Bangkok Health

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.

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... Remember also to bring any medicine you are taking. Light cotton clothing is recommended in Thailand's tropical climate. 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

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.

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. Health care services are more affordable here, and why not splash out the sum of money you saved - which can add up to be quite substantial - on a happy, healthy and relaxing holiday by the beach on Phuket or Samui while you're here?

Dental care, cosmetic surgery and LASIK surgery are the most typical medical procedures visitors seek, although coming here for medical check-ups, major heart surgery, IVF treatment or even to give birth are all becoming increasingly popular. Most of Bangkok's hospitals, and certainly the private ones, boast state-of-the-art facilities and technology, internationally trained doctors and multilingual staff, while some private hospitals even offer special promotion packages to overseas visitors. What's more, you'll soon discover that Bangkok's private hospitals in no way resemble the cold, bright and sterile environments you usually associate with a hospital, but instead look a lot like hotels!

Read our Health Tourism section to find out more about this growing trend. (READ MORE)

Why not investigate the most common Medical Procedures sought out by vistiors. (READ MORE)

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: +66 (0)2 255 1133
Bumrungrad Emergency: +66 (0)2 667 2999
Samitivej Sukhumvit Ambulance Hotline: +66 (0)2 712 7007
Bangkok Hospital emergency room: +66 (0)2 310 3102

For contact details of Bangkok's major hospitals, check facilities section below.

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.

For more details, have a look at our Private Hospitals section.