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Thailand

Page last updated on 31 August 2023
Latest security advice
Exercise a high degree of caution
We've reviewed our advice and continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand overall. We've lowered our advice for Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla provinces. We now advise reconsider your need to travel to Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces due to ongoing risks of low-level insurgent activity (see 'Safety').

We advise:

Exercise a high degree of caution to Thailand overall due to the risk of civil unrest and the threat of terrorism, including in Bangkok and Phuket. 

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Thailand’s culture is heavily influenced by Buddhism, with 95% of the population practising the religion. This is also reflected in the amount of Buddhist temples spread all throughout Thailand – there are over 40,000 temples in Thailand alone, some dating back centuries. For the Thai people, temples are a central gathering place, a place to pray for good health and fortune or to speak with the monks. If you’re visiting as a tourist, these are some of the most beautiful and elaborate structures you will see.

Thailand’s exotic islands boast some of the world’s most stunning beaches – think crystal clear water filled with coral and colourful reef fish, made even more amazing with the beautiful scenery. If a beach escape is what you’re after, visit the island of Phuket. In addition to having some of Thailand’s most popular beaches, Phuket is known for the vibrant nightlife.

If you’re a bit of a party animal, don’t miss out on taking part in the Full Moon parties at Haad Rin beach. The all-night beach party takes place on the night of every full moon and attracts thousands of tourists each month with endless drinks and a whole night of dancing.

When planning your trip to Thailand, it’s important to consider your health and understand your risk of contracting foreign disease and illnesses.

Speak with your healthcare professional about how you can best protect yourself prior to your departure.

Before you go to Thailand

What vaccinations do I need for Thailand?

All travellers should be up-to-date with their routine vaccinations before heading off to Thailand. Some of these vaccinations are given as part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

These vaccines include: 

  • Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine 
  • Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine 
  • Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
  • Poliomyelitis (polio) vaccine, and 
  • Your yearly flu (influenza) shot.

Travellers to Thailand who are aged 5 years or older should also ensure they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
 

Most travellers 
There is an increased risk of contracting hepatitis A and typhoid in Thailand, both of which can be contracted through contaminated food or water. 

 

 

Some travellers
Depending on where you are staying and what activities you have planned, the following vaccinations may be recommended for you by your doctor:

  • Hepatitis B 
  • Japanese encephalitis
  • Malaria
  • Rabies

Talk to your doctor about what vaccinations or medications are recommended.


 

Do you need any vaccinations to go to Phuket?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all travellers are up-to-date with their routine vaccinations including; measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, polio, influenza and pneumococcal disease.

These vaccinations are given as part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP). For a full list please refer to the NIP schedule, available here. In some cases, you may need a booster or re-vaccination against a disease to ensure you still have immunity.

In addition, protection against hepatitis A and typhoid is advisable for most travellers to Thailand. Vaccinations for hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis or rabies may also be recommended depending on your itinerary and planned activities. Malaria is present in some parts of Thailand, so see your doctor at least 4 weeks prior to your departure to ensure you’re adequately protected.

How long before you travel to Thailand do you need vaccinations?

It is best to consult with your doctor or travel health clinic at least 4 weeks prior to your departure. They will be able to advise you about any vaccinations that you may need for your trip well before you leave, based on your specific travel plans.

What your doctor will need to know:

  • When you plan to travel (time of year/season)

  • The duration of your trip 

  • The regions of Thailand you are visiting 

  • Your planned activities (i.e. if you are going hiking or visiting remote and/or wilderness areas)

  • If you will be in contact with animals

  • If you are up-to-date with your routine vaccinations  

Your doctor may also conduct a general health check-up. This may be needed for your travel insurance if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

If you are not up-to-date with your routine vaccinations or if the doctor believes you may be at an increased risk of contracting a vaccine-preventable disease, then they may recommend you get a booster or be revaccinated against a particular disease. 

Is there risk of malaria in Thailand?

There is no risk of malaria in the major tourist resorts or cities, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Pattaya. However, malaria can be in rural areas, particularly near the borders with Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.

If you’re unsure, speak with your healthcare practitioner at least a month prior to your departure about your travel plans and they will be able to advise whether or not you should be taking anti-malarial medication.

Malaria is spread by the bite of a particular type of mosquito. The best way to prevent malaria is to avoid mosquito bites altogether. Preventative measures you can take include protecting yourself with insect repellent, wearing clothes that cover your arms and legs, and staying in accommodation that has air conditioning, fly nets or screened windows provided.

In order to advise correctly, your doctor will need to know a little more detail around your travel plans, such as where you are travelling, the time of year and the activities you have planned.

Visit your healthcare professional at least 4 weeks before travel to see if medication is needed for you.

 

Are vaccines covered by private healthcare?

In some circumstances, your private healthcare may cover the cost of the vaccination. 

This will however depend on the specifics of your policy with your provider – the type of cover you have (hospital, hospital + extra) and the specifics of your extras cover. 

Contact your provider to find out if vaccinations are included as part of your cover. 

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Sources & Citations

  1. Worldometer, Thailand Population (live). Available at: http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/thailand-population/ [accessed 31 August 2023]. 

  2. Australian Government, Austrade. Outbound Tourism Statistics. Available at: https://www.tra.gov.au/research/australians-travelling-overseas/outbound-tourism-statistics/outbound-tourism-statistics [accessed 8 February 2022].

  3. Cultural Atlas. Thai Culture. Available at: https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/thai-culture/thai-culture-religion [accessed 8 February 2022].

  4. The Crazy Tourist. 25 Awesome Temples To Visit In Thailand. Available at: https://www.thecrazytourist.com/25-awesome-temples-to-visit-in-thailand/ [accessed 8 February 2022].

  5. Trip Savvy. Thailand's Top 10 Beach Destinations. Available at: https://www.tripsavvy.com/top-thailand-beach-destinations-1658351 [accessed 8 February 2022].

  6. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Travelers’ Health – Thailand. Available at: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/thailand [accessed 8 February 2022].

  7. Australian Government Department of Health. National Immunisation Program Schedule. Available at: https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/immunisation/immunisation-throughout-life/national-immunisation-program-schedule [accessed 07 February 2022].

  8. CDC Yellow Book. Chapter 10: Thailand. Available at: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/popular-itineraries/thailand [accessed 8 February 2022].

  9. Australian Government. Smart Traveller – Infectious Diseases. Available at: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/before-you-go/health/diseases [accessed 8 February 2022].

  10. Finder, Travel Vaccinations – Can I claim travel vaccinations on my private health insurance? Available at: https://www.finder.com.au/travel-vaccinations [accessed 8 February 2022].

  11. Australian Government. Smart Traveller – Thailand. Available at: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/thailand [accessed 07 February 2022].

  12. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Traveler’s Health Pack Smart. Available at: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pack-smart [accessed 8 February 2022].

 


MAT-AU-220213 - Date of preparation March 2022

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