Healthcare and Medical Services
Healthcare in Thailand is a fairly large issue for all foreign nationals. Thailand does not operate any form of subsidized, free or otherwise easily accessible healthcare system for foreigners, this means that if you are sick in Thailand and need to visit the hospital, then you must pay. If you cannot pay you will not be treated.
Major Health Risks
Although the World Health Authority does not recommend any firm requirements for vaccinations before visiting Thailand, that does not mean that there are not significant health risks in the country.
HIV & AIDS
The largest health risk in Thailand is the high percentage of the population which is known to be infected with the HIV virus, which runs as high as 2% of the entire population. This is the KNOWN percentage; it is highly likely that the real figure is considerably higher. Obviously, those people visiting Thailand to sample its red light districts will need to take this in to consideration.
Other STD
Along with HIV, other sexually transmitted diseases are common, again every precaution should be taken, and safe sex should always be practiced.
Dengue Fever
Dengue Fever is carried by mosquitoes, and is still quite common in Thailand, especially during the rainy season. People may also pass dengue fever too each other. Dengue fever symptoms are very close to flu symptoms, with the exception of small red spot on the forearms. Anybody who is feeling under the weather, and has these spots, should seek medical attention immediately!
Stomach Problems
Thai food is notoriously spicy; it is also often cooked in less than clean kitchens and street stall. A case of Bangkok Belly can be quite nasty. Take care when you first arrive in Thailand; allow your stomach to build up a natural resistance to the new bacteria and the spices slowly.
Health Insurance
Every visitor to Thailand should make sure they have adequate health insurance. This can either be in the form of an international health policy from their own country, or can be procured very cost effectively from any one of the local Thai health insurance firms. Without health insurance, you will be required to pay for all treatment, and this can be costly.
Hospitals
There are a whole range of different types of hospitals in Thailand. The most basic of these are the government operated hospitals which cater for the Thai national insurance scheme. This is a very cheap health insurance for Thai nationals, costing no more than a couple of dollars a year, which guarantees very basic healthcare services and treatment. These hospitals are not very suitable for anybody who can afford something a little more expensive.
There are excellent private hospitals all over Thailand, many of which cost no more than a hotel room for a nights stay, although some are much more expensive, world renowned clinics.
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