Diarrhea in Thailand? How to Stay Healthy and What to Do in an Emergency
Traveler’s diarrhea is a common issue when visiting Thailand. With simple precautions and clear emergency rules, you can protect yourself and be prepared.
🛡️ How to Prevent Diarrhea
- Cook it, peel it or leave it: Only eat thoroughly cooked foods. Avoid raw foods and unpeeled fruits.
- Drink safe water: Only drink bottled or boiled water. Avoid ice cubes made from tap water.
- Wash your hands regularly: Wash hands thoroughly before eating and after using the toilet, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Street food and buffets: Choose food stalls with high turnover and freshly prepared dishes only.
💧 First Aid for Diarrhea
Hydration comes first: Drink two to three liters per day. Good options are water, tea, broth, or oral rehydration solutions. You can get rehydration solutions at pharmacies or make your own by mixing half a teaspoon of salt and six teaspoons of sugar in one liter of water.
Gentle foods help: The BRAT diet is recommended: bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, or plain crackers.
Have a travel pharmacy ready: It is helpful to bring electrolyte powder, loperamide (only for acute symptoms, not if you have a fever or blood in your stool), and probiotics.
💊 When to Seek Medical Help
Antibiotics are only advised in severe cases and after consulting a doctor.
Go to a doctor if:
- Diarrhea lasts more than three days
- Fever is above 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 F)
- Blood or mucus appears in stool
- Signs of dehydration such as infrequent urination or a dry mouth
🩺 Who Should Be Extra Careful
Children, elderly people, or pregnant women should see a doctor even if symptoms are mild.
✅ Conclusion and Call to Action
With the right measures and a well-stocked travel pharmacy, you are well protected against traveler’s diarrhea. For serious symptoms, do not hesitate to seek medical help.
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