Thailand is one of the safest destinations in Southeast Asia for travelers, but a little health preparation goes a long way. From vaccinations and travel insurance to dealing with the tropical heat and finding quality medical care, this guide covers everything you need to stay healthy during your trip.
Key Health Facts for Thailand
- Tap water: Not safe to drink — bottled water costs 7-15 THB everywhere
- Street food: Generally safe when cooked fresh and served hot
- Pharmacies: Well-stocked, many medications available without prescription
- Hospitals: World-class private hospitals in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket
- Emergency number: 1669 (ambulance), 1155 (tourist police)
- Travel insurance: Strongly recommended — not currently mandatory but policies change
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are legally required to enter Thailand (unless you’re arriving from a yellow fever zone), but several are strongly recommended. Visit your doctor or travel clinic at least 6-8 weeks before departure.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A — Recommended for all travelers. Spread through contaminated food and water.
- Hepatitis B — Recommended if you might have sexual contact, get a tattoo, or need medical procedures.
- Typhoid — Recommended for most travelers, especially those eating street food or visiting rural areas.
- Tetanus-Diphtheria — Make sure your routine booster is current (every 10 years).
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) — Ensure you’ve had two doses.
Situational Vaccinations
- Japanese Encephalitis — Consider if spending extended time in rural areas, especially during rainy season (June-October). The virus is mosquito-borne and can cause serious brain inflammation.
- Rabies — Consider if you’ll be trekking, cycling, or spending time around animals. Stray dogs are common throughout Thailand. Pre-exposure vaccination means you need fewer post-bite shots.
- Cholera — Only for aid workers or those in very remote areas with limited clean water access.
Food and Water Safety
Stomach problems are the most common health issue for visitors. Simple precautions reduce your risk significantly.
Water
Do not drink tap water in Thailand. Bottled water is cheap (7-15 THB for 600ml) and available at every 7-Eleven and Family Mart. Ice in restaurants and bars is generally safe — commercial ice is made from purified water and comes in cylindrical or tube shapes. Crushed or irregular ice at very basic street stalls may be less reliable.
Street Food
Thai street food is one of the country’s greatest attractions, and most of it is perfectly safe. The key indicators of a safe stall:
- High turnover — Busy stalls mean fresh food. If locals are queuing, it’s a good sign.
- Cooked to order — Watch for food that’s prepared fresh in front of you rather than sitting in trays.
- Hot food served hot — Proper cooking kills bacteria. Avoid lukewarm dishes that have been sitting out.
- Peelable fruit — Mangoes, bananas, and pineapples are safe. Be cautious with pre-cut fruit sitting in the sun.
Tip: Pack Imodium (loperamide) and oral rehydration salts for your trip. If you do get traveler’s diarrhea, stay hydrated and rest. Most cases resolve within 48 hours. See a doctor if symptoms persist beyond 3 days or if you develop a fever.
Sun and Heat Safety
Thailand sits between 5° and 20° north of the equator. UV radiation is intense year-round, and temperatures regularly exceed 35°C (95°F) from March to May.
- Sunscreen: SPF 50+ is recommended. Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours (more often if swimming). Available at 7-Eleven and Boots pharmacies throughout Thailand.
- Hydration: Drink at least 2-3 liters of water per day. Carry a water bottle and refill it regularly. Coconut water and electrolyte drinks are widely available.
- Heat exhaustion signs: Heavy sweating, weakness, cold/clammy skin, nausea, fast pulse. Move to shade, drink water, and apply cool cloths. If symptoms escalate to confusion or no sweating (heat stroke), seek emergency medical care immediately.
- Peak hours: Avoid prolonged sun exposure between 11am and 3pm. Schedule temple visits, market browsing, and indoor activities during the hottest hours.
Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Dengue Fever
Dengue is the primary mosquito-borne risk in Thailand and cases have been increasing. The Aedes mosquito that carries dengue bites during the daytime, especially at dawn and dusk. Symptoms include sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and joint/muscle pain. There is no specific treatment — only symptom management. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen if you suspect dengue, as these can worsen bleeding. Use paracetamol (acetaminophen) instead and seek medical attention.
Malaria
Malaria risk in Thailand is very low for typical tourists. It’s essentially limited to remote border areas with Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos — particularly forested regions far from tourist infrastructure. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, and all major tourist destinations are malaria-free. Anti-malarial medication is only recommended for extended stays in remote border regions.
Prevention
- Use DEET-based repellent (20-30% concentration) on exposed skin
- Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing at dawn and dusk
- Stay in air-conditioned rooms or use mosquito nets
- Avoid standing water areas where mosquitoes breed
- Consider permethrin-treated clothing for jungle treks
Air Quality
Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son) experiences severe air pollution from agricultural burning between February and April. During this “burning season,” the Air Quality Index (AQI) can exceed 200 — well into the “unhealthy” range.
- Who’s affected: Anyone with asthma, COPD, or respiratory conditions should avoid northern Thailand from mid-February through April.
- Monitor AQI: Download the IQAir or AirVisual app to check real-time air quality before outdoor activities.
