Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
IN THAILAND
Availability & Cost of Health Care
Bangkok is considered the nearest centre of medical excellence for many countries in Southeast Asia. Private hospitals
are more expensive than other medical facilities but offer a superior standard of care and English-speaking staff. The
cost of health care is relatively cheap in Thailand compared to most Western countries.
Self-treatment may be appropriate if your problem is minor (eg traveller's diarrhoea), you are carrying the appropriate
medication and you are unable to attend a recommended clinic or hospital.
Buying medication over the counter is not recommended, because fake medications and poorly stored or out-of-date
drugs are common.
RARE BUT BE AWARE
Avian Influenza
Most of those infected have had close contact with sick or dead birds.
Filariasis
A mosquito-borne disease that is common in the local population; practise mosquito-avoidance meas-
ures.
Hepatitis E
Transmitted through contaminated food and water and has similar symptoms to hepatitis A; can be a
severe problem in pregnant women. Follow safe eating and drinking guidelines.
Japanese B Encephalitis
Viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, typically occurring in rural areas; vaccination
is recommended for travellers spending more than one month outside cities.
Meliodosis
Contracted by skin contact with soil. The symptoms are very similar to tuberculosis (TB). There is no
vaccine but it can be treated with medications.
Strongyloides
A parasite transmitted by skin contact with soil; common in local populations. It is characterised
by an unusual skin rash - a linear rash on the trunk that comes and goes. An overwhelming infection can follow. It
can be treated with medications.
Tuberculosis
The main symptoms are fever, cough, weight loss, night sweats and tiredness. Treatment is available
with long-term multi-drug regimens.
Typhus
Murine typhus is spread by the bite of a flea; scrub typhus is spread via a mite. Symptoms include fever,
muscle pains and a rash. Following general insect-avoidance measures and taking Doxycycline will also prevent
them.
