Cost of Getting Stitches in Koh Samui: The 2026 Price Guide
อัพเดทล่าสุด: 22 ม.ค. 2026
92 ผู้เข้าชม
It’s the scenario no traveler plans for: a slip on a wet pool deck, a deep coral cut, or a motorbike accident. Suddenly, you are staring at a gaping wound and thinking two things: "I need a doctor," and "How much is this going to cost?"
In Koh Samui, the cost of getting stitches varies wildly. Depending on where you go, the price for closing the exact same wound can range from the price of a nice dinner to the price of a return flight home.
If you are bleeding and worried about being ripped off, this guide is for you. We break down the real-world pricing of suturing at government hospitals, luxury private centers, and trusted local clinics.
Why You Can Trust Us
We monitor the medical pricing landscape in Thailand specifically for tourists. We know that "dual pricing" (one price for locals, one for foreigners) is common. Our team gathers data from real patient receipts and clinic rate cards to give you accurate estimates. We also distinguish between the "sticker price" and the hidden fees (like doctor fees, sterile set fees, and mandatory follow-ups) that often catch travelers off guard.
The Three Pricing Tiers
In Koh Samui, medical care falls into three distinct financial categories.
1. The "Luxury" Option: International Hospitals
(e.g., Bangkok Hospital Samui, Thai International Hospital) These facilities are world-class, with English-speaking specialists and hotel-like amenities.
Estimated Cost: 5,000 – 15,000 THB ($150 – $450 USD) for a simple laceration.
Why so high? You pay for the facility fee, specialist doctor fees, and nursing charges. They often add mandatory Tetanus shots and X-rays "just in case."
Best for: Complex facial wounds (requiring a plastic surgeon) or severe trauma involving broken bones.
2. The "Budget" Option: Government Hospitals
(e.g., Koh Samui Hospital in Nathon) This is where the locals go. It is safe and cheap, but expect long waits and a language barrier.
Estimated Cost: 1,000 – 3,000 THB ($30 – $90 USD).
The Trade-off: You might wait 2–4 hours. It is located in Nathon (far from Chaweng/Lamai). The setting is chaotic.
Best for: Travelers on a shoestring budget with plenty of time.
3. The "Smart" Option: Private Clinics
(e.g., Doctor Lamai Clinic) Clinics offer the sweet spot: Western standards of hygiene, fast service, and fair pricing.
Estimated Cost: 2,000 – 5,000 THB ($60 – $150 USD).
The Benefit: You are seen immediately. The pricing is transparent.
Best for: 90% of tourist injuries—cuts on legs, arms, or feet that need 3–10 stitches.
Breakdown of "Stitch" Costs
The bill isn't just for the thread. Here is what you are actually paying for:
Doctor's Fee: For the skill of suturing.
Sterile Set: The tray containing scissors, needle driver, and gauze (usually 300–800 THB).
Anesthesia: The lidocaine injection to numb the area.
Medication: Antibiotics and painkillers to take home.
Tetanus Shot: Almost always required if your shot isn't up to date (500–1,500 THB).
Why We Recommend Doctor Lamai Clinic
For a simple cut requiring the cost of getting stitches in koh samui to remain reasonable, Doctor Lamai Clinic is our top pick. They specialize in treating tourist injuries efficiently.
You get the cleanliness of a private hospital without the "administrative bloat" of the big chains. Plus, their location in Lamai is central for anyone staying in the southern half of the island.
Clinic Contact Information
Address: 124/254 Moo.3, Lamai beach, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, 84310
Hours: Open Every Day from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Phone: +66 65 262 9396
Email: doctorlamaiclinic@gmail.com
Map: Find us on Google Maps
Does Insurance Cover Stitches?
Yes, usually.
Travel Insurance: Covers accidental injuries 100%. You will likely have to pay upfront and claim it back later.
Motorbike Accidents: Warning: If you do not have a valid Thai motorbike license (or international permit with motorcycle endorsement), your insurance may deny the claim. In this case, choosing an affordable clinic like Doctor Lamai becomes even more important to save your own cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much is just one stitch?
Medical pricing is rarely "per stitch." The bulk of the cost is the setup (sterile tray, doctor time, anesthesia). Whether you get 2 stitches or 5 stitches, the price difference might only be 500 THB.
2. Can I go to a pharmacy for stitches?
No. Pharmacists in Thailand are skilled, but they cannot perform surgery. They can sell you "butterfly strips" (Steri-Strips) for tiny cuts, but if the wound is gaping, you need a doctor.
3. Do I need to pay for stitch removal later?
Yes. Removal is a separate service.
Cost: Usually 500 – 1,000 THB.
Timing: Stitches on the face are removed in 5 days; body/limbs in 7–14 days.
4. What if I don't have the money upfront?
Government hospitals are stricter about payment than you might think. Private clinics might be flexible if you leave a passport deposit (though this is rare). Always travel with an emergency credit card.
5. Will the stitches leave a scar?
All stitches leave a mark. However, skilled doctors (like those at Doctor Lamai) use finer thread and better techniques to minimize scarring compared to rushed emergency room jobs.
Conclusion
Getting injured is stressful enough without the financial shock. When considering the cost of getting stitches in koh samui, remember that the cheapest option (government hospital) costs you time, and the most expensive option (international hospital) costs you a premium for luxury you may not need.
For fast, sterile, and fairly priced wound closure, a reputable private clinic is the smartest choice for the savvy traveler.
