Staying healthy when you go to Thailand
Thailand is generally regarded as a safe country when it comes to tropical diseases. However, it's still important to read what WHO or other travel-related medical representatives advise.
In particular, dengue fever can be an issue in Thailand due to the number of mosquitoes in the big cities and rural areas of Thailand. That said, there have been no recent cases of tourists dying from dengue. But, there have been cases of serious illness and private hospitals seriously overcharging tourists for emergency treatment. Taking preventative measures can help.
Keep the following things in mind before traveling to Thailand.
Have a medical consultation: See a specialist in travel-related diseases at least 6 months before you travel to Thailand - this is especially true if you have never traveled outside your home country before as some vaccinations take up to 6 months for a full course!
If you don't know where to find one, consult your General Practitioner. Today, many countries have tropical disease clinics in large cities.
Routine Vaccinations and immunizations: These include chickenpox, polio, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus, and influenza. These vaccinations are largely routine even if you do not travel. Do consult your doctor about your immunizations as some of these diseases are still active in some countries.
Getting good travel insurance for Thailand is essential before you go.
Vaccinations for Thailand
The following vaccinations / immunizations are generally advised for travel to Thailand. Please note that outbreaks occur at any stage. Again, consult a tropical medical practitioner before you go. Keep in mind that some of these vaccinations need to be taken over the course of several months. So see a consult at least six months before leaving.
| Vaccination | Recommended | Optional |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A: exposure might occur through food or water and it's a generally recognized vaccination for developing countries - vaccinations can take place over several months. | Yes | |
| Hepatitis B: contact is especially likely for those who might be exposed to blood or body fluids. Sexual contact with the local population. Exposed through medical treatment, e.g. accidents - vaccinations can take place over several months | Optional | |
| Typhoid: exposure can occur through exposure to food or water and this is a generally recommended vaccination for developing countries. | Yes | |
| Tetanus/Diphtheria: A bacterial infection present in soil and dirt. It can occur worldwide, including in Thailand. Infection can enter the body via cuts to the skin. For people who are not immunized, an infection can have the potential to cause problems affecting the nervous system. | Yes | |
| Rabies: contracted through animal bites. Children, expatriates, outdoors/ wilderness/inner city or those traveling long-term are of especially high risk. Rabies may be present in domestic animals e.g. dogs/cats as much as wild animals. | Optional | |
| Cholera: there have been occurrences in Thailand however the risk of contamination is very low in travelers. Medical professionals or those living in high risk areas should consult with their doctor about possible vaccinations. | Optional | |
| Malaria: there is no known vaccination for Malaria (see below for preventative measures.) | Preventative only | |
| Dengue: there is no known vaccination for Dengue fever. Thailand has had several outbreaks and the risk of contamination is moderate to high in some areas. | Preventative only | |
| Japanese Encephalitis: if you are planning to visit rural areas, spend a lot of time outdoors or in an area where outbreaks occur you will need to consider this vaccination. | Optional | |
| COVID-19: to enter Thailand without quarantine a COVID-19 vaccination is currently needed. You will also need an internationally recognised COVID-19 vaccination certificate. | Yes | Optional |
Preventing Malaria in Thailand
There are Malaria outbreaks in Thailand. However Bangkok and many of the tourist areas are largely free from Malaria.
The border regions of Thailand, especially near Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, are known to have occasional outbreaks of Malaria. There is no vaccination for Malaria only preventative measures.
Ways to prevent contracting Malaria in Thailand:
- Take a prescription anti-malarial drug (Consult your doctor about the appropriate type for Thailand)
- Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long pants and sleeves.
- Sleep in air-conditioned and/or use mosquito-proof bed nets.
- Eat well and prevent yourself from becoming exhausted and constantly tired.
Again, the chance of contracting Malaria in Thailand is deemed to be low even in affected areas like the border regions.
Do speak to your tropical disease specialist and GP about anti-malarials as some do have adverse side effects.
Preventing Dengue Fever in Thailand
Dengue fever is an issue in Thailand. Mosquitoes are the culprits and the disease is more common in urban areas.
There is no specific treatment for dengue fever, but good medical care is important. Many hospitals in Thailand are equipped to handle dengue cases, but costs can be high in private facilities. There is no widely available vaccine for travelers.
Preventive dengue methods in Thailand generally mean you need to avoid mosquito bites. This includes using repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying in accommodations with screens or air conditioning. Be especially careful during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Many tourists are exposed when enjoying outdoor activities or sitting at open-air restaurants.
More vaccination resources for travel to Thailand
Below are several other vaccination resources for travel to Thailand. Do be aware of your own region's medical limitations, regular immunizations, and preventative advice. Again, consult a qualified travel medical specialist before going to Thailand.
Vaccination information resources for travel to Thailand:
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: Thailand
- Fit for Travel NHS: Thailand
- Bumrungrad International Hospital Bangkok
General health advice for travel to Thailand
Respiratory, sinus, chest, ear, nose, and throat infections are commonplace in Bangkok due to high pollution and/or exhaust fumes in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area. Many people wear face masks to reduce the inhalation of pollution when walking around Bangkok city. Consult your doctor about your preferred treatment in the event of contracting any of these ailments.
One of the most common ailments tourists have in Thailand is diarrhea. Bad hygiene and food handling are the biggest causes of upset stomachs. Street food in Thailand is generally safe compared to other Asian countries, but use your judgment. Eat in clean-looking restaurants and when in doubt, stick to busy food stalls where turnover is high. Oral rehydration sachets for diarrhea are widely available in Thailand.
Do bring your own prescription medicines if taking any. While medicine is available in Thailand, it may not be the same brand or quality.
Do bring insect repellent with DEET for protection against mosquitoes, especially if you're traveling to rural areas or islands (available in Thailand).
Do bring hand wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizer as running water is not always available to wash hands with (available in Thailand).
Do carry a supply of tissues as toilet paper is not often used in public bathrooms in Thailand. Hotels usually do supply some (available in Thailand).
Wearing a facemask is important since the COVID-19 pandemic. Similar to the rest of the world, it is recommended to lower the transmission of the virus.
Do sort out any dental issues you may have before going to Thailand. There are excellent dentists in Thailand (Bangkok in particular) who come highly recommended, but it would be a better option to have work done before arriving.
Finally, get good travel insurance for Thailand! Private hospitals are available in the big cities but they are not cheap! It is well known that tourists are overcharged for medical facilities in Thailand. Do read about what I recommend and use myself for travel insurance in Thailand.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. While we strive to keep the information up to date and accurate, health recommendations and disease outbreaks can change rapidly.
This guide is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician, a qualified travel medicine specialist, or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding medical conditions, vaccinations, or health precautions before traveling to Thailand.
Vaccination recommendations vary based on your personal health history, specific travel plans, and country of origin. What works for one traveler may not be appropriate for another.
Remember that no travel health guide can replace personalized medical advice. Always consult with a travel medicine specialist at least 6 months before your journey to ensure you have adequate time for all necessary vaccinations and preventative measures.
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