What is the proper gift for someone in the Hospital in Thailand? Flowers?

Flowers are not appropriate. A fruit basket, bird's nest juice, essence of chicken broth, etc. is the correct gift to give. And some money, to help ease the financial pain. Not that many people have a health insurance here.

Sending good wishes card and useful stuff like imperishable food packets would be good as the family would be facing a tough time

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don't send flowers if it is lung disease, people have enough trouble breathing and don't need the extra pollen that flowers give off. Same with wearing heavy perfumes etc.. if visiting. A book would be good or a leather bound journal, so he can recount his life. those are better ideas for someone stuck in a hospital. if you want something cheaper send a snow globe or something to play with like a rubics cube *note that's just an example I do not know this person*

I worked in the geriatric section of a nursing home and when people are dying they really don't want flowers much, they just die and it reminds them they are too.

Serously: money. Thai banknotes in a nicely addressed white envelope will be most appreciated. Actually, I've seen this situation myself as my g/f's grandfather died of lung cancer last year (nice man, I miss him - he never had a bad word to say about his grand-daughter having a 'fan farang' unlike his more narrow-minded wife). His medical treatment was paid for by insurance (an uncle works for the government so his parents' healthcare was paid for by the uncle's medical insurance) but I spent a great deal of time driving family members back and forth between the hospitals involved in his treatment and the family home; that was my way of helping out. If you don't have time to help out in that or any other practical way and/or the family is not comfortably off/covered by medical insurance, then money given to the acting head of the family. I think it would be appreciated if you delivered the donation personally so that you can then make the appropriate expressions of sorrow that you feel for the situation to the members of the family. Money can be used in a variety of ways: medical bills, tips to nurses for taking special care, transportation costs for family members visiting the hospital, moving him to a private room, special (foreign) medicines and (hoping it doesn't come to that) for funeral expenses.

Yes, money would be the most appreciated gift. If you can't afford much or want something more personal some of that birds nest health drink might be appreciated.

Congratulations to the two answers above - very right and thoughtful! Financial aid will be a real plus in this case.

An offer of some financial help with the hospital bills would be a good idea.