Destination guide · Thailand
Travel health and vaccines: Thailand
Beaches, cities and northern treks: Thailand raises few health problems, provided you get a few vaccines and protect yourself from mosquitoes. The risk to watch is not malaria, it’s dengue.
- Routine vaccines up to date (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio, measles) and hepatitis A for practically all travellers.
- Typhoid, hepatitis B, rabies and Japanese encephalitis depending on your trip.
- No malaria in the classic tourist areas. Mosquito protection is mainly about dengue.
- Ideally consult 4 to 6 weeks before departure. A last-minute consultation is still worthwhile.
Which vaccines for Thailand?
| Vaccine | Who needs it |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Recommended for practically all travellers |
| Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio, measles | Update for everyone |
| Typhoid | Longer stays, backpacking, eating outside tourist circuits |
| Hepatitis B | Long or repeated stays, possible sexual contacts or medical care on site |
| Rabies (pre-exposure) | Long stays, rural areas, children, activities with animals, cycling or motorbikes |
| Japanese encephalitis | Extended rural stays (rice fields), especially in the rainy season |
| Yellow fever | No risk in Thailand. Certificate required only if you arrive from an endemic country. |
The exact choice depends on your itinerary, trip length and medical history. That’s what the consultation is for. All these vaccines are available at the practice and given the same day.
Malaria and mosquitoes
Bangkok, the major cities and the main beach areas are considered malaria-free. A limited risk persists in some rural areas along the Myanmar, Cambodian and Malaysian borders. Depending on the itinerary, standard mosquito protection is usually enough, without medication.
The real issue in Thailand is dengue. It is transmitted by mosquitoes that bite during the day, throughout the country and all year round. Use an effective repellent (DEET or icaridin), wear covering clothes, and take extra care in the rainy season. Swiss experts recommend the dengue vaccine only in specific situations. If you have had dengue before, mention it in consultation.
Other points to watch
- Traveller’s diarrhoea is still the most common problem. Bottled water, care with ice and raw food.
- Don’t pet dogs or monkeys. Any bite or scratch needs urgent medical advice because of the rabies risk, whether you are vaccinated or not.
- Against STIs, protect yourself every time. Our team gives advice without judgement, including on PrEP.
Frequently asked questions
Is any vaccine mandatory to enter Thailand?
No, nothing is required if you are coming from Switzerland. The yellow fever certificate is only requested from travellers arriving from a country where the disease is present. Several vaccines are still recommended depending on your trip. Entry rules can change quickly: we check them with you in consultation.
Bali–Bangkok–islands in 3 weeks: same vaccines everywhere?
A trip through several countries is prepared in a single consultation, for the whole route. The vaccines generally cover the whole region. Malaria is the exception: it is decided leg by leg.
I leave in a week. Is it too late?
No. Hepatitis A already gives useful protection, even shortly before departure. Advice on mosquitoes, food and the travel kit keeps its full value. Consult, even late.
Can I sort everything out by telemedicine?
Advice and assessment, yes, by screen sharing with the risk maps. If you need vaccines, we book a visit to the practice, often the same day.
Official references
- HealthyTravel.ch, Thailand page (Swiss Expert Committee for Travel Medicine)
- FDFA travel advice: Thailand
Written by the TravelDoctor team under the responsibility of Dr med. Ludovico Cobuccio, FMH specialist in infectious diseases (DTM&H, CTH). Last review: October 2026. This general information does not replace a personalized consultation.