The Immunologist Who Cares in Four Languages
– Dr. Yuthana Budsayavith –
With a signature look of crisp shirts and vibrant bow ties beneath his white coat, Dr. Yuthana Budsayavith is instantly recognisable. As a specialist in clinical immunology and allergy at the Department of Internal Medicine, BNH Hospital, his Western-style manner and multilingual fluency make him a trusted figure among international patients, effortlessly bridging language and cultural gaps.
Dreaming Beyond Borders
Born in Chumphon and later relocating to Bangkok for his studies, Dr. Yuthana grew up in a time when English was not widely taught in Thailand. Fortunately, he attended a Catholic school that prioritised language education and was one of the first in the country to introduce a sound laboratory for language learning, an early advantage that helped him develop strong English proficiency.
From a young age, he dreamed of studying abroad, specifically in Europe. Though originally interested in economics, he ultimately chose medicine at his family’s urging and pursued his medical degree at Chiang Mai University.
Even during his undergraduate years, he set his sights on Germany, a global leader in medical technology and research. To prepare, he began private German lessons in his first year and also took evening English courses at AUA Language Centre.
“If you want to achieve something, you must first create the opportunity. When luck comes your way, you must be ready to seize it. Without strong language skills, especially in English, you’ll miss that chance.”
After graduating and completing his mandatory service in Phitsanulok province, Dr. Yuthana spent the next three years preparing to apply for a German government scholarship.
“The scholarship wasn’t specific to Thailand. I had to compete internationally and pass a German proficiency exam. In the end, I scored higher than the highest level offered at the Goethe-Institut at the time.”
Life and Learning in Germany
Dr. Yuthana pursued postgraduate studies in immunology at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in southern Germany. The first two years were especially challenging.
“There were many times I wanted to pack up and come home. People weren’t particularly open at first; it took time to earn their trust and become part of the team. If your German isn’t fluent, they may even mistreat you.”
His chosen field, immunology, was still relatively niche, which helped him stand out and secure the scholarship. He eventually received an offer to work in the hospital’s allergy department after completing his studies.
Life in Germany meant adapting not only professionally but culturally. Living in a town with almost no Thai population and few Asian food options, Dr. Yuthana began cooking Thai meals for himself. His international colleagues grew fond of his cooking, and he soon learnt to prepare German cuisine as well – skills he retains to this day.
“I still make German dishes now, partly out of nostalgia. Pork knuckle is my favourite. I usually cook once a week and refrigerate meals for the whole week.”
He spent a total of eight years in Germany, rising to the level of resident doctor. However, work permits were issued annually at the discretion of his supervisor, making long-term planning difficult. Despite being well-liked, he eventually decided to return to Thailand.
“I still remember my farewell party. My department head displayed the Thai flag in my honour. It made me feel so proud and respected not just as a person, but for my nationality.”
Home at BNH
After returning to Thailand, Dr. Yuthana worked at two private hospitals before joining BNH Hospital in 2001, where he has now served for over 20 years.
Western Values and Self-Reliance
One of the most lasting lessons from his years in Germany was frugality.
“People think Westerners are extravagant because of what they see in the media, but in reality, they’re very thrifty. They do everything themselves.”
That mindset stayed with him. From cooking to decorating his home, Dr. Yuthana prefers a hands-on approach. His Bangkok condominium features unique, European-style décor, much of which he designed and restored himself.
“I repainted my mother’s old rattan furniture in a deep red, with touches of black. It turned out beautifully, almost like a shrine. I take pride in doing it myself.”
He also owns a house on his family’s palm plantation in Chumphon, co-built with his siblings for their retirement. Aside from the structural work, he personally handled most of the interior design.
“I chose all the furniture myself. I never hired an interior designer. But I’ve had to stop now. I can’t climb scaffolding anymore!”
On weekends, he retreats to his home just outside Bangkok, where he gardens and grows his own vegetables, many of which are used in the food he prepares.
“I grow all sorts of plants, nothing specific. But I prefer hardy varieties that don’t require much care, since I can only visit on weekends.”
This do-it-yourself lifestyle is not only economical, but also deeply fulfilling. As an introvert, he finds joy in solitude and self-sufficiency.
“When you have enough, you don’t need more. I’ve already been through the travel and shopping phase. Now, I find happiness in being alone and at peace.”
A Doctor Who Speaks Four Languages
Dr. Yuthana speaks Thai, English, German, and French fluently.
“I’ve always had a talent for languages. I pick them up quickly. But language needs practise. If you don’t use it, you lose it.”
While his fluency in English and German came from education and living abroad, he later took French classes at Alliance Française in Bangkok and completed the highest level. Today, he can even compose poetry in French.
“Language learning is more than vocabulary and grammar; it teaches you how people from other cultures think and feel. Their sentence structures, expressions, and everyday conversations reveal their way of life.”
With BNH Hospital’s large international patient base, his multilingualism is a great asset. Being able to speak in a patient’s native language builds trust and comfort, especially among elderly patients who struggle with English.
“Sometimes patients can’t explain their symptoms clearly, especially older ones. But when they can speak in their own language, it makes all the difference.”
He also studied Mandarin for two years. Although he finds its grammar similar to Thai, he admits he isn’t yet fluent enough for complex medical conversations.
“The more trust you gain from a patient, the more they open up. They’ll tell you about themselves, their families. I’m proud to have so many long-term patients who trust me.”
By eliminating language and cultural barriers, and replacing them with empathy and attentiveness, Dr. Yuthana creates a space where patients feel truly heard. This human connection forms the heart of holistic, complete care – the BNH way.
ทำนัดหมายแพทย์ออนไลน์ | Appointment
YUTHANA BUDSAYAVITH, M.D.
นพ. ยุทธนา บุษยวิทย์
Speciality
Internal Medicine
Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Education
Medical Degree, Fellowship in Allergology, Hospital of Erlangen Nurnberg, Germany
Medical Degree, Resident in Internal Medicine, Hospital of Erlangen Nurnberg, Germany
Medical Degree, Doctor of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
Board and Sub board Certification
Germany Board of Internal Medicine & Allergology, Internal Medicine, University of Erlangen Nurnberg
Language
English
French
German
Thai
Gender
Male
Schedule
Internal Medicine Department
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 08:00 - 16:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 16:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 16:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 16:00 |
| Friday | - |
| Saturday | - |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 16:00 |
This is the doctor's regular weekly schedule. Actual availability may vary — please confirm the available date and time when you make an appointment.