- Protection: N95/KN95 masks are effective and widely available at pharmacies during burning season.
- Best alternative: Southern Thailand (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui) is unaffected by the burning season haze.
Hospitals and Clinics
Thailand has some of the best hospitals in Southeast Asia, particularly in Bangkok. Many are JCI-accredited (Joint Commission International), the global gold standard for hospital quality.
Top Hospitals for Tourists
Bangkok:
- Bumrungrad International Hospital — Thailand’s most famous international hospital, serving over 500,000 foreign patients annually. JCI-accredited. English-speaking staff throughout.
- Bangkok Hospital — Part of the BDMS network with locations across Thailand. JCI-accredited. 24-hour emergency care.
- BNH Hospital — Established in 1898, known for its international patient services and central Silom location.
- Samitivej Hospital — Multiple Bangkok locations. JCI-accredited with dedicated international patient centers.
Chiang Mai:
- Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai — International standard care with English-speaking doctors.
- Lanna Hospital — Private hospital with modern facilities and international patient services.
Phuket:
- Bangkok Hospital Phuket — JCI-accredited, the island’s premier international hospital. 24/7 emergency care.
- Siriroj International Hospital — Centrally located in Phuket Town with multilingual staff.
Koh Samui:
- Bangkok Hospital Samui — The island’s main private hospital with international standard care.
- Thai International Hospital — 24-hour emergency services on the island.
Cost note: A basic doctor’s visit at a private hospital costs 500-1,500 THB ($15-45 USD). Emergency room visits range from 3,000-10,000 THB ($85-285 USD). Serious procedures can cost thousands of dollars — travel insurance is essential.
Pharmacies and Medication
Thai pharmacies are well-stocked and pharmacists are often trained to provide basic medical advice. Chain pharmacies like Boots and Watsons are found in every shopping mall and tourist area. Independent pharmacies are on most main streets.
Many medications that require a prescription in Western countries are available over the counter in Thailand, including:
- Antibiotics (amoxicillin, azithromycin)
- Anti-diarrheal medication (loperamide)
- Antihistamines
- Pain relief (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
- Motion sickness tablets
- Oral rehydration salts
- Antifungal creams (useful in the humid climate)
Bring from home: Any prescription medications you take regularly (in original packaging with the prescription label), plus a basic first-aid kit with adhesive bandages, antiseptic cream, and insect bite cream.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not currently mandatory for entering Thailand, but it is strongly recommended. Medical evacuation alone can cost $50,000-100,000 USD. A comprehensive travel insurance policy typically costs $30-80 USD for a 2-week trip.
Make sure your policy covers:
- Medical expenses (minimum $100,000 USD coverage recommended)
- Medical evacuation and repatriation
- Activities you plan to do (scuba diving, motorbike riding, rock climbing)
- COVID-19 treatment (some basic policies still exclude this)
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Personal belongings and theft
Popular providers used by Thailand travelers include World Nomads, SafetyWing (especially for digital nomads), and Allianz Travel Insurance. Compare policies on comparison sites before purchasing.
Emergency Contacts
Save these numbers in your phone before arriving in Thailand:
| Service | Number |
| Ambulance / Emergency Medical | 1669 |
| Tourist Police (English-speaking) | 1155 |
| Police | 191 |
| Fire | 199 |
| Highway Police | 1193 |
The Tourist Police (1155) is your best first call for most situations — operators speak English, and they can coordinate with local police, hospitals, or your embassy on your behalf. For general safety advice, see our Stay Safe in Thailand guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need vaccinations for Thailand?
No vaccinations are legally required to enter Thailand (unless arriving from a yellow fever zone). However, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, typhoid, and routine boosters (tetanus, MMR) are strongly recommended. Consult your doctor 6-8 weeks before travel.
Is street food safe to eat in Thailand?
Yes, Thai street food is generally safe when cooked fresh and served hot. Look for stalls with high turnover (popular with locals), food cooked to order, and proper heat. Avoid dishes that have been sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
Can I drink tap water in Thailand?
No. Tap water in Thailand is not safe for drinking. Bottled water is cheap (7-15 THB) and available everywhere. Ice in restaurants is generally safe as it’s made from purified water.
Do I need malaria tablets for Thailand?
For the vast majority of tourists, no. Malaria risk is essentially limited to remote border areas with Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, and all major tourist destinations are malaria-free. Dengue fever is a more relevant risk and there is no preventive medication — use mosquito repellent instead.
What should I pack in a travel health kit for Thailand?
Essential items: sunscreen (SPF 50+), DEET insect repellent, paracetamol, Imodium (loperamide), oral rehydration salts, adhesive bandages, antiseptic cream, antihistamines, and any prescription medications in original packaging. Most of these are also available cheaply at Thai pharmacies if you forget.
How much does a hospital visit cost in Thailand?
A basic consultation at a private hospital costs 500-1,500 THB ($15-45 USD). Emergency room visits range from 3,000-10,000 THB ($85-285 USD). Serious treatment or surgery can cost thousands of dollars, which is why travel insurance is strongly recommended.
