Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BEFORE YOU GO
Pack medications in clearly labelled original containers and obtain a signed and dated letter from your physician describ-
ing your medical conditions, medications and syringes or needles. If you have a heart condition, bring a copy of your
electrocardiography (ECG) taken just prior to travelling.
If you take any regular medication bring double your needs in case of loss or theft. In Thailand you can buy many med-
ications over the counter without a doctor's prescription, but it can be difficult to find the exact medication you are taking.
Contact your home country's Department of Foreign Affairs or the equivalent and register your trip; this is a helpful
precaution in the event of a natural disaster.
Insurance
Even if you're fit and healthy, don't travel without health insurance - accidents
do
happen. You may require extra cover
for adventure activities such as rock climbing or diving, as well as scooter/motorcycle riding. If your health insurance
doesn't cover you for medical expenses abroad, ensure you get specific travel insurance. Most hospitals require an upfront
guarantee of payment (from yourself or your insurer) prior to admission. Inquire before your trip about payment of medic-
al charges and retain all documentation (medical reports, invoices etc) for claim purposes.
Recommended Vaccinations
You should arrange your vaccines six to eight weeks prior to departure though a specialised travel-medicine clinic.
The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC;
www.cdc.gov
) has a traveller's health section that contains
recommendations for vaccinations. The only vaccine required by international regulations is yellow fever. Proof of vac-
cination will only be required if you have visited a country in the yellow-fever zone within the six days prior to entering
Thailand. If you are travelling to Thailand
from
Africa or South America you should check to see if you require proof of
vaccination.
Medical Checklist
Recommended items for a personal medical kit include the following; most of these medicines are available in Thailand:
»
antifungal cream, eg Clotrimazole
»
antibacterial cream, eg Muciprocin
»
antibiotic for skin infections, eg Amoxicillin/Clavulanate or Cephalexin
»
antibiotics for diarrhoea include Norfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin or Azithromycin for bacterial diarrhoea; for giardiasis or
amoebic dysentery take Tinidazole
»
antihistamine - there are many options, eg Cetrizine for daytime and Promethazine for night-time
»
antiseptic, eg Betadine
