Thailand

Have a safe trip with travel vaccines and advice from medical professionals.

Travel health and safety for Thailand 🇹🇭

Thailand enchants travelers with its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and flavorful cuisine. From bustling cities to serene temples and tropical beaches, Thailand offers a diverse range of tourist attractions to explore and enjoy.

Thai cuisine is renowned worldwide for its bold flavors and aromatic spices. Visitors can savor iconic dishes such as pad Thai, green curry, and tom yum soup. Street food stalls and local markets provide an immersive experience, allowing travelers to sample a wide variety of authentic Thai dishes. The country’s culinary scene also offers unique regional specialties, from the fiery delights of northeastern Isaan cuisine to the delicate flavors of southern Thai dishes. 

Thailand’s rich cultural heritage is evident in its majestic temples, where visitors can witness intricate craftsmanship and serene beauty. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok are iconic landmarks, while the ancient city of Ayutthaya showcases the remnants of the country’s historical glory. Chiang Mai, known as the “Rose of the North,” is home to numerous temples and offers the opportunity to participate in traditional Thai customs, such as monk blessings and the famous Yi Peng lantern festival. 

The country’s natural beauty is equally captivating, with pristine beaches, lush jungles, and stunning national parks. The islands of Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui attract sun-seeking travelers with their turquoise waters and picturesque landscapes. The northern region of Thailand boasts mountainous terrain, providing opportunities for trekking and exploring hill tribe villages. Khao Sok National Park offers the chance to immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of tropical rainforests and experience activities like jungle hiking and kayaking. 

From bustling street markets to tranquil temples and pristine beaches, Thailand offers a rich tapestry of experiences that cater to every traveler’s taste. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, savor the tantalizing flavors of Thai cuisine, and bask in the natural beauty that surrounds you as you embark on an unforgettable journey through the Land of Smiles. 

Travel Immunizations for Thailand

What vaccines do I need for Thailand? Get all the information and vaccinations you need to minimize travel health risks.

Hepatitis A virus can cause liver disease, and in rare cases, liver failure and death.

  • Can be spread by fecal-oral transmission, consuming contaminated food or water, or close, personal contact with an infected person.
  • Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and joint pain.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

  • Spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected individuals.
  • Symptoms initially resemble a common cold, followed by a characteristic rash fever, cough, runny nose, small, white spots inside the mouth and throat red eyes, sleepiness, and irritability.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver and may cause chronic infections. 

  • Its primary mode of transmission is through direct blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through unprotected sex or sharing needles.
  • Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting and joint pain.

Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.  

  • Symptoms may include fever, chills, headache, similar to the flu. Without treatment, malaria can cause severe illness and death.
  • Malaria can be treated with anti-malarial medications.

Rabies is a viral infection transmitted through animal bites.  

  • Symptoms may initially include fever, headache, and discomfort at the bite site, progressing to more severe neurological symptoms. Rabies is fatal if it is not treated before symptoms develop.
  • Rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a viral infection spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.

  • Visitors to areas experiencing a JE outbreak should also consider vaccination.  
  • Risk increases for individuals engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitoes. 

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

Health Canada strongly advises travelers ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date, including:

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Guards against the varicella-zoster virus, responsible for chickenpox.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP)

Protects against three different bacterial infections.

Flu (Influenza)

Vaccination against seasonal influenza strains is essential.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Provides immunity against all three diseases in one shot.

Polio

Essential for guarding against the poliovirus.

Shingles

Offers protection against a viral infection that causes painful rashes.

COVID-19

The ongoing pandemic necessitates adherence to vaccination guidelines and preventive measures.

Thailand Concerns / Health Canada Recommendations

Most common illness for travelers, from consuming contaminated food & water

  • Affects up to 70% of travelers and risks minimized with good hygiene and safe food/drink choices (eg. avoid raw foods, ice in drinks).
  • Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, bloating.

Serious intestinal infection caused by a type of bacteria –Vibrio cholerae.

  • Found in infected water or food contaminated with the bacteria. 
  • Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, leg cramps, watery diarrhea.

Consider getting vaccinated against typhoid, as it can be contracted through contaminated food and water.   

  • Symptoms of typhoid fever include a high fever, headache, weakness, fatigue, stomach pain, constipation or diarrhea, loss of appetite, and a rose-colored rash on the chest and abdomen. 

Avian Influenza

A viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds  

  • Symptoms include fever, chills, runny nose, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, red/watery eyes, or difficulty breathing. 

Hand, foot, and mouth disease

Viral illness that primarily affects infants and children.

  • Symptoms include fever, sore throat, rash on hands, feet, and mouth, and loss of appetite. 
  • Increased risk in overcrowded conditions. No vaccine or medication for prevention. 

Tuberculosis (TB)

Infection caused by bacteria that mainly affects the lungs.  

  • Symptoms include feelings of sickness or weakness, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.    
  • Travellers may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis. 

Insect Bite Prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. Cover up and use mosquito repellents to protect against infection.   

  • Chikungunya: Symptoms include joint pains, fever, rash, and headache.    
  • Dengue: Symptoms include high-grade fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, and nausea/vomiting.    
  • Zika: Symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle, and joint pains.    

Over the Counter Medications for Travel to Thailand

Pain Relief

Medications such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) can be helpful for managing headaches, muscle pain, or fever. 

Anti-Diarrheal Medications

It’s advisable to carry over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (e.g., Imodium) to treat mild cases of traveler’s diarrhea. However, it’s important to stay hydrated and seek medical attention if diarrhea persists or worsens. 

Antacids

Antacids like Tums or Pepto-Bismol can provide relief from indigestion or heartburn, which can sometimes occur when trying new foods or experiencing changes in diet during travel. 

Allergy Medications

If you have known allergies, carrying antihistamines like cetirizine(e.g., Reactine) or diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl) can help manage allergic reactions to environmental allergens or insect bites. 

Motion Sickness Medications

If you are prone to motion sickness, consider carrying medication like dimenhydrinate (e.g., Gravol) to alleviate symptoms during long journeys or when traveling by car, train, or boat.

Sun Protection

It is essential to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Use sunscreen with a high SPF, wear hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing.

Medical Services and Facilities in Thailand
  • Excellent healthcare is available in major cities, particularly in private hospitals and clinics. 
  • Quality of care varies significantly in rural areas. 
  • Establishments may require confirmation of health insurance coverage, a guarantee of payment or an upfront deposit before admitting patients. 
  • Psychiatric or psychological facilities and services in Thailand may not meet international standards. Canadians with mental illness have been committed to state facilities, detained and deported. 
  • Medical evacuation can be very expensive, and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury. Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays. 

Consular Assistance in Thailand

Street Address: 15th Floor, Abdulrahim Place, 990 Rama IV, Bangrak, Bangkok, 10500, Thailand

Telephone: +66 (0) 2646 4300

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-Thailand

Street Address: 151 Super Highway, Tambon Tahsala, Amphur Muang, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand

Telephone: +66 0 5385 0147 / +66 0 5324 2292 

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-Thailand

Street Address: 6th Floor CCM Complex, 77/77 Chalermprakiat Rama 9 Road (Bypass Road), Muang Phuket, Thailand 

Telephone: +66 76 317 700

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-Thailand

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

In case of emergency, dial:
  • 191 for Police
  • 1155 for Tourist Police
  • 1669 for Medical Assistance
  • 199 for Firefighters

General Services:

The Tourism Authority of Thailand offers general advice for tourists. Dial 1672 and press 9 for English. 

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