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Health Advise

No vaccinations are required for entering Thailand unless you are coming from contaminated countries. Travelling to Thailand is relatively safe however several health issues need to be noted. Several months before you leave home, see a doctor preferably specialising in travel medicine, to get desired vaccinations and prescriptions.

Mosquito-borne Illnesss

Yellow fever, dengue fever, malaria and Japanese encephalitis are all transmitted by mosquitos, so protecting yourself against mosquito bites cut down the risks considerably. Mosquitos commonly bite between dusk and dawn, so wear long-sleeved clothing and long trousers when going out at night. Colognes, perfumes, after-shaves and dark clothes attract mosquitos, so avoid these and use insect repellent whenever possible. The dengue mosquito however bites in the morning, so never let down your guard.

Always use a mosquito net if sleeping in a non-air-conditioned facility and ensure you check for tears. Secure the edges tucked under the bed as well. Increased protection can be obtained by impregnating the net with Permethrin. It may be wise to consider using mosquito coils in your room.

Other Illnesses

During March and April there is often smoke haze and resulting poor air quality across parts of the north and north-east of Thailand. This air pollution may aggravate bronchial, sinus or asthmatic conditions. Keep up-to-date with local information and seek medical advice on appropriate precautions.

Authorities have classified Thailand as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. There are also confirmed reports of hand, foot and mouth disease throughout Thailand.

Medical Assistance

There are excellent private hospitals in Thailand but they can be expensive. Public hospitals and clinics in Thailand are not always up to developed county’s standards, particularly outside Bangkok and in the coastal islands. Many hospitals require guarantee of payment before they will start treatment. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. In most cases, you will be expected to pay cash even if you have medical insurance. Keep all your receipts and claim the cost back from your travel insurance company when you return home. However, you should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment. If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 1669 and ask for an ambulance.

Medications which are only available on prescription in developed countries such as like Viagra, Cialis and Valium are readily available across Thailand. Medication sold on the street is unlikely to be genuine and may have been stolen. Taking medication without medical advice or a prescription can have serious health consequences.

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