"Those who have shared similar experiences often understand each other."
– Dr. Kunthida Rithirangsriroj –
Many women go through a colourful phase of life before transitioning into motherhood. Similarly, Dr. Kunthida Rithirangsriroj, an expert in gynaecologic oncology at BNH Hospital’s Women’s Health Centre, possesses a personal and professional background that allows her to deeply connect with women who aspire to become mothers, as well as those who are already mothers themselves.
Living Life to the Fullest
“As a child, I never thought about becoming a doctor. But I often fell ill and had to visit the hospital frequently. I grew fond of the smells like the scent of disinfectants and the pharmacy room, and I liked the service aspect.”
Dr. Kunthida shares how her path to becoming a doctor began due to her frequent illnesses like asthma and sinusitis, which required regular hospital visits. Her positive experiences with healthcare services sparked her interest in the medical field, leading her to eventually pass the entrance exam for the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University.
“When I got into medical school, my mother said it was her dream for me to become a doctor,” Dr. Kunthida recalls.
Her early fascination with babies and surgical procedures led her to pursue a career as an obstetrician and gynaecologist. However, her work with cancer patients—who require both scientific expertise and emotional sensitivity—drove her to specialise in gynaecologic oncology.
The Party Girl Who Became a Mother
In her earlier years, Dr. Kunthida enjoyed a vibrant social life, often partying under the neon lights of the night, indulging in rock, reggae, and R&B music. However, she balanced her studies and social life, believing that with proper time management, one could enjoy life without neglecting their responsibilities.
Eventually, she discovered a new purpose: to build a family. This led her to leave the party scene behind.
“I would advise the younger generation to live life to the fullest. It’s an experience, and at some point, you’ll feel fulfilled. When that moment comes, you will know,” says Dr. Kunthida.
Now, with the benefit of hindsight, Dr. Kunthida feels content in her current life and has no regrets about moving on from her party days. Today, she fully embraces her roles as both a doctor and a mother.
The Role of a Mother
“I’m a relaxed kind of mum,” Dr. Kunthida says with a smile.
Her aspiration has always been to create a family and have the time to care for her loved ones while also providing medical care to her patients so they can live happy, fulfilling lives. BNH Hospital allows Dr. Kunthida to do both: devote herself to her patients’ health whilst also ensuring that she has quality time with her two children, who are a constant source of encouragement for her work.
Dr. Kunthida’s parenting style is natural and unstructured. She doesn’t impose strict rules on her children. For example, if one of her children doesn’t pass an exam, she encourages them to study for the resit without any pressure. She doesn’t push them to follow in her footsteps and become a doctor, despite seeing the profession as a stable and rewarding career.
“I’m very relaxed with my kids. I treat my patients as equals, not as people who are ‘less than’ because of their health concerns. I want my kids to live their lives on their terms, and if they want to become doctors, that’s up to them,” she says.
One of the things that Dr. Kunthida appreciates most about her workplace is how the hospital staff remember each patient’s name. The staff’s familiarity with patients creates a warm and welcoming environment, something Dr. Kunthida herself strives to bring to her own patients.
Connecting with Patients Through Shared Experiences
As someone who has gone through motherhood herself, Dr. Kunthida often finds herself engaging in meaningful conversations with female patients about pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood. Her openness and relatable nature create an environment where patients feel comfortable discussing personal matters, and many patients find her easy to talk to.
“I enjoy speaking with my patients, especially those who are mothers or want to become mothers. They feel at ease because I share the same experiences with them. It makes our conversations feel like a chat with a friend.”
Listening to the Heart of the Patient
“Patients often come in feeling anxious and discouraged, not wanting to pursue treatment,” Dr. Kunthida recalls one of her more challenging cases. A Brazilian designer in her late 50s came to BNH Hospital, seeking treatment for constipation. After some tests, she was diagnosed with metastatic ovarian cancer that had relapsed after previous treatments elsewhere.
“She felt that she had lived a full life and didn’t want to undergo treatment. But I told her she still looked strong and wasn’t old yet. I encouraged her to keep fighting,” Dr. Kunthida says.
For an oncologist, managing a patient’s emotions is often the hardest part of the job. When a patient is told they have cancer, they often lose hope and feel that there is no way out. However, modern medical advancements can provide a chance for recovery or prolong life with a good quality of life. In this case, Dr. Kunthida spent hours over several days talking to the patient, reassuring her and building her trust. Eventually, the patient agreed to treatment, and today, they have developed a strong relationship.
“It’s a great source of pride for an oncologist to help a patient who’s given up on treatment find the strength to continue fighting. I’m still in touch with her today; she trusts me a lot, and every time she takes her medication, she updates me on her progress. We’ve become close friends.”
Compassionate Care and Trust-Building
Dr. Kunthida’s distinctive approach to patient care involves truly listening to the patients, understanding their emotions, and easing their fears. For example, with the Brazilian patient, Dr. Kunthida spent time getting to the root of the patient’s hesitation, helping her address her concerns step by step, and fostering a trusting relationship.
“First, we let the patient speak and express their feelings. We identify what’s making them hesitant about treatment and address their concerns gently. We listen more than we speak, guiding them through the process,” she says.
Dr. Kunthida’s ability to connect with her patients has earned her the affectionate nickname “My Love, My Sunshine” from the Brazilian patient, a testament to the closeness and trust they share.
Caring and Gentle: A Doctor Who Makes a Difference
When asked about how patients perceive her, Dr. Kunthida smiles and says, “They often say, ‘You’re so kind and sweet.’”
At first glance, patients may doubt her credibility because she looks young. However, after receiving care from Dr. Kunthida, they quickly realise that her expertise speaks for itself. She also offers consultations outside of regular hours, demonstrating her genuine commitment to her patients.
In her practice, especially with gynaecological exams, Dr. Kunthida’s gentle touch ensures that patients feel no pain or discomfort. Many of her patients even say that they didn’t feel a thing during their internal exams, which is a testament to her expertise and caring approach.
Understanding the Patient's Needs
Dr. Kunthida’s ability to connect with patients extends to her holistic approach to healthcare. She is committed to not only treating physical symptoms but also addressing the emotional and mental aspects of patient care. She listens intently, builds trust, and ensures that each patient feels understood and supported throughout their treatment.
“I believe that patients are not just cases, they are individuals who need help. I treat them like friends or family. When they open up, we can help them to the fullest extent. That’s when we know they truly trust us,” Dr. Kunthida concludes.
Dr. Kunthida Rithirangsriroj, Specialist in Gynaecologic Oncology at BNH Hospital, is dedicated to offering compassionate and comprehensive care, combining her medical expertise with empathy and understanding for her patients.
ทำนัดหมายแพทย์ออนไลน์ | Appointment
KUNTHIDA RITHIRANGSRIROJ, M.D.
พญ. กุลธิดา ฤทธิรังศรีโรจน์
Speciality
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Gynaecological Oncology
Clinical Interest
Gynaecological Oncology
Colposcopy
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Breast Cencer
Education
Medical Degree, Doctor of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Board and Sub board Certification
The Medical Council of Thailand, Gynaecological Oncology
Thai Medical Council, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chulalongkorn University
Language
English
Thai
Gender
Female
Schedule
Women's Health Centre
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 08:00 - 16:00 |
| Tuesday | 07:00 - 16:00 |
| Wednesday | 07:00 - 16:00 |
| Thursday | 07:00 - 16:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 16:00 |
| 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.