Is vaccination required to travel to Thailand?
You are not required to present a vaccination certificate when entering Thailand. However, some types of visas require a medical examination.
and provide a certificate confirming the absence of certain diseases. If you do not plan to travel outside of Bangkok, a malaria vaccination is not required. If visiting remote areas of Thailand or traveling through the jungle, it is recommended to get vaccinated.
Different vaccinations are recommended for different age groups
. For example, people over 65 years of age are recommended to get vaccinated against shingles.
You should find out what vaccinations have been given and whether previous vaccinations against tetanus and hepatitis are valid. the following websites for updated information
- Center for Disease Control,
- Smart Traveler Australia,
- Travel Health Pro UK.
Do I need to get vaccinated before traveling?
Thai authorities do not force foreign citizens to get vaccinated , but they strongly recommend vaccination before travel.
Residents of European countries (farang in the local language) live in completely different climatic conditions than Thais, so they do not have natural or artificial immunity to most diseases found in Southeast Asia.
If a tourist comes to the country for a period of several weeks, then he finds himself in a vulnerable position . Sometimes it is enough for him to simply get scratched on an excursion in the jungle, be bitten by an insect, or eat low-quality macaroon food to get sick.
To summarize all of the above:
- Vaccination is not mandatory, but recommended;
- unvaccinated tourists are more vulnerable to specific local diseases. Among them, in turn, children are the most vulnerable;
- unvaccinated tourists will be forced to limit themselves when choosing places to eat, relax, and excursions. They are not recommended to visit national parks and disadvantaged areas of large cities;
- You can do without vaccination if you visit the country for a short period of time, for a period of 5-10 days.
You should avoid vaccination only if you are traveling to the country for a week, or if you have an allergic reaction to vaccinations. In the latter case, the risks of the vaccine outweigh its benefits.
Diseases common in Thailand
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends regular vaccinations, including for children. Some vaccines, such as the flu, are recommended annually, while others, such as the tetanus booster, are recommended every ten years.
Recommended vaccinations for children
relate:
- Hepatitis B
- Rotavirus
- Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough
- Haemophilus influenzae type B
- Pneumococcus - Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13)
- Polio
- Flu
- Measles, mumps and rubella.
- Chickenpox
- Hepatitis A
- Meningococcus
- HPV (human papillomavirus)
Recommended vaccinations for adults
relate:
- Flu
- Tetanus, diphtheria
- Tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough
- HPV
- Shingles
- Pneumococcal infection
- Meningococcal infection
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
| Hepatitis A | Hepatitis A is a disease that affects the liver and can be mild or lead to serious consequences. Infection can occur through food or water, regardless of place of residence. |
| Hepatitis B | Hepatitis B is a virus transmitted through body fluids. Can be acquired through sexual contact, contaminated needles, or blood. Symptoms of the disease include: fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain that lasts up to several months. In some cases, chronic hepatitis B develops, causing early death from liver disease. |
| Typhoid | Typhoid fever is a serious illness spread through contaminated food and water. Symptoms include prolonged high fever, weakness, abdominal pain, headache and loss of appetite. In rare cases, internal bleeding and death may occur. There is a high risk of typhus in South Asia. The typhoid vaccine is 50% to 80% effective, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. |
| Japanese encephalitis | Japanese encephalitis is spread through mosquito bites, and symptoms can develop over 5-15 days and include fever, headache, vomiting, confusion and difficulty moving. The disease can subsequently cause swelling of the brain, leading to coma and death. Individuals living or traveling in rural areas for long periods of time are at increased risk. |
| Rabies virus | Rabies is a virus found in the saliva of infected animals. People can become infected through contact, bites, or scratches from infected dogs, cats, or other animals. The rabies virus attacks the central nervous system, ultimately causing disease and brain death. When the first symptoms appear, the disease usually ends in death. If you plan to work with wild or domestic animals in Thailand, spend a lot of time on the street or in places where dogs and cats gather, it is recommended to get vaccinated. At the beginning of 2021, twenty-two provinces in Thailand were designated as high-risk areas, and vaccination of animals against rabies was intensified. |
| Malaria | Malaria is spread through mosquito bites. Symptoms include high fever, shaking, and chills. Left untreated, it can cause complications and lead to death. There are different types of vaccines that you need to get before you travel and after you return. |
| Yellow fever | The risk of contracting yellow fever in Thailand is low. However, if entering Thailand from African, Central or South American countries, you may need to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination. |
| Tuberculosis | Tuberculosis occurs in Thailand. This is an infectious disease transmitted by airborne droplets. If left untreated, the disease is fatal. |
| Cholera | Cholera is a bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated food and water, causing diarrhea and dehydration. In some cases, if untreated, the infected person may die. |
| Dengue fever | Dengue fever is endemic throughout Thailand. Major outbreaks of this disease occur every few years. The risk of infection increases during the rainy season. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Possible death. There is a vaccine for people who have had fever between the ages of 9 and 45 years and who live in endemic areas. |
| Zika virus | The Zika virus is endemic in Thailand, but the risk of illness among tourists is quite low. The disease is transmitted through an insect bite, unprotected sexual contact, and causes congenital malformations of the intrauterine development of the fetus during pregnancy. Therefore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that pregnant women avoid traveling to Thailand or take precautions while in the country. There is no vaccine for this disease. |
Major infectious diseases
Despite the hot climate, the epidemiological situation in Thailand is quite favorable. In the last century, the kingdom overcame all the most terrible diseases that were previously common in Southeast Asia.
