In the last throws of organising our Cambodian "quiet" location for our retirement and am wondering how difficult it is to get from Battambang to Bangkok in the event of more than basic medical issues being required?

You could fly from Siem Reap.

Always have a back up plan. In all fairness think more ahead, such as how would I get back to my homeland.

Trying to plan as much in advance as possible like having major medical work (hip replacements) carried out in the UK prior to moving.

Main base would be Singapore (anything more than a few weeks with her sisters and nieces there would drive me to insanity) but whereas the wife is covered under her CPF funds for medical work, I would have to pay top dollar. Bangkok has some excellent facilities so we have looked at that as my back up plan. No point in returning to the UK for NHS treatment as the NHS has gone to the dogs.

Mind you, I am at the stage where if I go down with anything serious, it's more a case of "Oh well, it's been a good life so off to the temple for cremation".

So, whereas we want a quiet life, it is important to work out a plan B just in case. Siem Reap to Bangkok by plane looks good. I expect it would be quicker than a hired car journey.

Who knows? Maybe the Cambodian facilities might grow at an exponential rate.

Thanks for advice so far.

Possible. Siem Reap is supposed to have a private hospital as good as any in Bangkok. I have my choice at the beginning of the year when Khmer doctors refused to treat me. I returned to the UK. I am just glad I could travel.

AndyKK wrote: ↑Tue Aug 21, 2018 4:38 pm Siem Reap is supposed to have a private hospital as good as any in Bangkok.

It's not as connected to the rest of the world. I think getting to Bangkok would be a good idea only to eliminate that extra step. It's medevac SOP anyway.

TOG wrote: ↑Tue Aug 21, 2018 3:07 pm In the last throws of organising our Cambodian "quiet" location for our retirement and am wondering how difficult it is to get from Battambang to Bangkok in the event of more than basic medical issues being required?

I think it depends on how urgent the travel is, how mobile the sick or injured person is, and whether you have budget limitations (or an entire family traveling).

1) Travel to Siem Reap (2 hours?) Allow 90 minutes for check in etc, fly 1 hour to BKK, 90 minutes to clear immigration and taxi to hospital or hotel) --- Total about 6 hours

2) Travel to Poipet from Battambang (Two Hours -- lots of vans and cars for hire), 1 hour to clear immigration, Walk up 100 to 200 meters and you will find many Private cars or mInivan to BKK (Minivans are around $10 to $15 per Pax) (5 hours to inner city) or take slow train (only 2 departures per day) around $2 per pax but takes about 7+ hours ... Total: 8 to 10 hours.

I always travel by land when I go to BKK. Poipet is manageable enough. The problem would be if you are too sick or hurt to navigate immigration there. I do not think they have wheel chairs and you have to walk around 500+ meters in an outdoor setting from Exiting Cambodia to Entering Thai immigration. Bad experience if Hot April Sun or Heavy rain. Certainly saves money if that is important and travelers are mobile.

Cheers,

RD