Today i hit The dreaded Language barrier

For the first time in 12 years in Thailand I struggled to communicate.
I needed to get more medication, so i headed off to Rayong Hospital as it was very close by.
When i arrived it was packed.

I spent a few minutes looking at the signs and got into a line.
I had a box of empty pills with me to use as a prop if they didn’t understand me.
After a lot of head shaking and pointing , i eventually figured out i had to head into the hospital pharmacy to show them my medication.
The pharmacy was easy as they spoke English.
They said they had the medication but a different brand (same every hospital)
They then told me to go back to the previous line area.
Once i eventually got back to the front of the line the nurse scribbled on a bit of paper and pointed for me to go sit with about 6 other people.
After about 30 minutes a little vehicle known as a songthaew turned up and i was told to get in it.

I had absolutely no idea what was happening.
I found out later that if you don’t have an appointment, you travel to a different hospital about 10 minutes away.
When we finally arrived at the second hospital I just followed the others inside.
I was called to a window, and the girl said PASSPORT.
Then she said something that i didn’t understand.
She repeated it and grew frustrated that i didn’t understand.
Finally she asked a girl next to her to ask me. “Your address?”
I gave her the letter from my apartment with the address on it.
Luckily for me the new girl then asked the rest of the questions.
The initial person must of made a note of our exchange as when i did finally meet the doctor he said i should consider learning Thai if i was going to stay here.
When i think back to all my previous visits, I had a Thai person with me.
This made it easier for the hospital, but left me not knowing what was happening.
I know a fair bit of Thai, but today I realized if the other person has zero English I am stuffed.
The whole process took about 3.5 hours.
Once outside I just called Grab as the trip back in the songthaew didn’t appeal.
I think next time will be easier as I now know where to go.
Where to sit and wait etc.
I also know the girl to avoid when I arrive.