your GP before departure. Results help your Bangkok surgeon plan safely and flag potential complications early:

• Full blood count and iron panel
• ECG (required if over 40)
• Liver and kidney function
• Thyroid panel
• Blood sugar and CRP (C-reactive protein)
• Vitamin D levels
• Blood type — particularly important for major surgery planning

We also recommend retesting your iron and other key blood parameters once you return home, as low iron post-surgery can contribute to hair loss and prolonged fatigue.

COVID Testing

You will be required to undergo a mandatory COVID rapid antigen test at the hospital prior to surgery. If you are experiencing any symptoms before you fly, let us know so we can reschedule in advance rather than on arrival.

What to Stop Taking Before Surgery

Before we get into what to pack for your Bangkok surgery, it's critical to know what to stop using. These substances thin the blood and make healing more difficult:

• Fish oil and omega-3 supplements — stop at least 2 weeks before surgery
• High-dose Vitamin C and Vitamin E — stop at least 2 weeks before surgery
• Oral estrogen — stop at least 2 weeks before surgery
• Aspirin or any blood-thinning medications — speak to your GP about timing
• Ginkgo Biloba and all herbal supplements — stop at least 2 weeks before surgery
• Alcohol — limit intake at least 1 week prior, and avoid for 7+ days after surgery (ideally throughout your package)
• Smoking — stop completely at least 6 months before surgery to minimise risks of infection, delayed healing, and compromised results. Use a nicotine patch to manage cravings if needed.

Your surgeon will confirm exactly which medications to pause during your pre-operative consultation. If you're unsure about anything, your Azurite personal assistant can help clarify with the surgical team before you fly.

What to Pack in Your Bangkok Surgery Suitcase

Bangkok is warm and humid year-round, and you'll spend most of your post-surgery time resting and recovering. Pack light, practical clothing and the essentials below.

Clothing & Comfort

• Sun dresses and loose, light clothing — easy to get on and off post-surgery
• Wide-brimmed hat — essential if you're having a facelift
• Compression garments for any liposuction areas (our Bangkok team can help you purchase these in Thailand if needed)
• Mesh laundry bags for soiled garments
• Socks (optional but useful for hospital stays)

Documents & Essentials

• Passport — required at the hospital, hotel check-in, and airport. Must be valid for 6+ months
• Power adapter — Thai outlets differ from Australian/NZ plugs (same as Bali); bring one for your suitcase and a separate one for your hospital bag
• Debit card with savings access
• Own prescription medications with GP letter (some medications are restricted in Thailand — check in advance and declare at customs if required)
• Travel insurance documentation
• HDMI cable (optional) — hospital and hotel smart TVs are limited; useful if you want to stream content from your device

Recovery & Comfort Items

• Triangle pillow to assist with sleeping upright post-surgery
• Betadine for regular wound cleaning — especially important in Thailand's humid climate
• Cold and warm packs to manage bruising and swelling
• Bed sheet and pillowcase — betadine can stain hotel linens and you may be charged for heavy staining. Consider a protective sheet for major surgery.
• Pain relief of your choice — discuss with your GP before departure. Tramadol is available through Azurite; Tapentadol (50mg immediate release, 100mg slow release) is a good alternative. Better if you can get effective post-op medication from your GP before you fly.
• Protein powder and green powders (e.g. Vital Greens) — appetite is often poor after surgery but nutrition is critical for healing
• Arnica cream or tablets — excellent for bruising and pain management, available at most pharmacies
• Preferred tea bags or coffee sachets — the hospital provides only basic black tea and coffee sachets

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

You'll spend at least one night in hospital after surgery, where staff will monitor you closely. Pack a separate overnight bag specifically for your hospital stay — your Azurite assistant will meet you in the lobby and escort you to the facility.

• Passport (always required for hospital admittance)
• Power adapter and phone charger
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hairbrush
• Own shampoo and conditioner (particularly important for facelift clients)
• Compression garments
• Lip balm — dehydration after general anaesthesia is common
• Strepsils or throat lozenges — the breathing tube during surgery can leave a sore throat
• NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) — helps clear phlegm from lungs after a general anaesthetic
• Arnica cream or tablets
• A book or something to enjoy during your hospital stay
• Own medications and prescriptions
• Snacks, juice, or fruit — a microwave and fridge are available in your room
• Protein sachets — lightweight and easy to digest if you're nauseous

Hotel & Hospital Logistics

A few practical details that clients often ask about — knowing these in advance saves confusion on the day.

