Thailand — Holiday Tips and Good Travel Advice
For many years, Thailand has been one of the favourite destinations for Nordic travellers, in particular, during the winter season.
After a long corona lockdown, the country opened up for foreign tourists again on 1 November 2021.
We at SOS International are ready to help travellers if they become ill or suffer injuries during their trip.
Here we have put together some good advice for those of you planning to go on holidays in Thailand, which will come handy if disaster strikes.
Updated october 2022
Restrictions for entry into Thailand:
Thailand welcomes travellers again.
The “Thailand Pass” system is based on the traveller’s vaccination status and home country and provides guidance to travellers about applicable COVID-19 entry restrictions.
See the entry rules and list of low-risk countries here
NOTE: The entry restrictions can change, so remember to keep yourself updated prior to your travel:
Pay special attention if your insurance includes COVID-19 coverage.
It may be a requirement for entry into Thailand that the insurance covers COVID-19. Read more about the rules here
Our alarm centre is open 24/7/365 at +45 7010 5050
If you get sick during your holidays in Thailand
Although the country has been affected by COVID-19 lockdowns, our network of hospitals and clinics declares to be ready to receive Nordic patients.
The major cities offer high-quality private hospitals and clinics. We see a more fluctuating quality outside major cities and in public hospitals.
We recommend that you contact our alarm centre for advice about coverage, hospital choice, etc. before you go to the doctor.
Beware that even if you do not have symptoms of COVID-19, you may be required to have a negative COVID-19 test before you can show up at the hospital or clinic. Always follow the guidelines of the respective hospital and the authorities.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you must follow the instructions of the authorities for testing, isolation, etc.
SOS International can help you find out your insurance coverage in relation to COVID-19, and we can give you guidance about the rules and instructions applicable in Thailand.
We will also draw your attention to you what you must do yourself to comply with the authorities’ COVID-19 mandates.
Beware that as a person infected with COVID-19, you cannot just show up at a hospital or clinic. Depending on your symptoms and condition, there are different rules for what you have to do — for example, if you should self-isolate, at a Corona hotel or at a hospital.
Mosquito-borne diseases are often contagious diseases (bacteria, viruses or parasites) that are spread through mosquito bites.
It is, in particular, in the world's tropical regions that certain mosquitoes carry infectious diseases.
- Consult your doctor well in advance of your departure about possible vaccinations.
- Apply mosquito spray and balm onto the naked parts of your body — and also remember exposed places such as the neck and the ankles. Also spray your socks and your hairline.
- Wear clothes that cover as much of your body as possible and are preferably loose-fitting. Mosquitoes do bite through thin clothing.
- Sleep under a mosquito net, in an air-conditioned room or close doors and windows.
- Take particular care outdoors, at the times when mosquitoes are most active:
- During the day for, e.g., dengue fever and zika.
- At dusk and at night for malaria.
“Travellers’ diarrhoea” or, in medical language, “gastroenteritis” is one of the most common diagnoses we at SOS International register along with other infections. There are a large number of patients who are hospitalised with the disease and even more who are not.
Travellers’ diarrhoea is caused by bacteria in the food and water. Or bacteria that end up in your mouth from your own unclean hands.
If you want to avoid it, keep the following four things in mind:
- Wash your hands prior to all meals.
- Only eat street food that is prepared in front of you and that is smoking hot.
- Evaluate the level of hygiene at restaurants and cafés.
- React quickly if you experience vomiting and diarrhoea and contact our emergency response centre so you can get in touch with a doctor from our network and get treatment as quickly as possible.
Typical cases from Thailand
The most common cases coming from Asia, including Thailand, concern infectious diseases and injuries. Travellers’ diarrhoea is the most common disease SOS International encounters in Thailand. This is followed by respiratory infections, skin infections and urinary tract infections.
Our experience at SOS International’s alarm centre is that the peak season for injuries in Thailand is from December to March.
Get insights from the 2018-2019 winter peak season in Thailand
Other goods tips for your trip to Thailand
Check if you need to have a medical pre-assessment that can tell you if you will have coverage for your chronic or current illness if you need treatment during your trip.
If you are in doubt about your specific situation, contact SOS International or your insurance company.
Read more about medical pre-assessment
Carefully examine the scope of coverage of your travel insurance before departure, as it can vary from one company to another.
Pay special attention if your insurance includes COVID-19 coverage. This is particularly important if your holidays take you to Thailand.
A requirement for entry into Thailand is that the insurance covers COVID-19.
See the rules here
We recommend that you check the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s travel guide prior to departure.
The travel guide assesses, among other things, the risk of terrorism, natural disasters, etc.
Check if you need a visa for Thailand at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Do I need vaccination to go on holidays in Thailand?
You should consult your own doctor and/or vaccination centre for guidance about vaccination, prophylaxis, precautions, and diseases in the countries that you plan to visit in good time before departure.
Contact us
Are you travelling and in need of acute assistance?
Contact SOS International's alarm centre on +45 7010 5050.