Health & Safety in Thailand

Medical Care and Hospitals

The Thai healthcare system is very high quality, especially in Bangkok, which attracts medical tourists to world-class facilities like Bumrungrad International Hospital. In addition to these private hospitals, which tend to cater to international patients, the country also has public hospitals and clinics. Public hospitals tend to be more affordable, but can have long wait times, while private facilities are more expensive. English-speaking medical professionals are commonly found in urban hospitals, though may be more rare in rural or remote areas.

No matter where you seek care when in Thailand, payment will likely be required up front, even in emergency situations. That’s why it’s essential to have travel insurance for Thailand, as emergency medical expenses can add up quickly and cause additional stress when you are urgently seeking care. It’s also wise to have emergency medical evacuation cover, in case you have an emergency that can’t be treated locally, and to carry proof of your insurance coverage as well as any emergency contact numbers.

Health Risks and Vaccinations

There are several health and safety concerns you’ll want to keep in mind while traveling in Thailand. Road accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death for tourists. Travelers should exercise extreme caution when driving or riding as passengers on motorbikes, which are commonly used across Thailand, and always wear a helmet.

To avoid foodborne illness in Thailand, stick to bottled water and avoid raw or undercooked meats. Street food and informal vendors are common in Thailand as well as across Southeast Asia. Stick to vendors who are popular and recommended locally, as they are more likely to adhere to safe food practices.

Mosquito-borne illnesses are another concern. Dengue fever is present year-round, particularly during the rainy season, and other illnesses like chikungunya and, in rural areas, malaria may occur. In addition to taking steps to avoid insect bites, you may also need to take prescription medication to prevent malaria if traveling to certain regions.

While no vaccinations are required to visit Thailand, the CDC recommends that, in addition to being up to date on all routine vaccinations, U.S. travelers are also vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies, measles, and if visiting certain areas, Japanese encephalitis. If you are an adventure traveler who plans to visit remote areas for activities like hiking/trekking or cycling, it’s especially important to visit a travel clinic prior to travel, as disease risks can be localized to particular regions. It’s always wise to carry a basic medical kit with common over-the-counter medication, as well as spare prescription medication or copies of your prescriptions.