Beachgoer

The red shirts aren't targeting tourists so avoid any large gatherings and things should be fine. From all reports I have read besides the area near the actual main protest the rest of Bangkok is basically operating as normal. The last I heard was the BTS is running but not stopping at stations near large gatherings of protestors. Obviously things can change from day to day so you will need to continually monitor the situation. Personally if it was me I wouldn't let it stop me from going, actually I am off to Phuket in three weeks and then on to Bangkok. Bangkok is a great city with lots to do and see away from the protest area.

Originally posted by mi$$ionHAIR:

any update djames from the doctor? Are you going ahead with your plans?

 

The situation has got slightly more serious, with clashes and declaration of a national emergency. I am scheduled for a surgery on 30th April.

Hi Adviseme

Seems to be that there aren't any recommended surgeons in Aus, and the price they charge is over the top. I'm personally going to Dr Pathomvanich in Thailand, excellent reviews from past patients and about half the cost (including airfares and accomodation) of having the same surgery in Aus. lots of information on this forumn about his work if you do search for his thresds.

Hi Guys

I leave next Thur for Dr Path. Booked in to the Citin Pratunum. Paying $57 Aus per night including breakfast (so long as you don't mind vegetarian). Easy walk to the markets and various malls, lots of eating places in the area. About 15-20 min walk to skytrain or the hotel runs a free tuk tuk if your not into walking. This will be my first time there but has been getting very good reviews overall. I personally wanted somewhere within easy walk to the shops, markets and food stalls and the area around Dr Paths seemed to be a bit out of the way for these facilities.

I'm due for surgery with Dr P in two weeks time so it's great to hear from another happy patient. It seems everyone only has good remarks about his work and the service they receive.

Hi Mich

Glad to hear of another happy Dr Path patient. I'm booked for March 2010 and with all the recent good remarks coming into the forum I know I will be in good hands over there.

Hi Sunny

Thanks for update, and the long wait for the result goes on......you will get there.

Hi Guys

Thanks for the replies. I only intend on wearing it when needed, mainly work, and I will be showing the Dr for his opinion. I will actually be staying in Thailand for a week after the procedure for some sightseeing and shopping and then having another week off on my return so all going well the grafts should be quite firmly fixed by the time I return to work.

I do appreciate your knowledgable advice.

I am a MtF transgender and unfortunately suffering sunstantial MPB from my younger years prior to transitioning. To cover this I currently wear a wig. I am due for a HT with Dr Path in March 2010 and have been wondering if after the surgery it would be still possible to wear the hairpiece to work until the HT grows out enough. I have read a number of threads on the site however most seem to refer to hairpieces that glue or attatch to the head or hairs. This is not the case with my hairpiece which pulls completely on like a cap and has a mesh lining to allow your head to 'breathe' during use. I can't see that it would be any different to wearing a normal cap after your HT. Any advice from you knowledgable gents would be appreciated.

Thanks for the advice and it is nearly exactly the way I am doing it. I think perserverence is the key. And maybe arms of steel....Lol

Hotblooded

I had two prices from Aust surgeons, one in Melbourne and one in Sydney. I was quoted $12600 and $13250 for 2000 grafts and both said I would need to procedures. After reviewing this site for some time it became quite obvious we here in Aust are being ripped off and receiving a poor quality procedure compared to several overseas destinations. I have now booked with Dr Path in Bangkok for March 2010 with the full procedure (4000 grafts), airfare and accommodation costing about $13000. A lot cheaper than Oz and from all accounts a superior procedure.

All the best.

I'm really pleased all went well for you over there. I'll definitely keep in mind about pad and pencil, I have a memory like a sieve at the best of times. Been working on the laxity already but I find my arms get extremely tired very quickly, don't know if it's just me as a weakling or a common problem with everyone. Still all I can do is keep at it as like you I need a lot of grafts.

Look forward to your updates as time progresses.

Originally posted by Sunnycoastman:

Hi beachgoer, yes the staff are proficient but quite humble and at ease as well. Dr path is the main man there, he is just good at his job and everyone there knows it i felt. before you go there write down the list of questions you want answered, and take a pen and write down the answers too at the time. have all the questions ready. dont try and remember like I did cz youll forget things like i did. depending on the number of grafts scalp laxity is important. i worked hard for 2 months with scalp exercises and Dr path got almost an inch deep, but i needed alot of grafts so Im glad i did. keep an eye on the exchange rate. you can transfer money to his account when its good and save heaps if you time it right. I transferred 9000 oz dollars to their account when the official rate was 31 baht to the $ and still got 30.4 baht per $ their end. the bank takes their cut of course. The day of the procedure is by far the easiest part of the whole exercise..The stress is before and after....i banged my head on the car door 3 days after the op and was worried, feeling for blood, lost grafts...lol. Im so careful now...first day back at work today. hat on, my scalp is still tight, bit of a headache but no pain meds needed. workmates fishing for info...Im hanging out for the xmas break..2 1/2 weeks holiday in NZ. cheers beachgoer

Hi Sunnycoastman

Glad to hear all went well with Dr Path. Your story has made me even more keen for my appointment with him next March. The staff all seem to be very proficient and professional which always helps when the anxiety gets a bit high.

Hi Sunnycoastman

You are doing what you have to do so it is the right thing for you and you only. Don't listen to what others may have to say about your decision to undergo HT, you are the only one that has to be happy.

