Thailand

Översikt

Thailand has a moderate threat environment. Civil unrest is the greatest risk to foreign personnel as political stability remains fluid since the fall of ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in 2006. The military continues to wedge significant influence in the government with ex-army chief and pro-military candidate, Prayuth Chan-o-cha winning a disputed general election in 2019. The country also faces an armed separatist campaign in the three southern-most provinces. Corruption affects all levels of Thai society, including law enforcement and levels of crime and drug abuse are high. Organised crime is characterised by prostitution, pirating of electronic goods, money laundering, bribery, illegal firearms trafficking, people smuggling and white collar crimes such as financial and security fraud. Relations with some of its neighbours are strained due to overlapping claims, leading to sporadic clashes and localised conflict. Additionally, the Thai king is also being revered by the people and Thailand also have one of the strictest Lèse-majesté laws in the world. The current king is Maha Vajiralangkorn, who assumed the throne following the passing of Bhumbol Adulyadej in October 2016. 

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Thailand. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

Dengue is endemic in Thailand and risk is present in both urban and rural areas, with elevated risk in northeastern part of the country. Most affected areas include: Nakorn Pathom, Nakorn Sawan, Nakorn Si Thamarat, Nakorn Nayok, and Phichit. Peak transmission typically occurs during the rainy season, from April to December.

Malaria risk is present throughout Thailand, excluding urban areas. Sporadic cases are reported from Phuket, Phang Nga, Kho Samui, and Kho Pha Ngan. The use of anti-malarial medications (Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline) is recommended. This prophylaxis should be supported by the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk.

There is risk of ongoing Zika virus transmission in Thailand. Travellers should take meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the country.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

Japanese Encephalitis is endemic countrywide, seasonal epidemics occur in the northern provinces. Highest rates of the disease reported from the Chiang Mai Valley, several cases reported recently in travellers who visited resort or coastal areas of southern Thailand.

Typhoid fever vaccination is recommended when going outside the areas usually visited by tourists such as traveling extensively in the interior of the country, for persons on working assignments in remote areas, or travellers visiting for extended periods of time.

Thailand has one of the highest HIV prevalences in the region. The HIV epidemic is concentrated among certain key populations. Those most affected are men who have sex with men, sex workers, transgender people and people who inject drugs.

Travellers should be aware of the risks associated with travellers’ ailments such as diarrhoea. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been filtered and boiled.

It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.

Tuberculosis is endemic in Thailand.

Facilities in Bangkok are modern and well-equipped, with a high standard of care. Outside of Bangkok there is greater variation. Many health care workers and support staff in urban centres speak English.

Bangkok hospitals can be expensive. Payment for medical treatment will often be expected in cash and must often be guaranteed before treatment begins.

There are many pharmacies in most Thai towns and cities, many stocking well-known brands.

Pass

Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. 

Visum

Tourist Visa: Thailand has visa exemption agreements with over 50 countries (including the UK, US, Australia, Canada, the EU, Japan) which means that tourists from those countries may stay for up to 30 days without first obtaining a visa. Tourists are limited to staying no longer than 90 days in any six-month period. Those wishing to stay longer than 30 days must seek an extension or a visa.

Business Visa: A non-immigrant visa is required, allowing the holder to stay for 90 days. A separate visa is also available which is valid for three years and enables the holder to travel to Thailand for up to 90 days at a time during this period.

Student Visa: A non-immigrant visa is required.

Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries at risk of transmission.