Travel vaccines for Thailand

For most holidaymakers the main risks are mosquito-borne infections, animal bites and food hygiene. Malaria tablets are not usually needed.

Vaccines for Thailand

Book this week to give your vaccines time to work.

Some courses can be speeded up. A yellow fever certificate becomes valid 10 days after your vaccine.

Advised for most travellers

Advised for some travellers, depending on your trip

TyphoidTravellers with access to safe food and water are at low risk. Consider it if visiting friends and relatives, staying long term or travelling where hygiene is poor.Fits before you flyRabiesRabies has been reported in domestic animals. A rabies alert was issued for parts of Bangkok in September 2025.Ask about a faster courseJapanese EncephalitisOccurs countrywide, all year, with peaks from May to October, especially in the north including the Chiang Mai valley.Ask about a faster courseHepatitis BHepatitis B is common in Thailand.Ask about a faster courseDengueMore than 51,000 cases were reported in Thailand in 2025.Ask about a faster courseChikungunyaCases roughly doubled in 2025, with the north, particularly Chiang Mai, most affected.Fits before you fly
TuberculosisTB (BCG) vaccine is advised for unvaccinated children under 16 who will live in the country for more than 3 months, and for some health workers. It is not given in pharmacy; ask your GP.
MeaslesMeasles risk is higher than in the UK. Check you have had two doses of MMR, which is free from your GP.

These are suggestions only and may differ from what our expert clinician advises at your consultation.

Entry rules

  • A yellow fever certificate is required for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission, including those who have spent more than 12 hours in transit through an airport in such a country.
  • Not required if you fly direct from the UK.

Malaria

Low risk. Tablets are not usually advised.

  • Low risk in the rural, forested border areas with Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar: awareness and bite avoidance.
  • Very low risk in the rest of Thailand, including Kanchanaburi (River Kwai bridge): awareness and bite avoidance.
  • No risk in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Pattaya.
  • Mefloquine resistance is present. For travellers at higher risk, atovaquone with proguanil or doxycycline are the suitable options.
About malaria tablets

Other health risks

Zika

There is a risk. Pregnant travellers and couples planning a pregnancy should seek advice before booking.

Mpox

88 confirmed clade Ib cases had been reported as of July 2026.

Sexual health

Extensively drug-resistant gonorrhoea has been reported in UK travellers returning from tourist areas. Use condoms.

Air quality

Can be poor at times. Travellers with heart or lung conditions should plan ahead.

Schistosomiasis

Very low risk.

More than one country?

Add each country when you book and we’ll plan for the whole route.

Common questions about Thailand

What vaccines do I need for Thailand?+

For most travellers, Hepatitis A and Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio are advised. Others may be advised depending on your route, how long you stay and what you will be doing. Your pharmacist will only recommend what suits your trip.

Do I need malaria tablets for Thailand?+

Low risk. Tablets are not usually advised. Low risk in the rural, forested border areas with Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar: awareness and bite avoidance. Very low risk in the rest of Thailand, including Kanchanaburi (River Kwai bridge): awareness and bite avoidance. No risk in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Pattaya. Mefloquine resistance is present. For travellers at higher risk, atovaquone with proguanil or doxycycline are the suitable options.

Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Thailand?+

A yellow fever certificate is required for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission, including those who have spent more than 12 hours in transit through an airport in such a country. Not required if you fly direct from the UK.

How far in advance should I get vaccines for Thailand?+

Ideally six to eight weeks before you fly, so any courses can be finished. If you leave sooner, still book: many vaccines help close to departure.

Summarised from NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro, checked 10 November 2026. Advice can change, so we check it again at your appointment. Clinical content by Lyneham Pharmacy and Travel Clinic (GPhC registered pharmacy 9010716).

Can’t see your destination? We still cover it.

We show some of our most popular destinations here, but we give travel vaccine advice for wherever you’re going. Tell us your route when you book, or give us a call.

Call 01249 892813