Risk / Health Info for Thailand

What vaccines do I need for Thailand?

Your regular shots, including measles, should be up to date for a trip to Thailand. In addition, you should consider protecting yourself from hepatitis A, cholera and typhoid, which are nasty gastrointestinal illnesses from infected water or food.

Your Canadian Travel Clinics adviser can also advise you on hepatitis B immunization, which is recommended if you plan to visit Thailand often or stay for an extended time. It is spread by contact with infected blood or body fluid, so people who work in healthcare or dentistry should get hep B shots. Other infection routes are dirty needles (including for acupuncture or tattooing) and unprotected sex, as well as invasive medical and cosmetic procedures.

Japanese encephalitis is present in Thailand so you should consider getting vaccinated against this mosquito-borne illness, especially if you will be in rural areas with rice paddies.

Wild and domestic animals in Thailand can carry rabies, particularly dogs, cats and monkeys. Make sure your rabies shot is up to date, and do the same for children visiting Thailand as they can easily be bitten. Always get immediate medical attention for any animal bite or scratch, even if you’ve had your shot.

What are the hospital facilities like in Thailand?

Private medical facilities in cities often have better resources than public facilities, or services in rural areas of Thailand. You may need to provide proof of insurance coverage or a deposit before treatment. Evacuation can be very expensive. Make sure you have travel insurance before you leave for Thailand. Consult your provincial or territorial health authority for more information. Global Affairs Canada reports that Canadians with mental illness have been arrested or deported.

What about insect bites in Thailand

Mosquitoes in Thailand can carry many illnesses in addition to Japanese encephalitis, including dengue fever and malaria. Talk to your Canadian Travel Clinics adviser about anti-malaria pills at least six weeks before you go. Protect yourself from mosquito bites by using a reliable insect repellent, wearing clothing that covers as much skin as possible, and sleeping in air-conditioned or screened accommodation or under a bed net where possible.

Can I get bird flu in Thailand?

There have been reports of avian influenza in Thailand. It usually affects birds, but occasionally infects people. It is not usually spread by contact with infected people. Health Canada recommends reducing your risk in Thailand by avoiding exposure to poultry whether dead or alive. Practise good cough and sneeze etiquette just as you do to avoid the regular flu, and wash your hands frequently or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

Altitude in Thailand

Parts of Thailand are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.

Dengue fever in Thailand

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Thailand. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.

Malaria in Thailand

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Thailand at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.

Japanese encephalitis in Thailand

avian influenza in Thailand

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Thailand

MERS-CoV is a viral respiratory infection with a high mortality rate. It is caused by the coronavirus and is thought to be contracted from infected camels. You should take diligent hygiene measures such as thorough handwashing if you visit a farm, barn or market or touch a camel. Avoid contact with sick animals. Do not drink raw camel milk or urine; and do not eat camel meat that has not been properly cooked. The Government of Canada has issued a travel health advisory about Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in Thailand.