High heat and humidity can cause headache, dizziness, cramps and worsening exhaustion. Reduce exertion, seek shade, replace fluids and electrolytes appropriately, and acclimatise gradually. Confusion, collapse, very high temperature or inability to drink requires urgent medical attention.
Thailand Guide
Common Illnesses in Thailand
Recognise common travel-health risks and know when self-care is no longer enough.
This guide provides general information from reviewed sources. Requirements can change and individual circumstances vary. Check the latest official requirements before acting.
Quick answer
Recognise common travel-health risks and know when self-care is no longer enough.
Recognise common travel-health risks and know when self-care is no longer enough. This guide focuses on practical decisions, common failure points and the official checks to make before acting.
Heat and dehydration
Food and stomach illness
Hand hygiene, safe water and freshly cooked food reduce risk but cannot eliminate it. Oral rehydration is often more important than immediately suppressing symptoms. Seek care for blood, severe pain, persistent vomiting, dehydration, high fever or illness in a vulnerable person.
Mosquito-borne disease
Dengue and other mosquito-borne infections occur in Thailand, including urban areas. Use repellent, clothing and screened or air-conditioned rooms. Fever with severe headache, rash, bleeding, marked weakness or worsening after an apparent improvement needs clinical assessment; avoid self-selecting medicines that may increase bleeding risk.
Respiratory and environmental problems
Respiratory infections spread in transport and crowded indoor settings, while seasonal smoke and pollution can aggravate asthma. Carry usual medication, monitor local air conditions and seek help for breathing difficulty, chest pain, blue lips, confusion or rapid deterioration.
Verify before you act
Rules, timetables, prices and local conditions can change. Use the official source links below for the latest position.
Sources and review
Official information used for this guide
Sources are reviewed regularly so important changes can be reflected in the guide.