Hi folks,

A while ago I was reporting a story for CNN on Dr Thep Vechavisit in Bangkok and what patients were getting with cheap surgery. The article is now published: https://edition.cnn.com/interactive/asequals/cheap-gender-affirmation-surgery-thailand-as-equals-intl-cmd/ and there is a corresponding video here: https://youtu.be/O8cI8ysUFFU?si=xYAMz6BF1p1dyX3T

CNN's editorial process was vigorous. There were things I had seen or heard that couldn't be published because I could find no hard proof, or what I had didn't meet their fact-checking standards. I also have photos from inside the clinic they didn't publish which are on my personal website if anyone is interested. These were taken with patients' written consent. https://www.maileeostentan.com/trans-surgery

The majority of patients I spoke to who were in the waiting room waiting for their operation didn't realise the surgery was done completely under local anaesthesia, although patients are given a sedative. This is a big reason why the surgery is so cheap. I think this is an important thing to know and consider ahead of time, if you're deciding whether Dr Thep could be the right surgeon for you. I hope this is helpful to someone.