Health & Safety

According to the government’s Department of Communicable Disease Control, Bangkok and most provinces in the central region as well as major tourist resorts such as Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hua Hin and Samui Island have been free from malaria for decades. All cities in Thailand are malaria free and no special precautions against this mosquito-borne disease are recommended. Outside these areas some risk remains, especially in mountainous and border regions. Tourists planning to visit these areas are advised to take general precautions against mosquito bite. After sunset, sleep under a mosquito net or in screened quarters, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and apply mosquito repellent to skin and clothing. When sitting outdoors or when mosquito nets are unavailable, burn a mosquito coil. Note that the commonly prescribed malarial drugs choloroquine and other chemoprophylactic drugs have proved ineffective against falciparum malaria in Thailand.

Those who develop a fever within two weeks of visiting risk areas or experience cold or influenza-like symptoms should seek prompt medical attention.

These viral diseases are endemic in Southeast Asia. They are transmitted by the ‘aedes’ mosquito, which is active during the daytime and is often found around areas of human habitation. Dengue infection in local people, mostly children, often results in fever with bleeding from the skin and other organs (dengue hemorrhagic fever). It can be fatal. For travelers from non-endemic areas the disease usually manifests itself as a fever with skin rash, severe headaches and muscle pains, nausea and vomiting (dengue fever). This disease strain is usually non-fatal but recovery may be prolonged.

Dengue infection is most common during the rains (May to September in Thailand) when the ‘aedes’ mosquito is abundant. There is no vaccine against the disease. The best prevention is to avoid mosquito bites: wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and use mosquito repellent during the daytime. Avoid using aspirin as this increases the risk of hemorrhaging. Anyone who becomes sick with dengue-like symptoms should seek medical consultation to establish the cause of the illness.

Typhoid is very rare in Thailand but precautions against this food and water-borne disease should still be taken. General preventive measures against diarrhea are effective against typhoid. Vaccinations in either injectable or oral form can be administered prior to departure. Booster vaccinations are easy to get at hospitals and clinics throughout Thailand.

This viral infection of the brain is contracted through the bite of mosquitoes prevalent in rural areas of the country. Like malaria, the disease is best prevented by avoiding mosquito bite, especially at night time. Vaccination prior to leaving is recommended for travelers planning to spend prolonged periods in rural areas of the country.

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