Hepatitis A, Tetanus booster, Hepatitis B (stag group — seriously consider it)
Typhoid (street food plan), Rabies (optional — stray dogs are common)
Malaria tablets — Phuket and Phi Phi are low/no-risk zones
Transmitted by daytime-biting Aedes mosquitoes. No treatment exists. If you get a fever:
Never ibuprofen or aspirin — causes internal bleeding with dengue. Use 30% DEET repellent during the day.
Extensively drug-resistant gonorrhoea has been reported in UK travellers returning from Thai tourist areas.
TravelHealthPro specifically flags this for Phuket and Phi Phi destinations.
They can visit. They can provide consular assistance. They cannot intervene in the legal process.
You may still see dispensaries operating. Purchasing without a Thai medical prescription is illegal. Police in tourist areas are actively enforcing.
Street stalls selling vapes are illegal fronts — police stand nearby to catch buyers. Airport X-rays detect every device. Hotel staff report guests.
Nicotine patches and gum are legal. Available at Boots, Watsons, and 7-Eleven.
Enforcement strengthened Oct 2025. Active inspections at Maya Bay and all marine parks.
Mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Look for "reef-safe" on the label AND check the ingredients. Buy in the UK — it's cheaper.
Tip: Bring two — regular for the city, reef-safe for any marine activity. A UV rashguard is even better for boat days.
Thailand's lèse-majesté law applies equally to foreigners. Any citizen can file a complaint. Police must investigate every accusation.
Joke about the monarchy — even privately. Like or share critical posts on social media. Step on Thai currency. Deface banknotes in any way.
The national anthem at 8am and 6pm in public places, and before films in cinemas.
Cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes. Don't touch or climb on Buddha statues. Keep voices low.
"Discover" pre-existing damage, demand ฿10,000–20,000. Police side with the operator. Don't rent from beach touts.
"Lady drinks" appear on your bill without ordering. Pay after every round. Never run a tab.
Screen asks GBP or THB. Always choose Thai Baht. Choosing GBP costs 3–7% extra. Use AEON ATMs (฿150 vs ฿220 fee).
Tuk-tuks inflate prices 3–5× after midnight. Download Grab and Bolt before you fly — fair prices, no haggling. Add your card details to the app before you land so you're not caught without cash.
Tasteless, odourless. Mixed into cheap spirits. 6 tourists died in Laos in Nov 2024. Thailand is on the FCDO warning list.
Warning sign: visual disturbance — blurry vision, tunnel vision, white static. Treat as a medical emergency.
Affects men too. Regular reports from Phuket and Phi Phi nightlife. Watch your drink. Don't accept drinks from strangers.
Stick to sealed bottles and cans. Avoid free shots from unknown sources. If a spirit tastes harsh or "off" — stop. If someone seems suddenly far more drunk than they should be — get them home and monitor.
Two basic clinics only. Serious emergencies require speedboat evacuation (45–60 min). Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is mandatory.
Buy before you fly. ~£5–12 for 10–15 days unlimited data. No queue. Activated when you land. Saily or Airalo recommended.
Tip: Use JOOSETHENOMAD15 for discount on Saily.
AIS counter in arrivals — best coverage on Phi Phi. ฿299–599 for 8–15 days. Passport required. 5–10 minutes.
Mandatory for all foreign nationals. Complete at tdac.immigration.go.th within 72 hours of arrival.
You'll receive a QR code by email. Save the PDF. Show at immigration. It's free — any site charging a fee is a scam.
The UK's National Travel Health Network and Centre. Country-specific health risks, vaccination advice, and outbreak alerts.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice. Entry requirements, safety warnings, and health guidance for British nationals.
UK Health Security Agency guidance on avoiding infection abroad. Practical steps for food, water, insect bites, and sexual health.