References
Pacific Prime Thailand: Cost of Medical Treatment in Thailand. An insurance broker's analysis of private vs. public hospital costs. https://www.pacificprime.co.th/blog/cost-of-medical-treatment-in-thailand/
Expat Den: Hospitals in Koh Samui. A guide to the medical facilities on the island for expats and tourists. https://www.expatden.com/thailand/hospitals-koh-samui/
Travel Fish: Health and Safety in Thailand. Practical advice on dealing with minor injuries and clinics while traveling. https://www.travelfish.org/travel-health/thailand
In Koh Samui, the cost of getting stitches varies wildly. Depending on where you go, the price for closing the exact same wound can range from the price of a nice dinner to the price of a return flight home.
If you are bleeding and worried about being ripped off, this guide is for you. We break down the real-world pricing of suturing at government hospitals, luxury private centers, and trusted local clinics.
Why You Can Trust Us
We monitor the medical pricing landscape in Thailand specifically for tourists. We know that "dual pricing" (one price for locals, one for foreigners) is common. Our team gathers data from real patient receipts and clinic rate cards to give you accurate estimates. We also distinguish between the "sticker price" and the hidden fees (like doctor fees, sterile set fees, and mandatory follow-ups) that often catch travelers off guard.
The Three Pricing Tiers
In Koh Samui, medical care falls into three distinct financial categories.
1. The "Luxury" Option: International Hospitals
(e.g., Bangkok Hospital Samui, Thai International Hospital) These facilities are world-class, with English-speaking specialists and hotel-like amenities.
Estimated Cost: 5,000 – 15,000 THB ($150 – $450 USD) for a simple laceration.
Why so high? You pay for the facility fee, specialist doctor fees, and nursing charges. They often add mandatory Tetanus shots and X-rays "just in case."
Best for: Complex facial wounds (requiring a plastic surgeon) or severe trauma involving broken bones.
2. The "Budget" Option: Government Hospitals
(e.g., Koh Samui Hospital in Nathon) This is where the locals go. It is safe and cheap, but expect long waits and a language barrier.
Estimated Cost: 1,000 – 3,000 THB ($30 – $90 USD).
The Trade-off: You might wait 2–4 hours. It is located in Nathon (far from Chaweng/Lamai). The setting is chaotic.
Best for: Travelers on a shoestring budget with plenty of time.
3. The "Smart" Option: Private Clinics
(e.g., Doctor Lamai Clinic) Clinics offer the sweet spot: Western standards of hygiene, fast service, and fair pricing.
Estimated Cost: 2,000 – 5,000 THB ($60 – $150 USD).
The Benefit: You are seen immediately. The pricing is transparent.
Best for: 90% of tourist injuries—cuts on legs, arms, or feet that need 3–10 stitches.
Breakdown of "Stitch" Costs
The bill isn't just for the thread. Here is what you are actually paying for:
Doctor's Fee: For the skill of suturing.
Sterile Set: The tray containing scissors, needle driver, and gauze (usually 300–800 THB).
Anesthesia: The lidocaine injection to numb the area.
Medication: Antibiotics and painkillers to take home.
Tetanus Shot: Almost always required if your shot isn't up to date (500–1,500 THB).
Why We Recommend Doctor Lamai Clinic
For a simple cut requiring the cost of getting stitches in koh samui to remain reasonable, Doctor Lamai Clinic is our top pick. They specialize in treating tourist injuries efficiently.
You get the cleanliness of a private hospital without the "administrative bloat" of the big chains. Plus, their location in Lamai is central for anyone staying in the southern half of the island.
Clinic Contact Information
Address: 124/254 Moo.3, Lamai beach, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, 84310
Hours: Open Every Day from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Phone: +66 65 262 9396
Email: doctorlamaiclinic@gmail.com
Map: Find us on Google Maps
Does Insurance Cover Stitches?
Yes, usually.
Travel Insurance: Covers accidental injuries 100%. You will likely have to pay upfront and claim it back later.
Motorbike Accidents: Warning: If you do not have a valid Thai motorbike license (or international permit with motorcycle endorsement), your insurance may deny the claim. In this case, choosing an affordable clinic like Doctor Lamai becomes even more important to save your own cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much is just one stitch?
Medical pricing is rarely "per stitch." The bulk of the cost is the setup (sterile tray, doctor time, anesthesia). Whether you get 2 stitches or 5 stitches, the price difference might only be 500 THB.
2. Can I go to a pharmacy for stitches?
No. Pharmacists in Thailand are skilled, but they cannot perform surgery. They can sell you "butterfly strips" (Steri-Strips) for tiny cuts, but if the wound is gaping, you need a doctor.
3. Do I need to pay for stitch removal later?
Yes. Removal is a separate service.
Cost: Usually 500 – 1,000 THB.
Timing: Stitches on the face are removed in 5 days; body/limbs in 7–14 days.
4. What if I don't have the money upfront?
Government hospitals are stricter about payment than you might think. Private clinics might be flexible if you leave a passport deposit (though this is rare). Always travel with an emergency credit card.
5. Will the stitches leave a scar?
All stitches leave a mark. However, skilled doctors (like those at Doctor Lamai) use finer thread and better techniques to minimize scarring compared to rushed emergency room jobs.
Conclusion
Getting injured is stressful enough without the financial shock. When considering the cost of getting stitches in koh samui, remember that the cheapest option (government hospital) costs you time, and the most expensive option (international hospital) costs you a premium for luxury you may not need.
For fast, sterile, and fairly priced wound closure, a reputable private clinic is the smartest choice for the savvy traveler.
References
Pacific Prime Thailand: Cost of Medical Treatment in Thailand. An insurance broker's analysis of private vs. public hospital costs. https://www.pacificprime.co.th/blog/cost-of-medical-treatment-in-thailand/
Expat Den: Hospitals in Koh Samui. A guide to the medical facilities on the island for expats and tourists. https://www.expatden.com/thailand/hospitals-koh-samui/
Travel Fish: Health and Safety in Thailand. Practical advice on dealing with minor injuries and clinics while traveling. https://www.travelfish.org/travel-health/thailand
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