How much does rehab cost in Thailand? Many people in the United Kingdom who need residential rehab for substance use disorder may want to consider their options for treatment, and those options can include rehabs in Thailand.

The Cost of Rehab in Thailand

Relative to the United Kingdom, the rehab cost in Thailand is low. For example, a luxury rehab centre in Thailand should cost between $12,000 and $15,000 monthly. This is roughly £9700 to £12,000.

In the United Kingdom, the price range for a similar rehab programme is around £20,000 to £80,000. So, there is a clear advantage to going to drug and alcohol rehab in the former Siam.

You may think that the lower cost of treatment means a lower quality of care. But this is not the case. Rehab treatment in Thailand is up to the same standard as treatment in Western countries.

Accommodations in these Thai treatment facilities may be similar. In some cases, they may be even better. Thailand is in Southeast Asia, which means a warm, tropical climate.

What Affects the Cost of Addiction Treatment in Thailand?

The main reason why a Thai rehab centre charges significantly less for the same standard of treatment as a UK rehab centre is that everything is cheaper in Thailand.

Even in Bangkok, the capital city and the most expensive place to live in, the cost of living is still significantly lower than in the United Kingdom. For example, a 2-bedroom flat can cost ฿49,000 a month, or around £1,200. A similar flat in London would cost around 3 times that.

Because everything is priced much lower in Thailand, rehab centres have much lower operating costs. The utilities are lower, the real estate costs less, and the local staff won’t earn the same wages as the British staff.

Disadvantages of Going to Thailand for Rehab

The low cost of Thai rehabs can make going to Thailand for addiction treatment a potential option. However, there is one major disadvantage to going to rehab in Thailand: the distance.

In some cases, the distance can be a good thing. It can take a person out of their normal circumstances and give them the space they need to focus on their treatment programme.

However, the distance can also serve as a major disadvantage. Nonstop flights between Thailand and the United Kingdom are rare. Most flights include at least one stop, with some having multiple stops.

This means that a person’s travel time, including layovers, can take well over a day, with journeys ranging from 18 to 38 hours. This travel time can be a problem for a person in recovery.

Many people who decide to go to a rehab centre may not stop their substance use until after they check into that centre. This can prevent them from withdrawing until they’re under medical supervision.

The long travel time shouldn’t be a problem for someone seeking treatment for alcohol addiction. Alcoholic drinks are served on flights and in airports. They can have a drink and keep alcohol in their system until they get to rehab.

The long travel time can present a major problem for a person who is addicted to illicit drugs like cocaine. They won’t be able to bring those drugs with them through airport security, and trying to do so may result in legal consequences.

This also means that a person who is addicted to drugs will almost certainly go into withdrawal before they reach their rehab centre. This may cause them to have a medical emergency, possibly while they’re in the air.

Alternatives to Thailand for Rehab

If travelling to Thailand for treatment is out of the question, there are alternatives to private treatment in the United Kingdom. These include:

NHS Services

The National Health Service offers various mental health and substance use disorder treatments. However, there are no residential treatment programmes for addiction available through the NHS.

The NHS instead provides outpatient programmes for mental health and addiction. The NHS does inpatient detox through Inpatient Units (IPUs).

Charities

There are also various charities throughout the United Kingdom that offer addiction treatment, including residential care.

They may not have the same amenities or specialised treatment as a private centre. However, their services will generally be free of charge.

Payment Plans

Another option to seek out treatment is a payment plan. Some treatment centres, though not all, may offer staggered payment structures so guests don’t have to pay for treatment upfront. Other facilities may use sliding scale fees. This is when the price for treatment will be based on a patient’s income.

Fellowships

Fellowships such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are free of charge. People can go to meetings without worrying about payment. These fellowships can also be essential in a person’s overall recovery, as support groups can prevent relapse.

Other Countries that Offer Affordable Treatment

Other than Thailand, some countries offer affordable treatment that does not sacrifice quality. South Africa is another country where a person can find cost-effective support for addiction. A luxury rehab programme in South Africa can cost between R200,000 to R500,000. This is roughly £8,700 to £21,6000.

This is not cheap by any means. However, it is still significantly lower than the cost of similar treatment in the United Kingdom. While the cost is slightly higher, South Africa offers one major advantage: it’s not on the other side of the world.

Flights from London to Cape Town are usually less than 12 hours long. While this is not fun, it is still shorter than even a direct flight from London to Bangkok, which can be few and far between. This shorter travel time can make the journey more bearable for someone about to enter inpatient treatment.

We Can Help You Recover

Liberty Home is a world-class treatment facility in Cape Town. We understand that choosing to begin a recovery journey is not easy, and we’ll offer cost-effective care to support your recovery.