Description
Raksakol Hospital (โรงพยาบาลรักษ์สกล) translates to the Hospital that Loves Sakon Nakhon. The reason that they spell Sakon as Sakol is that the word Sakon (สกล) actually ends in the Thai letter L (ล). But when a Thai word ends in the letter L (ล) it is pronounced with an N sound. Sometimes you many see the hospital name is written Rak Sakon Hospital.
If you are a foreign tourist, Raksakol Hospital is probably your best place to visit, rather than a clinic. They gladly accept walk-in patients, and the price you will pay is usually just slightly more than you would have paid in a clinic. Charges typically range from 750 - 2000 baht (including prescription). In addition, you will usually be served much quicker, and there will always be doctors and nurses on staff who can speak English. Note though that not all of the nurses speak English.
Raksakol is a small private hospital. For certain serious conditions that require a specialist or advanced equipment, they may transfer you to the large regional Sakon Nakhon hospital, which is only about 10 minutes away. I spent several days in Raksakol with dengue fever many years ago, and can testify to their friendly and attentive staff.
Take note that antibiotics can be purchased at any pharmacy without a prescription. Just write down the word Amoxil and hand it to the pharmacist to receive amoxicillin. For a sour stomach you can ask for "carBON" to get charcoal tablets or Imodium (which is the better choice for severe cases).
