Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Health
Health risks and the quality of medical facilities vary depending on where and how you travel in Thailand. The majority
of cities and popular tourist areas have adequate and even excellent medical care. However, travel to remote rural areas
can expose you to some health risks and less adequate medical care.
Travellers tend to worry about contracting exotic infectious diseases when visiting the tropics, but these are far less
common than problems with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease, and accidental injury (especially as a
result of traffic accidents).
Other common illnesses are respiratory infections, diarrhoea and dengue fever. Fortunately most common illnesses can
be prevented or are easily treated.
The advice given here is a general guide and does not replace the advice of a doctor trained in travel medicine.
FURTHER READING
»
International Travel & Health
(
www.who.int/ith
) Published by the World Health Organization (WHO).
»
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
(CDC;
www.cdc.gov
)
Country-specific advice.
»
Healthy Travel - Asia & India
(by Lonely Planet) Pretrip planning, emergency first aid, immunisation and dis-
ease information.
»
Traveller's Health: How to Stay Healthy Abroad
(by Dr Richard Dawood) Considered the 'health bible' for in-
ternational holidays.
»
Travelling Well
(by Dr Deborah Mills) Health guidebook and website (
www.travellingwell.com.au
)
.
»
Healthy Living in Thailand
(published by the Thai Red Cross) Recommended for long-term travellers.
