Thailand is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world due to its culture, landscapes, festivals and cuisines. However, tourists, medical travelers and those who are coming to Thailand should aware of the current situations and regulations happening in Thailand.
- Political situation in Thailand
The Thailand government is based on a constitutional monarchy quite similar to that of the United Kingdom, in which a Prime Minister serves as head of a parliamentary government and a hereditary Thai king functions as head of state.
The government currently under King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who ascended the throne in December 2016 following the October 2016 passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Nowadays, the political situation in most parts of Thailand is quite peaceful, the political protest is under control and there is no violence. Therefore, it is safe to travel to Thailand. However, there are 3 southernmost provinces, Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala that are now facing unrest and violence because of the ethnic and nationalist insurgents.
Find information about the driving rules, regulations, and more on this website: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics
- Safe transportation in Thailand
Exploring Thailand via air, ground or sea is convenient with easily accessible transportation means that includes commercial flights, taxis, buses, ferries and boats. Especially in Bangkok and other urban cities, you can hail a taxi or a motorbike simply by using apps in the comfort of your room and even get your food delivered. Underground subways and sky trains are the most used means of transportation by the urbanites. Shall you need to drive in Thailand; you should make sure that you comply with the local rules, regulations, and driving etiquette.
Find information about the driving rules, regulations, and more on this website: http://driving-in-thailand.com/
For more information about entering Thailand please find from Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: https://www.mfa.go.th/en/index
Please find General Tourism Information from this website: https://www.tatnews.org/general-tourism-information/
Or please find information about tourism in Thailand from the Tourism Thailand website: https://www.tourismthailand.org/
- Vaccinations before traveling to Thailand
Vaccinations before travel to Thailand (reference from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Vaccine |
Who Needs It? |
Why? |
*Malaria |
Some travelers who may be spending a lot of time outside |
There is a risk of mosquito bites almost all year long all over Thailand. |
Japanese Encephalitis |
Some travelers who may be staying in Thailand for a long time, or planning to travel around the country. |
There have been reports of transmissions in Northern Thailand, as well as the coastal areas of Southern Thailand. |
Typhoid |
Most travelers, especially those planning to travel to rural areas or are adventurous eaters. |
There is a risk of contamination through food or water. |
Hepatitis A |
Most travelers. |
There is a high risk of contamination through food or water. |
Rabies |
Some travelers , especially those who will come into contact with a lot of animals |
Although rabies is not a major risk in Thailand, it can be found in some animals, especially street dogs and cats. |
Hepatitis B |
Some travelers , especially those who plan to get tattoos or piercings while traveling in Thailand |
Hepatitis B is transmitted through sexual contact, as well as through contaminated needles and other blood products. |
Cholera |
Some travelers |
There is a risk for contamination through food or water, especially in areas where there is an active transmission. |
Yellow Fever |
Only people who are traveling from countries with a risk of yellow fever contamination. |
There is no risk of yellow fever contamination in Thailand. However, the government of Thailand requires proof of vaccination against yellow fever from all travelers who are coming from countries that have a risk of contamination. To determine if you are one of these travelers, please see this list from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
Remark: *Malaria is found in the forest areas with anopheles mosquito only. Not found in urban areas. The most common infections are Tak, Kanchanaburi, Trad, Ratchaburi, Mae Hong Son, Yala, Sisaket, Chanthaburi. (Reference from https://www.Thaitravelclinic.com)
The Situation of Infectious Diseases in Thailand can be found on the following websites: www.ddc.moph.go.th (Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand)