Thailand

Recommended Vaccinations For Thailand

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to Hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with Hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

One dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) is recommended for infacts 6 to 11 months old prior to international travel.

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

Whether or not a traveller should receive this vaccine depends considerably on the itinerary of the traveller. The vaccine is recommended for travellers with itineraries that include rural and rice growing areas in the Chiang Mai Valley from May to October. Vaccination is also recommended for travellers who plan to spend an extended period of time in the Bangkok suburbs.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through the consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

There is no recommendation for the yellow fever vaccination for travel to Thailand. However, this country requires a certificate of yellow fever vaccination from all persons 9 months of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Thailand

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Recommended anti-malaria medication includes atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline for the following areas: provinces that border Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos; provinces of Kalasin, Krabi (Plai Phraya district), Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Pattani, Phang Nga (including Phang Nga City), Rayong, Sakon Nakhon, Songkhla, Surat Thani, and Yala. Mosquito avoidance only is the recommendation for all other areas of Thailand with malaria, including Bangkok, Chang Mai, Chang Rai, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Phuket. Anti-malaria drug resistance for chloroquine is present. Recently, malaria strains that are resistant to all known malaria drugs, including artemisinin, have been found along the Thai-Myanmar border. Resistance to mefloquine and to quinine has been reported from areas near the borders with Cambodia and Myanmar.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Thailand

For Most Travellers

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks are common in Thailand, and the risk to travellers is significant.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Thailand.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Thailand through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya occurs in Thailand, particularly the southern region. Outbreaks of this disease usually occur during the tropical rainy season, however, outbreaks can occur in the dry season as well.

For Some Travellers

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring measles in the country.

Scrub Typhus

This disease generally occurs year-round in Thailand.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquring hantavirus in the country through contaminated food or coming into contact with a person infected with the virus

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of Leishmaniasis in Thailand.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Yellow Fever

There is no yellow fever transmission in Thailand. However, a certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required from all persons 9 months of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Japanese encephalitis

In Thailand, outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis occur throughout the country, but mainly from May to October. The risk for travellers of contracting Japanese encephalitis is low, but visiting the listed areas and extensive outdoor activity in rural areas will increase this risk.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Thailand, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Schistosomiasis

In Thailand, there is a low risk of schistosomiasis. The disease is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Malaria

At risk areas are mainly provinces that border Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos; provinces of Ubon Ratchathani, Surat Thani, and Phitsanulok, especially in forested areas of these provinces. There are rare to few cases in other parts of Thailand, including other parts of Krabi Province and the cities of Bangkok, Chang Mai, Chang Rai, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Phuket. There is no risk in the islands of Krabi Province (Koh Phi Phi, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai, and Ko Lanta and Pattaya City.

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this county.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Thailand

Personal Safety

Petty crime like pickpocketing, purse snatching, and bag slashing occurs frequently in tourist areas, markets, and transport hubs. Popular spots like Chatuchak Market, Khao San Road, and Sukhumvit in Bangkok see regular theft. Thieves use razors to cut into bags, so carry belongings in front of you and stay alert in crowded places. Scams targeting tourists are common, including overcharging by taxis and tuk-tuks, fake gem schemes, inflated bar tabs, and rental damage extortion. Never hand over your passport as collateral. Drink spiking affects both male and female visitors, particularly at nighttime entertainment spots, full moon parties, and bars. Drugs can be used for robbery or assault. Never leave drinks unattended and pre-arrange transport home. Violent crime against tourists is rare but does happen, particularly at night and often involves alcohol. Murders, assaults, and sexual violence have occurred in Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, and Koh Phangan. In October 2023, three people were killed at Siam Paragon Mall in Bangkok. Gun violence can occur at any time but rarely involves tourists. The homicide rate was 2.6 per 100,000 in 2024. Tourists experience fewer issues with street harassment than in many countries, but remain cautious in less crowded areas after dark.

