A guide to health in Thailand and travelling safely in the Kingdom

Health in Chiang Mai

Thai hospitals are first class and very affordable

Health in Chiang Mai isn't a high risk problem, and the health care system here in Thailand is very satisfactory. There are a number of tropical diseases around but incidence of infection aren't alarming. Similarly personal safety in Thailand is relatively good, for Thai people are very passive and violence or theft is only a minor risk. Incidences of petty stealing are naturally greater in tourist areas, though Chiang Mai is safer than most popular spots. Effective Tourist Police are always on duty here.

Risks to consider for health in Chiang Mai include: reckless driving, irresponsibility towards risky activities, dengue fever, poor hygiene during food preparation and sexually transmitted illnesses. So far the Thai police have done a commendable job in minimising risk of terrorist activity. Although there is sectarian violence in the south of the country, this is limited to three provinces that attract little tourism.

Safety in Thailand

Health risks in Chiang Mai

Avian influenza: is no longer a threat and was always most dangerous when receiving adverse negative-hype coverage in the press (particularly affecting the tourism industry). Although a few new cases were reported in mid 2004, they are isolated and chicken products across Thailand are considered safe to eat. The only reported human cases have been from farms where the infected were in close contact with livestock, and during 2007 there were hardly any reports.

Dehydration: during the months of March, April and May, Thailand becomes extremely hot, with temperatures reaching 40°C/105°F. Those who are not used to such temperatures will certainly feel uncomfortable and should drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, especially if out in the direct sun and engaging in activity. Symptoms include: fever, fatigue, breathing difficulty and a dry mouth. Rehydration salts/drinks or a trip to the nearest hospital are recommended.

Dengue Fever: has similar symptoms to malaria and is spread by mosquitoes occupying stagnant pools of water in urban areas. 2007 has been a particularly bad year with thousands of cases and a few deaths. Dengue fever is certainly on the rise in Asia as climate change brings more water. Risk is highest between July and October; there is no prophylactic available yet and if untreated the hemorrhagic form of the disease can sometimes be fatal. After contracting and recovering from Dengue fever, the risk of fatality becomes much higher during a subsequent bout.

Drinking water: in Thailand, the tap water is not drinkable, and bottled water is widely available and cheap. Be aware that mountain streams may also be contaminated as discharging waste into waterways is common in Thailand. Reverse-osmosis water purification systems are generally used, therefore ice and free water offered on restaurant tables is safe for drinking.

Diarrhoea: is common among non-Asians and a mild bout of the infamous 'Bangkok belly' at least once during your trip is common. This usually results from eating unhygienically prepared food (roadside noodle shops are notoriously bad), too much chilli in your food, contaminated water or unfamiliar spices and herbs.

Anti-diarrhoeal medication is widely available in Thailand. The runs usually pass within 24 hours; be sure to keep well rested and rehydrate yourself. If you have been vomiting or suffer a severe case, then report immediately to the hospital.

Hepatitis: exists in a variety of strains affecting the liver; although the symptoms may be similar, they differ in method of transmission and seriousness. Hep A is spread through contaminated food and drink, resulting in fever, chills, headaches and fatigue. The best remedy is simply resting and eating properly, waiting for the symptoms to pass.

Hep B is far more serious and often results in 'yellowing' of the skin and leads to long-term liver problems. It is spread through contaminated blood or sexual activity. Hep C, D and E are less common but can be lethal and there is no vaccination against these. Drinking alcohol during the weeks after recovery is not advised.

HIV: Thailand has generally been very successful in its campaign to limit the spread of HIV and AIDS in a country that has a reputation for its sex industry. Realistic estimates put the infection level at roughly five per cent of the population, however those mingling in the go go scene are obviously among a higher risk group. Condom usage is essential and widely practiced here; other methods of transmission are deemed to be low-risk in Thailand, with the exception of sharing syringe needles.

Malaria: Chiang Mai is deemed malaria-free; in fact, most of northern Thailand is too high in altitude for the virus to thrive. However, you may be at risk if you are planning a trip down the Mekong river to Laos or other lowland areas. Mosquitoes are a widespread irritant across Thailand due to the abundance of water.

Furthermore, the malarial strains here are considered immune to western prophylactics such as Larium. Soxycycline is recommended as an impromptu preventative medicine. There is a malaria centre alongside the outer western flank of the moat (near Chiang Mai Ram 1 hospital).

Pesticides: are still unfortunately widely used by ignorant farmers who are desperate to scratch a living by whatever means boosts their crop success. Vegetables here are generally sprayed with toxic insect repellents and products are also often enhanced in appearance using dyes.

Few cases of poisoning are ever noted and organic vegetables are available in selected modern supermarkets, at a premium price. Most respectable eating establishments will endeavour to source healthy vegetables.

Rabies: there are many 'street dogs' in Thailand and travellers complain of bites fairly regularly. A rabies vaccine is now available, if you have not had this treatment before coming to Thailand and are subsequently bitten it is advisable to report to a hospital for injections. The rabies infection can be fatal and is carried in the saliva, so even a dog licking an open wound can be dangerous. Immediately clean the wound with iodine if you are worried. Dogs infected with rabies usually display symptoms of dementia (madness), acting very aggressively and foaming at the mouth in the late stages.

Venereal disease: there are higher incidences of diseases such as syphilis, herpes and gonorrhoea among prostitutes and their clients, however, the high publicity of AIDS has encouraged many people to use condoms, thus reducing the spread of venereal diseases in general.