KDMS Specialized Orthopedic Hospital
Associate Professor Kantaphong Thongrong presented surgical research in Perth and leads the rehabilitation department at King Mongkut Chaokhunthahan Hospital.
Dr. Akegapon Tangmanasakul is an orthopedic surgeon. He specializes in orthopedic trauma and foot and ankle surgery.
Credentials and training: Doctor of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University (2006). Diploma in Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University (2013). Fellowship in Orthopedic Trauma, Police General Hospital (2014). Fellowship in Foot and Ankle Surgery, Siriraj Hospital (2015).
Dr. Pradab Pradasuk is an orthopedic surgeon at Navamin 9 Hospital in Bangkok. He specializes in arthroscopy, knee reconstruction, and complex spine surgery. Dr. Pradasuk performs endoscopic discectomy and spinal fusion with instrumentation. He works at a JCI-accredited facility that treats 30,000 patients annually.
Benjaporn Ngamratchada is an experienced physiotherapist and Pilates specialist. She is the Clinic Manager at Le Physio Clinic and a Senior Physio Pilates Instructor at The Balance Pilates. She graduated with first-class honors in Physical Therapy from Mae Fah Luang University. She holds professional license no. 12676.
Her expertise includes musculoskeletal injuries, post-operative rehabilitation, and sports recovery. She combines Manual Therapy and Myofascial Release with Clinical Pilates. She treats complex cases such as scoliosis and herniated nucleus pulposus. She also provides prenatal, postnatal, and elderly care with a focus on long-term results.
Flat feet surgery recovery in Thailand involves 1–2 days of hospitalisation. It also requires 6–12 weeks of restricted weight-bearing. Specialists at centres like Navamin 9 Hospital and KDMS Specialized Orthopedic Hospital follow international protocols. Full recovery, including the resolution of all swelling, typically takes 12–18 months.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Thai specialists like Dr Akegapon Tangmanasakul hold dual fellowships in trauma and foot surgery. This level of expertise is vital for complex osteotomy cases. Patients should note that KDMS Specialized Orthopedic Hospital treats 1,000 patients annually. Its status as a dedicated orthopedic-only facility means all staff are experts in post-surgical foot care.
Patient Consensus: Patients in Thailand find the first 2 weeks in a cast the most challenging. They suggest budgeting for a longer stay, as swelling often persists for 18 months.
Thai specialists recommend surgery when persistent pain or instability restricts daily activities after 3 to 6 months of conservative care. Procedures are indicated for rigid deformities, joint malalignment, or secondary arthritis. Surgeons perform reconstructions using osteotomies, tendon transfers, and arthrodesis to restore stability and function.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Thailand offers a unique advantage with dedicated facilities like KDMS Specialized Orthopedic Hospital. These focus solely on musculoskeletal cases. Specialists here, such as Dr Pradab Pradasuk, combine traditional reconstruction with technologies like the Re-Step rehabilitation system. This specific orthopaedic focus often leads to higher efficiency compared to general hospitals. Every staff member is trained in orthopaedic-specific recovery protocols.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasise that surgery in Thailand is for restoring function rather than appearance. They suggest clarifying the non-weight-bearing period beforehand. The initial 8 to 12 weeks post-surgery often requires a wheelchair or walker.
Most flat feet do not require medical or surgical treatment in Thailand unless they cause persistent pain or functional issues. Thai specialists only recommend intervention for symptomatic cases. Flexible, painless flat feet are considered normal. Doctors typically suggest conservative care, such as supportive footwear or physiotherapy, before considering surgery.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Thailand offers a unique recovery advantage through dedicated facilities like KDMS Specialized Orthopedic Hospital. As the country's first orthopaedic-only hospital, it provides one-stop specialised co-treatment spaces. This integration helps patients move directly from diagnosis to rehabilitation under one roof. This is often faster than coordinating between separate clinics.
Patient Consensus: Patients say better shoes and orthopaedic inserts should be the first priority. This helps manage discomfort. Practical wisdom suggests surgery is a last resort. Patients should try exercises, massage, and supportive footwear in Thailand first.
Orthopaedic centres in Thailand treat flat feet using non-surgical methods. These include robotic exoskeleton gait training and ultrasound-guided injections. Specialists at JCI-accredited facilities focus on biomechanical correction. These centres offer custom 3D orthotics, clinical Pilates, and specialised physiotherapy. These treatments strengthen foot arches and improve mobility without surgery.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Thai orthopaedic care stands out because it combines traditional physiotherapy with niche technologies. These include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and radio-frequency techniques. Most global clinics stop at basic orthotics. However, centres in Bangkok integrate robotic assistants and VR-based rehabilitation. This multi-modal approach helps patients avoid surgery. It addresses both the structural foot drop and the neurological walking habits.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that custom orthotics from Bangkok clinics often solve long-term pain. This is where retail insoles failed. Many recommend combining these supports with specific calf stretches and lower-leg strengthening exercises. This gives the best results.