1) Travellers
over 1 year of age who come from infected areas need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Countries and areas
included in endemic zones are considered to be infected areas.
2) According to World Health Organisation guidelines issued in 1973,
a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition
of entry to Thailand. However, cholera is a risk and precautions
are extremely necessary. Seek the most current advice before deciding
whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical
opinion is divided over its effectiveness; see the Health appendix.
3) Vaccination against typhoid is recommended.
4) Malaria risk occurs throughout the year in remote
parts of all over Thailand, particularly in forested and hilly regions
and around the border areas. There is little risk in cities including
the major tourist areas, e.g. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket
and Samui. The malignant falciparum form still exists and is said to be very resistant to chloroquine and to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. Resistance to mefloquine and to quinine
has been reported from the parts of areas around the borders with Myanmar (Burma)
and Cambodia.
Food & drink
Food and water-borne diseases are a common occurrence. Boiled water or water in bottle is recommended for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice.
Milk that is not pasteurised should be boiled; however, there is pasteurised or homogenised
milk available at most supermarkets. Tinned or powdered milk
is safe when it is reconstituted with sterile water. Avoid dairy
products that may have been made with unboiled milk. Fish
and meat should have been cooked, especially served hot, but not reheated.
Avoid unpeeled fruit and raw vegetables.
Other
risks
Amoebic and bacillary dysentery and hepatitis Aand E occurs. Hepatitis B is common while trachoma is also present.
Japanese encephalitis occurs, especially in remote regions. There is a vaccine available, and visitors are strongly advised to consult their
doctor before their departure. Visitors should take
the precaution
to prevent mosquito bites because of the risk of this disease and dengue
fever. Always use repellant.
HIV
infection is common, particularly among hookers in Bangkok and Chiang
Mai.
Bengal Cholera has rarely been reported.
Rabies still exists and for those at high
risk, a vaccination prior to arrival must be considered. Seek immediate medical advice if you
are bitten.
Note
Visitors who are suspected or confirmed of having AIDS will not be allowed to enter Thailand.
Health Care
Health
insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good in
main cities. All major hotels have doctors on call
