Travel Vaccines and Advice for Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination with its tropical climate, food, culture and seasides.
Thai is the official language of Thailand. But, other smaller languages spoken in rural areas. The primary religion of Thailand is Buddhism and is prevalent in many aspects of culture throughout Thailand. Islam is also practiced in Southern provinces.
Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, is also the largest city in the country. Bangkok is highly populated with congested streets, modern buildings and temples. It is most known for its nightlife.
Thailand’s other major cities include Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Thailand?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Thailand?
What is the Climate Like in Thailand?
How Safe is Thailand?
Temples in Thailand
What Should I Take To Thailand?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Thailand
Do I Need Vaccines for Thailand?
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travellers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission - Japanese Encephalitis –
Mosquito –
Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. Recommended for extended travel, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Present throughout country, especially northern regions. Most cases from May to October. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Thailand |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travellers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito | Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. Recommended for extended travel, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Present throughout country, especially northern regions. Most cases from May to October. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Various mosquito-borne diseases are present in Thailand. Malaria poses a threat to travellers to some regions of the country. Ensure you are protected with antimalarials.
Dengue, Zika and chikungunya can also be found in Thailand. While there are no vaccines available for these diseases, there are steps you can take to prevent them. Be sure to use mosquito repellents, netting and wear proper clothing.
Medical treatment is adequate and common in urban areas. Healthcare is also available in rural areas, though the health care providers may not speak English.
To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either ring or start booking online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Thailand?
No visa is required for stays under 30 days in Thailand if arriving by air for tourism purposes. Other types of travellers may require a visa.
Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.
Thailand Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Thailand? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Thailand and GOV.UK
What is the Climate Like in Thailand?
Thailand has a tropical climate, warm and humid with temperatures are around 30.
There are three seasons in Thailand: the cool season (November-February); the hot season (March-May); and the rainy season (June-October).
The most popular tourist times are between November and March, when weather is mild and enjoyable.
How Safe is Thailand?
In the past few years, there have been periodic terrorist attacks at popular tourist attractions in Thailand,. This remains a high-concern today. There is an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks in Thailand.
The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has placed strict restrictions on media and have banned political gatherings. Tourists may be detained by the military for openly criticising the NCPO.
Pick-pocketing is common in Thailand as is sexual violence in bars and isolated areas.
Do not use your passport as collateral. Many rental places are scams.
In Southern Thailand (Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla), martial law is still prevalent. Tourists are cautioned against travelling to these areas.
Temples in Thailand
There are over 40,000 temples in Thailand, making them popular tourist attractions. These temples range in age and architecture and many are still in use today.
Wat Pho, located in Bangkok, is one of the most popular due to its size and attractions within. It is one of the largest complexes in the country, holding many buildings. Wat Pho houses the largest reclining Buddha and largest collection of Buddha images.
The site is also headquarters for the teaching and preservation of Thai medicine. There, tourists can find two massage schools and pavilions.
You must take off your shoes to enter and you purchase coins to put into bowls for good luck. All the money goes towards renovating and upkeeping the site.
What Should I Take To Thailand?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Thailand:
- Slip-on Shoes are best, especially if you’re planning to travel to many temples. You will need to take your shoes off quite frequently.
- Insect spray to ward off mosquitoes that could be carrying disease.
- Shops in Thailand have sun cream, but your options are limited.
- If you’re planning on visiting temples, buy clothing items that cover your shoulders, knees and ankles.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Thailand
If you are in Thailand and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
British Embassy Bangkok
AIA Sathorn Tower, Floor 12A
11/1 South Sathorn Road,
Sathorn
Bangkok 10120
Thailand
Telephone: +66 (0) 2 305 8333
Emergency Phone: +66(0)2 305 8333
Fax: +66 (0) 2 255 9278
Contact Form: Click Here
If you have any questions about travelling to Thailand or are wondering which jabs you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Ring us up at or book online now and protect yourself today.
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