However, for tourists from Europe there is always a chance of catching some specific local illness, simply due to the lack of immunity to infection. This situation makes you think about vaccinations before leaving.
Medical insurance
The best insurance option for traveling abroad, you can compare company offers and buy an electronic policy online.
The article discusses the main infectious diseases that occur in Thailand, types of vaccinations against them, places where you can get vaccinated in Russia, as well as the advisability of vaccination as such. Several important recommendations are also given on sanitary safety and filling a tourist’s first aid kit (we talked about medicines that can be bought in Thailand here).
The humid and hot tropical climate in Thailand contributes to the preservation, development and spread of a number of diseases atypical for Europeans:
- dysentery;
- helminth infection;
- typhoid fever;
- cholera;
- malaria;
- Dengue fever;
- Japanese mosquito encephalitis;
- hepatitis groups A and B;
- In remote areas or in some forest reserves, tourists may encounter animals with rabies. However, such cases are extremely rare.
Outbreaks of these diseases (apart from dysentery) occur extremely rarely among Thais due to the fact that most of them are vaccinated or have strong immunity.
Recommended vaccines for travelers to Thailand
| Vaccine | Stay in cities | Stay in the countryside | Visiting border regions | Tourism and hiking |
| Tetanus | ||||
| Typhoid | ||||
| Hepatitis A | ||||
| Hepatitis B | ||||
| Meningococcal infection | ||||
| Tuberculosis | ||||
| Japanese encephalitis | ||||
| Malaria | ||||
| Rabies | ||||
| Dengue fever | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Results
- Before your trip, update your mandatory vaccinations, and don’t do anything unnecessary.
- Upon arrival, buy mosquito repellent (spray, ointment, whatever).
- Drink only bottled water. Don't drink from the tap, even if you really want to.
- Don't go near the monkeys. Yes, they're cute. But they can bite you for a banana.
- Spend some money and take out insurance before your trip. It will cover all costs for unforeseen situations.
And finally, look at what medications to pack in your first aid kit. And that’s all for today, we want to think about vaccination in advance, but don’t go too far and don’t rush to get all possible vaccinations “just in case.” Have a nice rest!
Cost of vaccination
To get vaccinated, people living in Thailand should go to their local hospital or clinic
. There are special immunization centers in Bangkok where you can get the necessary vaccination. There are also appropriate medical facilities in Pattaya, Chiang Mai or Songkhla.
For example, Thai Travel Clinic sets the following prices for vaccination
(excluding consultation cost, which is about $3):
- Japanese encephalitis – $16;
- Hepatitis A, B – $32;
- Meningococcal infection – $71;
- Tetanus + Diphtheria – $3;
- Typhoid – $10.
The cost of vaccination for persons outside Thailand varies depending on the country. If you have health insurance, vaccinations are usually paid for by your insurance company. Examples of vaccination costs:
- Hepatitis A: According to the UK National Health Service, vaccination is free of charge. In the USA the cost is $65, in Australia – $100.
- Typhus: Free in England, $75 in the USA.
- Hepatitis B: in Australia – $50, in the UK – $120.
- Japanese encephalitis: about $260 in Australia, about the same in the UK, up to $360 in the US.
- Malaria: Malarone tablets are available in Australia for about $3.85 each.
- Rabies: average $200 per course.
What products should you put in your travel first aid kit?
- iodine, a pack of bandages, cotton wool, plasters;
- white or activated carbon and other medications for stomach upset;
- aspirin, ketanol, any other painkillers;
- cold powder;
- cough tablets or syrup;
- allergy medications;
- drops for nose and eyes;
- universal ointment for herpes and common skin diseases;
- ointments to reduce itching from mosquito bites.
It is not at all necessary to pack a first aid kit for Thailand, since the same medicines as in Russia are available in any pharmacy in the country. However, its presence will save time spent on overcoming the language barrier with a local pharmacist. Explaining to the seller the essence of your illness without knowing Thai or English is quite a task.
Ways to minimize the risk of infection
the following precautions are recommended
Eating in places that meet sanitary standards
Thailand has a lot of street stalls, cafes and markets offering a variety of dishes. However, contaminated food and water can cause diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, typhus, and hepatitis A.
It is recommended to eat food that is properly prepared and served hot, ensure that fruits and vegetables are washed in clean water, do not eat food purchased from street vendors, do not consume unpasteurized dairy products, and do not consume monkey meat, flying mice or other wild animals.
