What is it like being born into a family with several prominent doctors well-known in society?
That is the reality for “Dr. Tang” – Dr. Pasin Hemachudha, a neurologist at BNH Hospital. He is a medical heir who was introduced to the profession through his family’s legacy but ultimately chose the medical profession by following his own heart.
Aside from his unique start in medicine, his life is full of vibrant colours, and his attitude towards life is even more fascinating. Let us get to know him.
The International Doctor
“Everyone who knows my family assumes I studied medicine because I was forced into it.”
Dr. Tang speaks of a family where his grandfather, father, and aunt are all doctors. In truth, no one ever dictated his life path.
Coming from Harrow International School Bangkok, he grew up in an environment that encouraged students to live their youth to the fullest—working hard and playing hard. However, his family instilled in him a love for learning, not necessarily to become a doctor, but to secure a good future.
“I was a bit of a rebellious kid. We played pranks, teased each other, drove fast, and played sports until bones were broken. You could say I lived life to the full.”
In those days, international school students typically gravitated towards engineering or business management. Unsure of his future, Dr. Tang tried work experience in engineering, but he disliked it. Business was not his path either. Then, quite unexpectedly, he found himself interested in medicine—a career that had never previously crossed his mind.
“Part of it might be because I grew up seeing it, so the interest was planted in my mind, even if I did not consciously realise I wanted to do it.”
Dr. Tang travelled as far as London to study medicine. At 18, it was his first time flying alone and managing everything independently. He believes this transition made him mature significantly, whilst also making him realise that his international school English was not quite as robust as he thought when conversing with native speakers.
His first year in the UK was highly enjoyable. The academic load was manageable, and he spent time partying and travelling across Europe with a tight-knit community of Thai students. However, in his final years, after his friends had graduated and returned home, he was left navigating his seemingly endless medical degree alone. Nevertheless, he stayed long enough to build a solid circle of British friends.
After qualifying, he gained clinical experience in the UK for a period before returning to Thailand. Fortunately, the Thai medical licensing examinations were offered in English by that time, posing no issue for someone educated entirely outside the Thai system. The real language barrier emerged when he began working at a hospital in Chonburi, where most patients were locals.
“At first, I thought I would have to adapt massively, but it only took a little adjustment. Thai people are incredibly kind and helpful, especially my fellow doctors and nurses. The funny part was talking to patients—taking a medical history in Thai meant I had to translate everything in my head first, so I sounded a bit hesitant and strange at times.”
Initially, Dr. Tang had no desire to become a neurologist, as his family already had plenty. However, after exploring various fields, he ultimately gravitated towards the brain and nervous system. Combined with his existing passion for immunology, he chose to specialise in neuroimmunology and neuroinfectious diseases. He completed his residency and fellowship at Chulalongkorn Hospital, where he was taught by his own father, Prof. Dr. Thiravat Hemachudha.
“The truth is, most brain diseases are chronic, but immune and infectious ones present an opportunity for a complete cure. That is why I prefer treating these conditions over others.”
Looking back to his late secondary school years when his path was still uncertain, Dr. Pasin observed outpatient clinics at BNH Hospital. He was deeply impressed by the warm, home-like atmosphere. Years later, he has returned to the very same place, now serving as a specialist physician at the BNH Brain and Neurological Centre.
Dr. Tang | The Neurologist
“I am an easy-going person and can talk about anything, even topics many might not understand. When a patient walks in, I never feel that we are different. I have medical knowledge, and they have the knowledge of the symptoms they are experiencing. Therefore, during a consultation, I will listen to the patient first. Let them explain what they are experiencing, and then we converse from there. It is crucial because a correct diagnosis relies heavily on conversation.“
Managing neurological patients requires a physician to look at every aspect of a patient’s data—medical history, physical exams, blood results, and brain scans—and synthesise them into a coherent picture. For patients with borderline symptoms between autoimmune encephalitis and a brain infection, rushing to administer drugs without a definitive diagnosis can worsen their condition. Conversely, waiting for every single test result might allow the disease to deteriorate fatally. Making such decisions is exceptionally challenging. It requires multidisciplinary consultations with specialists across departments and careful discussions with relatives regarding the risks and benefits. Effective communication is vital to ensure everyone is on the same page. Fortunately, Dr. Tang’s meticulous approach to gathering data has consistently given him the upper hand in treatment, guiding his patients safely through crises.
In line with BNH Hospital’s ‘Complete Care’ philosophy, Dr. Tang does not merely look at clinical data. He evaluates the obstacles the disease creates in a patient’s daily life, their mental health, family dynamics, social interactions, and even religious beliefs—all of which profoundly impact their morale and recovery.
It was his deliberate intention from the start to specialise in autoimmune encephalitis and neuroinfectious diseases because they are curable. He frequently encounters patients who arrive bedridden and entirely dependent, but once cured, they return to living normal lives. Although some residual anxiety might remain and long-term medication may be required, the outcome of the treatment can literally turn a patient’s life around.
