Is Thailand Safe to Travel? Vaccinations, Food Safety & Health Tips
by: Dr. Paul Chang, General Practitioner, Regis Medical
Travel smart in Thailand with vaccine advice, essential tests, and health tips from Regis Medical Singapore GP Doctors.
Why Singaporeans Love Thailand
From bustling Bangkok street markets to the beaches of Phuket and the temples of Chiang Mai, Thailand remains one of Singapore’s favourite destinations.
In 2023, over 620,000 Singaporeans visited Thailand — making it one of the most travelled routes in the region. With short flights, visa-free entry (up to 30 days), and a perfect blend of city energy and island relaxation, it’s ideal for everything from spa retreats to party weekends and food pilgrimages.
Best time to go: November–February (cooler, dry season), April (Songkran Festival), July–October (rainy season, fewer crowds)
Popular cities: Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Koh Samui
Popular for: Food, shopping, massages, beach getaways, wellness retreats, nightlife.
Vaccines to Consider Before Going to Thailand
Recommended Vaccines for Thailand:
- Influenza Vaccine – For general protection, especially during Thailand’s rainy season and crowded transport.
- Hepatitis A – Highly recommended due to food and water contamination risks.
- Hepatitis B Vaccine - Especially if you plan on tattoos, piercings, or longer stays.
- Typhoid Vaccine -Important if you’ll be eating from street vendors or in rural areas.
- Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine – Recommended for extended rural stays or visits to northern provinces during monsoon season.
- Pneumococcal Vaccine - for travellers age 65 above or those with chronic heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease.
Routine Vaccines when travelling:
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before travelling to Japan.
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTAP)
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Shingles Vaccine
*For the latest and complete list of required or recommended vaccines for specific parts of Thailand, please refer to official sources such as MOH, WHO, or CDC.
| Vaccine | Price | Recommended Dosage |
| Influenza Vaccine | $45 | 1 dose annually Take at least 2 weeks before travel |
| Hepatitis A | $88 | 2 doses, 6 months apart First dose at least 2 weeks before travel |
| Hepatitis B | $45 | 3 doses: at 0, 1, and 6 months Booster: at least 2 weeks before travel if previously vaccinated |
| Typhoid | $39 | 1 dose At least 2 weeks before travel |
| Pneumococcal (Prevenar 20) | $250 | 1 dose At least 2 weeks before travel |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Coming soon | 2 doses, 28 days apart Start at least 5 weeks before travel |
Our doctor may recommend a serology (antibody) test to check your immunity levels. In some cases, a booster dose may suffice.
Prices are listed in SGD for 1 dose only and exclude GST. Mandatory consultation and administration charges apply.
*Prices last updated on 1 July 2024. Subject to change.
Pre-Travel Health Screening & Advice
Who should screen?
- Elderly
- People with chronic medical conditions
- Immunocompromised individuals
Suggested tests:
- Hepatitis A/B immunity check
- General health review if staying long-term or doing outdoor activities
Pack These: Emergency Medications & Health Kit
For Thailand’s climate, food scene, and activities:
- Oral rehydration salts
- Antihistamines (for food or insect-related allergies)
- Mosquito repellent (especially in rural or jungle areas)
- Anti-diarrhoea meds (e.g. loperamide or charcoal pills)
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Plasters and antiseptic wipes (for minor cuts, blisters)
- Motion sickness meds (if island hopping or on winding roads)
- Paracetamol and flu medication
While You’re There: Protecting Your Health
Tap water is not safe to drink — stick to bottled or boiled water
Only eat street food that’s freshly made and from busy stalls
Avoid raw seafood or undercooked meat unless you're at a reputable place
Use mosquito protection — dengue fever is present in urban and rural areas
Wear helmets on scooters and avoid overcrowded transport
Use hand sanitiser regularly, especially before meals
Stay hydrated and avoid heat exhaustion — Thailand can get very hot
After You Return: Post-Travel Watchlist
Be alert for:
- Fever, fatigue, or stomach upset within 7–10 days of return
- If symptoms occur, consult a GP — particularly if you had street food often or you visited rural areas.
At Regis Medical, we offer rapid tests for flu, and gastrointestinal infections at our clinic.
Travel Health Checklist
✅ Vaccines completed
✅ Meds packed
✅ Travel insurance arranged
✅ Emergency contact card in bag
✅ Nearest hospital of your destination bookmarked
Planning a trip to Thailand?
Visit Regis Medical for a Pre-Travel Vaccines and Health Consult — personalised for your destination, itinerary, and health needs.
