Health & Safety
Thailand is a tropical country and as such is prone to tropical diseases. Malaria, although not generally a problem in the main tourism areas, can be endemic along the borders of Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Additionally dengue fever, another mosquito-born disease common in southeast Asia, can be encountered nationwide, including the cities. A good insect repellant along with long sleeves and pants during the high activity times of dawn and dusk, can go a long way to preventing getting bitten in the first place. Also be aware that the mosquito responsible for dengue fever is most active during daylight hours. Many doctors will recommend immunisation against hepatitis A and typhoid.
Water quality can vary from place top place but is generally quite low, so bottled or at least boiled water is recomended. The hygiene of food preparation and storage of street sellers is also quite variable, so common sense is recommended. The level of HIV in Thailand is quite high in Thailand, especially amongst sex workers and injecting drug users, with an adult infection rate of about one in sixty six.
There are a lot of stray dogs in Thailand, and although not mandatory a Rabies vaccination is worth serious consideration.
Medical facilities in the Thai cities and major tourist areas is considered to be of a high standard, with hospitals and clinics readily available, but more remote areas offer limited access and facilities. All cover medical insurance is highly advisable for all travellers and sometimes even required by emergency rooms before treatment will be given. It is recommended that you always carry details of your medical insurance with you.
Although generally a peaceful people with a respect for tourists, Thailand has suffered political unrest in recent years resulting in rallies and demonstrations which can sometimes turn to violence and rioting. Being caught in the middle of these disturbances may easily lead to inadvertent arrest, injury or even worse, so the best advice is to stay well away from any signs of rallies or protests.
Thailand has very severe and strict laws and penalties for drug use and drug trafficking, with visitors and tourists being shown no leniency. Punishment by western standards is harsh , sometimes resulting in life imprisonment or even death; you have been warned.
Prostitution is rampant in Thailand and “sex tourism” a sad fact. Even though the legal age of consent is 15, it is 18 for prostitutes. The Thai authorities take a very dim view of sex with minors and the harsh penalties reflect this. Additionally, even if a tourist has a partner over the age of consent in Thailand, they may still be prosecuted by their home country. All Thais are required to carry an identity card, and this may be the only way of finding the age of a potential partner. Age is denoted according to the Thai calender.
The card will state that they were born in 2533 or earlier if they were over the age of 18 on January 1st 2008 (in the Thai calendar, AD 2008 is the year 2551).
Wherever there is tourism and a local population with a lower standard of living, there tends to be crime and scams. All travellers should pay particular attention to the security of their possessions and travel documents, as well as their personal safety. Common sense should prevail and be applied at all times, especially at night or in crowded places where theft, pick-pocketing and mugging may be a possibility.
There had been an worldwide increase in terrorism in recent years, with south east Asia not escaping this worrisome trend. Extremists in the deep south (particularly in the provinces of Pattani and Narathiwat) have been active with Bombings, shooting and beheadings, and tourists should practice extreme caution in travelling these areas. For up to dat information and travel alerts, visitors should contact their country’s travel advisory agency.
If travelling outside of major towns and cities by road, be aware that in Thailand vehicles generally drive on the left, but this seems to be ignored by the locals in many instances. Dangerous and bad driving is endemic in Thailand and extreme care should be exercised.
If faced with an emergency in Thailand here are the numbers to call:
Fire Brigade 199
,
Mobile Police 191,
Bangkok Ambulance 1554 or 255-1133-6,
Chiang Mai Ambulance 1669,
Tourist police 1699, or 1155, or 02 281 5051
We strongly advise that all Australian travellers check the latest travel advice on the Australian Government Smart Traveller site.
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