Extreme Violence

Violent crime against tourists is relatively rare. Murders, assaults, and rapes do occur but are infrequent. Shootings occasionally happen in public spaces. In October 2023, three people were killed and four injured at Siam Paragon Mall in Bangkok. In October 2022, 36 people were killed in a shooting and stabbing in Nong Bua Lamphu province. Gun violence can happen at any time but rarely targets foreigners. There is no evidence of transnational terrorist groups operating in Thailand. Domestic insurgents with no known links to international terrorism carry out episodic attacks in the southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, and Songkhla. Since 2004, over 7,500 people have been killed and many more injured in these provinces due to an ethnonationalist separatist insurgency. Violence remains confined to the Deep South and largely targets security forces, though civilians are occasionally affected. Attacks typically involve small arms, improvised explosive devices, and vehicle-borne bombs. Secondary bombings often target responders to the first explosion. In 2023, domestic insurgent attacks remained relatively low, continuing a multi-year trend. Seventeen districts in the southern provinces remain under a state of emergency. Tourists are not specifically targeted, but the risk of being caught in violence exists. Foreign government personnel require special authorization to travel to these areas, limiting emergency assistance.

Political Unrest

Large demonstrations occur regularly in Bangkok and across Thailand, often related to social and political tensions. Even peaceful protests can turn violent and disrupt traffic and public transport by blocking major roads and intersections. In 2020 and 2021, widespread pro-democracy protests called for reforms to the monarchy and military involvement in politics. These protests saw clashes with police, arbitrary detentions, and the use of the emergency decree to suppress gatherings. Anti-government demonstrations declined in 2022 but underlying tensions remain. In June 2025, thousands protested in Bangkok demanding the Prime Minister’s resignation following a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s Hun Sen. The protests coincided with a political crisis involving coalition instability and court petitions. In July 2025, the Prime Minister was suspended by the Constitutional Court over ethical violations. Political instability has created an unpredictable security environment, particularly in Bangkok. The military retains sweeping powers that include the ability to impose curfews, restrict movement, and control media. Demonstrations around foreign embassies and consulates are not unusual. Protests can also occur during significant political dates and anniversaries. Criticism of the monarchy is criminalized under lese-majeste laws, with penalties of up to 15 years per offense. In 2023, at least 258 people were prosecuted for protest-related activities or social media comments. Avoid all protests, political gatherings, and marches. Stay informed through local media and follow instructions from local authorities.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid all travel to the southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, and parts of Songkhla near the Malaysian border due to ongoing separatist insurgency. Since 2004, over 7,500 people have been killed in these provinces. Seventeen districts remain under a state of emergency with enhanced powers for security forces. Attacks include shootings, bombings, and arson targeting government sites, security personnel, and occasionally civilians. Coordinated attacks occur periodically. In February 2025, coordinated bombings targeted government offices and military bases in Narathiwat and Yala, and a bomb exploded near Narathiwat Airport. Foreign governments have limited ability to provide emergency services in these areas. Do not travel within 50 kilometers of the Thailand-Cambodia border in the provinces of Chanthaburi, Trat, Sa Kaeo, Surin, Buriram, Si Saket, and Ubon Ratchathani due to armed conflict. Tensions increased in May 2025 after an exchange of fire, and five days of armed conflict in July 2025 resulted in multiple casualties. A ceasefire was reached but the situation remains volatile. Martial law is in effect in several districts, allowing enhanced security powers and possible curfews. Land mines are present in disputed border regions. Border crossings may close without notice. Exercise caution in entertainment districts known for the sex industry, including Patpong, Nana, and Soi Cowboy in Bangkok, and Walking Street in Pattaya. These areas see higher rates of assault, theft, and scams, particularly after dark. Within cities, avoid deserted areas and poorly lit neighborhoods late at night. Exercise caution on the Thailand-Myanmar border in Mae Hong Son and Tak provinces due to occasional violence, banditry, and clashes between government forces and drug traffickers.