Your Health is the First Step to Exploring Thailand

Thailand Travel Requirements and Vaccinations

Thailand is a country located in Southeast Asia on the Indochinese peninsula. Officially known as the Kingdom of Thailand, it was formerly known as Siam. Thai is the official language of Thailand, and English is spoken in most of the larger cities and tourist destinations. Thailand is home to some of the most popular and luxurious resorts in Asia.

The terrain of Thailand varies greatly and ranges from mountainous regions in the north, to plateaus in the east and river valleys in much of the interior. Despite the geographical variations, most of Thailand experiences a tropical wet and dry (savanna) climate which comprises three distinct seasons:

1. Summer or pre-monsoon season lasts from mid-February to mid-May and is characterized by warm, dry temperatures.
2. Rainy or southwest monsoon season lasts from mid-May to mid-October and is defined by an abundance of rain.
3. Winter or northeast monsoon season is mid-October through mid-February and comes with dry, mild weather conditions.

Thailand has a vast array of attractions and activities to offer visitors, including:

• Bangkok and the many historical, natural and cultural sights it has to offer.
• Trekking and adventure travel in the forested mountain regions.
• Archaeological sites, Buddhist temples and museums.
• Clear blue/green shallow waters on sandy beaches along the coast.
• A diverse wildlife system.

Recommended Vaccinations for Thailand Travel

• Hepatitis A
• Japanese encephalitis
• Meningitis
• Rabies*
• Typhoid

*Rabies vaccination is typically only recommended for very high-risk travelers because it is preventable if medical attention is received within 7 – 10 days of an animal bite.

Travelers may also be advised to ensure they have received the routine vaccinations, including:

• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)
• Chickenpox
• Polio
• Influenza

Some adults may need to receive a booster for some of these diseases. Testing for antibody levels should be done well in advance of a planned trip to identify any boosters that are needed.

Older adults or those with certain medical conditions may also want to ask about being vaccinated for shingles and/or pneumonia.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a travel medicine professional. Not all of the vaccines listed here will be necessary for every individual.

Talk to the experts at UH Roe Green Center for Travel Medicine & Global Health to determine how you can obtain maximum protection against illness, disease and injury while traveling, based on age, health, medical history and travel itinerary.