Health in Thailand

Before traveling to Thailand, it's important to assess your health status. Indeed, health in Thailand is not a matter to be taken lightly. It would be unfortunate to ruin your trip by contracting a tropical disease or not adhering to basic rules that allow your body to adapt optimally to a new environment.

Acclimatization to the tropical zone

Avoid overexertion upon arrival in Thailand. Your body will need a period of adjustment to the high temperatures and record humidity levels. Increase your daily activity and sun exposure gradually over the first few days, and, most importantly, drink plenty of water to hydrate your body: it will need it, and it's the key to stay in good health in Thailand.

Your acclimatization period will inevitably be somewhat uncomfortable. However, a few simple initiatives will help you get through it and stay healthy in Thailand:

• Wear breathable clothes made of natural fibers. This will prevent excessive sweating and, hence, the development of bacteria and other fungi.
• Properly protect yourself from the sun, as it can be very intense. If you haven't taken the necessary precautions (sunscreen, hat, etc.), you risk getting severely burned in no time. Sunbathing is not recommended for your health.
• Make sure to stay well-hydrated. You can find rehydrating powder sachets at pharmacies. Mixed with water, this powder will ensure a good balance of minerals.
• Gradually accustom your stomach to spicy food (otherwise, you will undoubtedly spend long and painful hours in the bathroom).
• Plan your activities according to peak heat times. Save energy-intensive activities for mornings and evenings.
• Use a fan rather than air conditioning to cool down. Initially, this will help you acclimate more quickly.

Vaccination

Thailand is considered a safe country in terms of health, and moreover, its healthcare system is of fairly good quality. Therefore, before traveling there, no specific vaccines are mandatory. However, it is recommended to stay up-to-date with certain vaccines or to get some, such as:

- Hepatitis A and B
- Japanese Encephalitis (for extended stays in rural areas)
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Poliomyelitis

Again, none are mandatory; it's up to you to decide whether to get them or not.

Anti-malarial treatment

Although mosquitoes can be particularly aggressive, you do not need to take anti-malarial treatment unless your itinerary includes several days of excursions and nights in remote jungles and tropical forests. In that case, consult a doctor before your departure to get the appropriate anti-malarial treatment.

Often, using good, locally purchased repellents is sufficient for protection. During the rainy season, the risk of dengue cases is at its highest. It is therefore preferable to cover up in the late evening, when mosquitoes are most numerous, and to use repellent.

HIV and AIDS in Thailand

Condoms are available for purchase everywhere in the country, and some hotels even provide them directly in the rooms. So, you have no excuse: protect yourself, even after a heavy night out. Once your life is ruined, you will only be able to cry over your fate and swallow your antiretroviral pills day after day.

HIV is not only transmitted through sexual intercourse. If you need an injection, make sure the syringe used is new (Thai medical personnel are very serious, but you never know).

Everyday ailments and responsiveness to stay healthy in Thailand

Most ailments you might suffer from in Thailand would be of minor importance in Europe. But the Land of Smiles is not the West, and a seemingly insignificant problem can quickly worsen and threaten your health if not addressed immediately. Why? Firstly, because your immune system is not yet adapted to its new environment, and secondly, because the heat promotes the development of various infections.

So, make sure to see a doctor as soon as possible. Healthcare in Thailand is inexpensive in the vast majority of cases (consultation + medication for less than 500 THB (12.5€)), and any necessary tests are done quickly.

The issue of water in Thailand

The purity of tap water in Thailand is not guaranteed, even though most major cities in the country now treat their water accordingly. Therefore, it is not recommended to drink tap water to ensure your good health in Thailand.

Bottled water is available in all shops and hotels at extremely low prices. However, be cautious with imported water, which can be relatively expensive.

As for ice cubes, they are, in most cases, made from boiled or bottled water and thus do not pose a risk to your health in Thailand.

Risks with animals

Thailand is a tropical country where many wild animals can be encountered, some of which can be dangerous. The country also has many stray dogs that it is advisable not to approach too closely, especially due to cases of rabies that exist everywhere in the country.

Although it is still relatively rare to encounter them, any traveler is not immune to coming across a snake, scorpion, or centipede. Stay vigilant!

In the sea, certain times of the year are conducive to jellyfish. Usually, when the waters are infested, hotels and your guide will warn you and advise you not to swim on such or such a beach.

Thai pharmacies

There is no difficulty in finding a pharmacy in Thailand; they are everywhere. They sell many locally manufactured or imported products.

You can usually get medication without a prescription, but it is recommended to always seek advice from a qualified doctor and not to self-medicate.

Medical services in Thailand

There is no shortage of medical personnel in Thailand, and you should quickly find someone to take care of you if needed. The cost of care is very low compared to the West, but it is still recommended to have good insurance (if only for repatriation if necessary).

Major hospitals have English-speaking staff. Public hospitals are generally very inexpensive but do not offer the same level of service as private hospitals.

For any emergency, contact the local tourist police rather than the ambulance service (unless, of course, you speak Thai).

Finally, be aware that in Thailand, health is a business that must make money (following the model of English-speaking systems). You represent a significant financial windfall in case of trouble, and private hospitals will compete to have you in their beds (if you can afford it, of course).

Some healthcare facilities in Thailand

Thailand has a good reputation for its hospital infrastructure. You will have no trouble finding pharmacies or good hospitals on-site. Here are a few addresses to remember:

- Bangkok Hospital: Bangkok Hospital is located at 2 Soi Soonvijai 7, New Petchburi Road, Bangkapi, Huay Khwang in Bangkok.

Tel: +66 23 10 30 00 (open 24/7).

Email: [email protected]

- Bumrungrad International Hospital: 33 Sukhumvit 3 (Soi Nana Nua), Wattana, Bangkok.

Tel: +66 26 67 10 00 (open 24/7).

Email: [email protected]

- Phuket International Hospital:

44 Chalermprakiat Ror 9 Rd., Phuket 83000, Thailand.

Tel: +66 76 249-400, +66 76 361 818.

Email: [email protected]

- AEK U

Don Thani Hospital:

555/5 Posri Rd., Amphur Muang, Udonthani Province.

Tel: (+66 42) 342555; fax: (+66 42) 341033.

Email: [email protected]

- Chiang Mai Ram Hospital:

Tel: (053) 224-851, 224-861.

Email: [email protected]