“It might be the thrill of immune and infectious diseases—they are never straightforward. You have to play detective, continuously gathering data and adjusting the treatment accordingly. We always hope for a definitive diagnosis, which often we do not find, but ultimately, if the patient recovers and the illness does not return, that is a happy ending.”
Another interesting challenge is that his patients often believe medical misinformation found on social media. Realising that seeing patients in a clinic all day could not create widespread change, Dr. Tang launched his own TikTok channel, “Dr. Tang | The Neurologist” (หมอแตง | หมอสมอง), to discuss general neurological issues and provide accurate medical advice.
Doctor's Drift
“I like driving fast.”
Dr. Tang’s hobby is quite unusual, and while it sounds dangerous, it is a danger confined to the racetrack, where the tarmac is designed for speed and, crucially, poses no threat to the public.
“It is probably far less dangerous to myself than driving on public roads, too.”
He is deeply passionate about manual gearboxes. He owns three classic manual cars: a BMW, a Subaru, and a Mitsubishi. Mostly second-hand and roughly the same age as he is, the engines remain in excellent condition. He restores them almost entirely himself, from the paintwork down to the smallest rubber seals—a passion for car modification he has held since his teenage years.
“Older cars lack extensive electronic aids, so I still feel a mechanical connection to the vehicle. Not everything is governed by computers. It feels like an authentic analogue driving experience.”
These are the cars Dr. Tang takes to the track. On a circuit without the long straights of a motorway, he might max out at 190 km/h, but his absolute favourite moments are attacking the corners.
“There is a proper technique to cornering. You do not necessarily need the fastest or most expensive car. If you take the racing line correctly, at the right speed, with the precise application of the brake and throttle, the cornering is smooth, incredibly fast, and not at all frightening.”
He visits the track with his friends once a month, recommending circuits near Bangkok such as Thailand Circuit in Nakhon Nayok, Kaeng Krachan Circuit, and Bira International Circuit in Chonburi, alongside the world-class Chang International Circuit in Buriram.
Dr. Pasin’s life is richly textured. He is remarkably laid-back and non-judgemental, which has earned him many friends. He grew up with dogs by his side and keeps fit by playing tennis.
“Having a hobby and stepping outside to meet others is absolutely vital. If we do not understand life outside the hospital, we cannot truly understand our patients. Patients have attachments and past lifestyles; if we cannot picture their world, we might miss crucial details hidden in their words, particularly when trying to form a diagnosis.”
The Simple Joy of Sipping Coffee
Coffee has been Dr. Tang’s lifeblood since childhood.
“Since I was ten, I loved sweet drinks, so I drank sweet caramel coffee because my mum always stopped at Starbucks on the way to school.”
Because he only drank sugary coffee, he began to gain weight. Wanting to slim down, he transitioned to lattes, then to sweetened Americanos, until he eventually settled on pure black coffee. He has sampled freshly roasted beans from countless cafés, but ultimately discovered a simple truth:
“The best coffee is the one you make yourself. I buy different beans to try and constantly switch them up. Sometimes the coffee sold outside simply doesn’t hit the mark, and occasionally, paying for highly expensive speciality coffee drains the joy out of the experience.”
Although neurology is immensely complex and mastering a race car demands intense effort, Dr. Tang’s personal happiness is remarkably easy to fulfil. Coffee is just one of his simple pleasures, much like eating good food or spending time with people who make him feel at ease.
“Before choosing medicine, I knew it was a demanding profession because my entire family are doctors. I saw the stress, the required dedication, and the fact that it is not necessarily a highly lucrative career. But the most important thing is happiness. I am fortunate to love what I do, so I do not suffer for it. When a patient improves—or even if they don’t, but we have had a good conversation that makes some part of their life better—I share in their happiness.”
Being a doctor might not be genetically inherited, but it must stem from one’s own feelings and soul. Dr. Tang has proven that while the apple may not fall far from the tree, he has successfully cultivated the heart of a physician entirely on his own.
PASIN HEMACHUDHA, M.D.
นพ. ภาสิน เหมะจุฑา
Speciality
Neurology
Clinical Interest
Headache
Education
Medical Degree, Doctor of Medicine, King's College London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Master's Degree, Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Bachelor's Degree, Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science, King's College London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Fellowship
Neuroimmunology and Neuroinfectious Disease, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thailand
Board and Sub board Certification
The Medical Council of Thailand, Neurology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital
Certificate
Certificate in Cannabis Extraction for Medical Use, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health
Certificate in Emerging Infectious Diseases Management and Epidemiology (USAID, WHO & TRC-EID HS)
Gold Medallist, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Language
English
Thai
Gender
Male
Schedule
Neuro Centre
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | - |
| Tuesday | 16:00 - 20:00 |
| Wednesday | - |
| Thursday | - |
| Friday | - |
| Saturday | - |
| Sunday | - |
This is the doctor's regular weekly schedule. Actual availability may vary — please confirm the available date and time when you make an appointment.