I should know, I'm actually MTF transgender and made the decision a number of years ago to transition, at the time I was very depressed and thought I had two choices, suicide or survival. I was swaying towards suicide due to concerns on what others would think. In the end I decided I still had things to do in my life and two lovely children I needed to be here for so I said, 'who cares what others think it's my life and I have to be happy'. A few people did judge me by my decision but the majority asked questions and still remain very good friends. As they all said, you are still the person you were before but happier. So yes, your work friends might rib you a bit, but most will be more be inclined to ask questions and that will be the end of it. A true friend will treat you as that, a friend, and not judge you for your decision.

Funny you should have split after 22 years, I was exactly the same.

Yes the exchange rate is very good at the moment and seems to still be rising. I decided to book a hotel as my flight doesn't arrive until after 11pm and didn't want to be trying to find somewhere to sleep at midnight. I'm also going to stay for ten days for a bit of a holiday at the same time and wanted to make sure I got some accomodation in an area close to shops and food areas. The hotel ended up costing me $55 p/n including breakfast so I was happy with that price.

Dr Path seems to have a very good reputation on this forum and was also recommended to me by a friend who has been to him twice so I am sure we are in good hands.

Sorry I have gone on a bit here but I'm sure you will be very happy with your decision in the end

Take care

Originally posted by Sunnycoastman:

hi beachgoer, Im trying not to think about it. I have my moments of doubt about doing it and sometimes I feel Im doing the right thing. I check this site every day to see whats happening with others. some things I read worry me, others give me hope all will be ok.when I split with my wife 4 years ago and during the split she told me "I dont like grey and i dont like bald"....that hurt after 22 years of hard work and kids, so now Im treating myself to this...could never have afforded to if i was still married. I hope the guys at work dont give me a hard time about it when I come to work with a hat and they find out ( Ima kiwi..we banter alot) Its costing me every cent I have right now. The exchange rate hit 31 cents yesterday...best its been for a long time so thats good. so yes I am just hoping all will turn out ok. Dr Path has a good reputation. I was just going to turn up at a hotel when i get there...for the first night Do you have to book ahead? ...cheers

Hi Sunnycoatman

Wow are the nerves going yet..Actually I just sent my deposit by TT and it cost me thirty dollars so I think I will do the same with a good portion of the actual cost just before I leave so as to avoid carrying to much cash. I'm really not that keen on walking around Bangkok with a huge pile of cash. I was also told that I could need upto 4000 grafts. I ended up booking into the Citin Pratnum, it seems to be reasonably priced and has good reviews. Also close to the shopping centres, markets and food areas so fingers crossed.

QUOTE]Originally posted by Sunnycoastman:

Hi Beachgoer. Im watching the exchange rate closely. Its good right now so i will do a telegraphic transfer soon I think . Thatll save me carrying a heap of cash. it costs AU$30 to do the transfer here but I get a rate at least 3c better than if I went to my bank in oz and bought baht. That 3c gives me an extra AU$1000 to spend on grafts (4000 needed Im told) The other option Im considering is taking my Oz dollars over in cash and exchanging at the bank in Dr Paths building. Im 2 weeks out from the consultation day. Ill probably stay in one of the hotels dr Path suggested the first night and see how that goes cz I arrive in Bangkok at 8pm. Ill keep you updated as to how things go....cheers

Thanks for advise. I have already read his threads. Let us know how the surgery goes.

Originally posted by Sunnycoastman:

hst had his HT with Dr Path a month ago. search under "hst". theres a thread on sept 19th where I asked him about hotels and theres other general info of interest on that thread too. Havent heard from him for a bit so if youre reading hst give us an update. Im booked for october 24th. cheers

Hi Sunnycoastman, thanks for the reply. Actually I got the same list from the Doctor. I notice your going to Dr Path. this month and interested in what method you are going to pay for the best exchange rate. I was told telegraphic transfer.

Originally posted by Sunnycoastman:

Heres hotel info I got from Dr Path. you should go on propecia if youre not already and do your scalp stretching exercises.....cheers

This is the list of hotels those not far from our clinic:-

1. My House Hotel (need passport) 560 ??“ 900 Baht (not included breakfast), tel. 02-2781350-3 (within walking 5 minutes but no cable TV)

2. Mido Hotel 1,400 Baht (per person included breakfast)

1,600 Baht (per 2 persons included breakfast)

tel. 02-2794560.

3. Karnmanee Hotel (need passport) 1,400 Baht (included Breakfast), tel.02- 6186977-99 or e-mail karnmaneest@hotmail.com

4. Sofitel Centrara Grand Bangkok (Standard) 3,700 Baht (included breakfast) Tel. 02-5411234 or e-mail scp@chr.co.th

5. Siam City Hotel 125 USD Tel. 02-2470130, 02- 2470120 or email siamcity@siamhotels.com

6. Grand Tower Inn Rama VI Tel 02-6186688 to 99 (20 line) Fax 02-6186363 email rsvn.rama6@grandtowerinn.com

7. Sena Place 1,800 Baht (need passport) 1,400 Baht (included Breakfast Tel 02 2 271-4424-8 OR 66 2 271-4410) email info@senaplace.com http://www.senaplace.com/home.htm

Thanks for the replies. I should have indicated I did get a list of accomodation from the Dr's office however was hoping to get some recommendations from members.

What a great site for advice, I've learnt so much from all the posts. Hence I have booked with Dr Path for March 2010. Can anyone recommend some decent accomodation in Bangkok. I know there are lots of hotels however any recommendations would be gladly accepted.