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Without a doubt, a holiday is most enjoyed when healthy and fit. Fortunately, there are no major health risks in Thailand that you wouldn't be able to prevent, so planning your vacation to the land of smiles should involve some preparations at home as well as taking certain precautions while you're here. Most of them are commonsense.
Make sure you are up-to-date with your routine immunizations and inform yourself about additional jabs when planning travel to rural areas. Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times, and be careful about what and where you eat.
On the whole, if you follow the general guidelines, you shouldn't face any problems. But should for some reason medical attention be required, rest assured that Thailand provides excellent health services. In fact, medical services are so exceptional, that the Kingdom is increasingly becoming popular as a health tourism destination.
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Preparation
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Like with any trip, there are certain health preparations you should take. It goes without say that you should be up-to-date with your routine jabs, but there are other things to bear in mind. In a tropical country, mosquito borne diseases like malaria and dengue are something to consider when travelling off the beaten track.
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Though you will find most items in Thailand, it might be a good idea to bring them from home. At least you know where to get them and you can read the instructions... Also remember to bring any medicine you are already taking. Light cotton clothing is recommended in Thailand's tropical climate. See below for what your list should include:
Mosquito repellent
Sun screen
Pain relievers
Antiseptic lotion or spray
Rescue remedy cream
Anti-diarrhoea medication
Antacid (for an upset stomach)
Traveller's first aid kit
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Mosquito bites are annoying enough in themselves, but on top of that, some tropical diseases are insect borne, so applying mosquito repellent after sunset is a must.
Gastro enteric problems are among the most common ailments visitors to Thailand complain about. These are generally the result of consuming contaminated food or water, so be careful about where and what you eat.
A funny stomach can also be related to the change of climate. Remember, Thailand is a tropical country and the extreme heat and humidity can affect your overall well-being. In order to avoid dehydration, make sure you drink plenty of water. You'll see that the locals love their drinks with ice, even beer! - no wonder, it's always hot here - but most visitors tend to avoid ice cubes or crushed ice, and stick with bottled drinks, which are available in most places. Alternatively carry your own.
You'll also find that there is an abundance of food at all times both at day and night. If you eat at any of the roadside stalls check that your food is freshly prepared in front of you, and you hopefully won't have any problems.
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| Health Care Packages
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Looking beyond the Kingdom's popularity as an exotic travel destination, many foreigners have realised the benefit of taking care of their health in Thailand. Not only are health care services more affordable, but while you're already here, it's the ideal opportunity to take a vacation.
Dental care, cosmetic surgery and LASIK eye surgery procedures are among the typical health services visitors like to seek in Thailand.
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Let's hope you will never be in a situation where you require emergency services, but in case you do, rest assured Bangkok's numerous hospitals can provide help in urgent situations.
Useful numbers:
Police 191
Fire 199
Medical evacuation & Ambulance Service 02 255 1133
Bumrungrad Emergency 02 667 2999
Samitivej Sukhumvit Ambulance Hotline 02 712 7007
Bangkok Hospital emergency room 02 310 3102
For contact details of Bangkok's major hospitals, check facilities section below.
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| Health Facilities
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Catering to the needs and requirements of the local and expatriate population, you will find that Bangkok's modern private hospitals provide exceptional health services.
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