• Hotel check-out on surgery day: Check-out is required on your surgery day. Store luggage with the hotel concierge — they will hold it securely until you return from hospital.
• Companions: If you're travelling with a companion, speak to our team about making your hotel reservation continuous. Your companion is required to check out during your hospital stay unless alternate arrangements are made.
• Hospital storage: The hospital provides shared cabinets (not individual lockers). Cabinets do not have keys, but the nurse locks your patient room door when you're not inside.
• Security deposit: A hotel security deposit is taken at check-in and refunded if there is no damage or staining. Bring a protective sheet for major surgery to avoid betadine stains on hotel linen.
• Hospital facility: The hospital may appear dated in style but is JCI-certified (Joint Commission International) — the gold standard for hospital safety and accreditation.

Post-Surgery Supplements: What to Take and When

At Azurite, we believe preparation and recovery are just as important as the surgery itself. The right nutritional support can significantly reduce inflammation, minimise infection risk, and speed up healing. Always consult your GP first if you have existing medical conditions.

Start with Lean Protein

Without adequate lean protein, your body cannot regenerate collagen or heal properly. Prioritise sources including skinless chicken or turkey, lean ground beef (90%+), fish and shellfish, eggs, beans and lentils, tofu and soy, nuts, nut butters, seeds, low-fat or nonfat dairy. Protein powder is a practical option when appetite is low after surgery.

Key Supplement Recommendations

Scar Treatment Timeline

Proper scar management starts early and follows a clear sequence. Using the right product at the right stage makes a meaningful difference in how your scars heal.

Stratamed

Begin applying as soon as your dressings are removed and while stitches (especially dissolvable ones) are still present. Apply twice daily on clean skin. This is your first line of scar treatment.

Silicone Tape

Start using only after all scabbing has healed and incisions are fully closed — usually around week 3-4. Continue for several weeks to flatten and protect scars. Prioritise taping before exfoliating.

Strataderm

Use as an alternative to silicone tape if preferred, but only once the incision is fully sealed.

AHAs & Retinoids

Topical treatments such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, or retinoids can help improve scar appearance — but only after 8 weeks, when the scar is pale, flat, and fully healed. Introduce gradually and discontinue if irritation occurs.

Pain Management Protocol

Here is the current pain management protocol used by our surgical partners. An important note: medications in the hospital are typically given only upon request unless otherwise directed by your surgeon.

In Hospital (Post-Op)

After Discharge (Hotel Recovery)

Recovery Timelines by Surgery Type (0-6 Months)

Recovery varies between procedures and individuals. The following timelines are general guides based on our experience coordinating hundreds of Bangkok surgery packages. Your surgeon will provide personalised recovery instructions.

Bangkok Recovery Tips from Our Team on the Ground

Our team lives and works in Bangkok year-round. After supporting over 300 surgery packages, here's what they consistently recommend for a comfortable recovery:

External Services & Extras

These optional services are available through our Bangkok team and can enhance your recovery experience.

Arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)

After landing, make sure your phone is turned on so we can contact you if needed, then make your way to Level 2, Gate 4 in the hotel area, where our airport representative will be waiting with an Azurite sign. A representative will accompany you to your driver. If for any reason you miss the meetup, contact your WhatsApp group or call our emergency number: +61 407 330 054.

Your accommodation at Chatrium Residence Sathorn includes a one-bedroom deluxe king suite with high-speed WiFi, daily buffet breakfast (available as complimentary room service), and late checkout until 2pm — all arranged to support your recovery from day one. For a full overview of what's included, see our Bangkok surgery packages.

Your Surgery Day: What to Expect

The following schedule is confirmed with your personal assistant via WhatsApp prior to arrival, as times are subject to change:

After surgery, you'll spend at least one night in hospital where staff will provide antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and pain medication (on request — see pain management protocol above). Recovery is individual — some clients bounce back quickly while others take more time, and both are perfectly normal.

Final Notes & Tips

• eSIM for data: Consider purchasing an eSIM for cheaper data access in Bangkok instead of relying on mobile roaming. Many providers offer affordable Thailand plans.
• Tipping: Tipping is optional but appreciated. A common guideline is approximately 1,000 Thai Baht per staff member.
• Returning for minor procedures: If you'd like to return for minor procedures or touch-ups, let us know — we can facilitate surgery-only visits without full package fees.
• Post-trip blood work: We recommend retesting iron, Vitamin D, and other key parameters once you're home. Low iron after surgery can contribute to hair loss and delayed recovery.