Tap water, water from wells or other natural sources in Thailand is not potable. Bottled or boiled water should be used for consumption, as well as when brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth.
Preventing Insect Bites
Some diseases can be transmitted through insect bites. To reduce the risk of bites, the following measures should be taken:
- Sleep in insect-proof rooms;
- Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs, and use hats;
- Wear clothing and equipment treated with insect repellent;
- Apply repellent to your skin. The most effective mosquito and tick repellents contain DEET;
- Avoid dark colors in clothing and strong scents such as perfumes, aftershave lotions, perfumed cosmetics and deodorants;
- Do not leave open containers of water indoors.
Minimizing contact with animals
There are a large number of street dogs and cats in Thailand that have not been vaccinated. Bites and scratches from such animals can lead to serious diseases, such as rabies. It is not recommended to touch, pet or feed stray animals. If you are scratched or bitten by wild animals, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Protected sex
Many diseases and viruses, such as hepatitis B, HIV, AIDS, tuberculosis, are transmitted through the exchange of biological fluids. In this regard, appropriate methods of protection during sexual intercourse should be used, as well as the use of sterile needles and medical instruments.
Factors influencing infection with a disease or virus
It is known that hepatitis A is, first of all, a “disease of dirty hands.” No matter what vaccination you get in Thailand, nothing will help if you don’t follow the most basic rules of hygiene. Before eating, be sure to wash your hands, the same goes for going to the toilet, be sure to wash your hands before and after. In general, the more often you wash bacteria off your hands, the better. By the way, it is not at all necessary to run and wash your hands every ten minutes; it will be enough to apply a special antibacterial lotion to your hands.
Now let's talk about parasites, first of all these are encephalitis and malaria mosquitoes, which are very active in the humid subtropics. These insects can transmit a huge bunch of viruses and bacteria to the bite victim. They mainly live in the jungle, because... there is high humidity, but they can also be in close proximity to a person: on the beach, near a hotel, cafe or near other places of leisure for tourists.
Mosquito activity varies in different tropical countries. For example, in Cambodia the dangerous season begins approximately from May to October. It is at this time that the activity of insects suffering from malaria reaches its limit, and there are even known cases of people dying from one mosquito bite in a strong phase. In Vietnam, the dangerous season lasts from June to the end of January, or even February, depending on the resort. Japanese encephalitis is at its full strength between April and the end of October.
Thai insurance
A prerequisite to enter the country! $100K COVID-19 Coverage: From my experience, Thai insurance policies are not that bad. Although most tourists try to save money and take bank insurance, Sber, Alfa or Tinkof. There are no cases of their use locally, nor any reviews. But still, we recommend policies from well-known companies with a worldwide reputation (for example, Allianz) and a good history of service specifically for coronavirus. And yes, you should carefully read the fine print on the last page of the contract (those are the times). Also check reviews of Thai insurance companies. SMK and Viriyah cancel their agreements. Bangkok Insurance, Muang Thai Insurance and Dhipaya Insurance say everything is in force for now.
Conditions
The government wants to open several cities to vaccinated tourists from November. We’ll see how it will be in practice; we recommend booking something when the resorts officially open. Anyone vaccinated with a Companion can fly to Phuket and Koh Samui without quarantine. You can enter only those vaccinated with 2 shots from countries with a low-medium risk level, with insurance ($100 thousand incl. COVID) and 4 PCR tests at your own expense (one before departure and three on site every three days , pre-booked). Plus(!) when flying back you will need to do another test. Numerous PCR tests, of course, do not add to the desire for a trip (the total cost is 20 thousand rubles per person and more), although there are inexpensive authorized hotels for $100-200 per week.
In the case of other Thai cities and resorts, direct access (without sandboxes) is currently only possible after a quarantine period of 14 days . The list of hotels for quarantine is here https://hsscovid.com/ (sometimes the entrance only works through a VPN). If it used to be very expensive, now it has become much cheaper. In high-level hotels they let you go for a walk, give you gifts and in every possible way brighten up the stay of the inmates. In hotels that are more economical, they complain about poor food and, often, “not enough space.” You cannot go through quarantine in your home, so property owners in Thailand will have to spend their cherished days for the benefit of the state. Please note that it is better to discuss all aspects of your stay directly with the hotel in advance (room accommodation, meals, walks, etc.). And prepayment is not refundable, remember this.
Visa
The STV “special tour visa” program announced by the Thai government has been closed. What was to be expected, because the conditions were terrible. Next, regular tourist visas came back into use, followed by “entry by stamp” for the usual 30 days for Russians (the official name is Medium Term visitor, visa exemption). Now you can enter Thailand for 30 days without a visa, and Sputnik vaccinated people can enter Phuket and Koh Samui without quarantine at all. If you need a stay for 90 days, then a single-entry visa through the consulate is now quite possible. A tourist visa for 180 days (double entry) or more is now not officially issued, only student and pension ones. A website for obtaining electronic visas online has also been launched - https://www.thaievisa.go.th/.
