Many people come to Thailand for gender reassignment because, under existing Thai law, it is not necessary to comply with the Standards of Care (SOC) as set by the Harry Benjamin International Gender Foundation. While individual surgeons may set their own standards, including full compliance with the SOC, other surgeons may accept patients based on a single psychiatric referral asserting that the patient is diagnosed as transsexual, and is competent to understand the irreversible nature of surgery.
These rules can be a major benefit for transsexuals who, for various reasons, cannot meet the rigorous standards of the SOC, and who would otherwise be condemned to live their lives without proper treatment. Common problems include lack of money to pay for therapy, living in an area where there are no qualified therapists, or dealing with a therapist who is adamant AbOUT having the patient complete the Real Life Test – living in the desired gender role, at a time when the patient is unable to make a living. Unfortunately, bypassing the SOC can lead to people who are not true transsexuals obtaining surgery, to their ultimate regret – or, in some cases, true transsexuals who discover that other factors in life may be equally important to satisfaction and survival. While the overwhelming majority of persons who undergo gender reassignment are pleased with the long term outcome, this is because the majority of cases have been well diagnosed. If the diagnosis is not correct, or if the patient is unable to adjust to life in the desired gender, the results may be tragic.
Surgery in Thailand
Gender Reassignment is a common procedure in Thailand. There are over 170 active surgeons and most of them do the main technique, some with variations. The cost will be anywhere from 900USD - 21,000USD depending on the surgeon.
There are 2 local association providing education or certification for surgeons doing SRS. The society of plastic and reconstructive surgeons of thailand and The thai academy of cosmetic surgery and medicine.
Preecha Aesthetic Insitute
PAI is a plastic surgery clinic 'insitutionalized' by Dr. Preecha Tiewtranon. The clinic employs many other surgeons who practice in other hospitals: with some research patients may get the same surgeon at a lower cost.
#Warning There has been cases when the patient has talked to Dr. Preecha. However the surgeon operating on the patient is not Dr. Preecha himself. Ref: http://www.tsroadmap.com/physical/vaginoplasty/preecha-2003.html PAI has many surgeons who will do surgery for their patients.
Prominent SRS Surgeons
The society of plastic and reconstructive surgeons of Thailand All the surgeons under the association is trained under Dr. Preecha Tiewtranon.
The thai academy of cosmetic surgery and medicine