20/06/2018
Medical Travel Guides
About Thailand
Safety and Security
The Kingdom of Thailand continue to attract thousands of tourists and new residents from around the world, all drawn to its diverse landscapes, world-famous cuisine, and ancient culture. Although tourists and residents of Thailand can enjoy relative calm and safety throughout their time in the Kingdom, it’s important to be aware of the current realities facing Thailand.
Political Situation in Thailand
The government structure of Thailand is known as a Constitutional Monarchy, currently under King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who ascended the throne in December 2016 following the October 2016 passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Since 2005, Thailand has experienced many instances of political turmoil which include a military coup d’état in 2006 that resulted in the removal of then-Prime Minister Thaksin Chinawat, followed by anti-government protests and conflicts between competing political factions for several years. In August 2014, Royal Thai Army General Prayut Chan-ocha was appointed Prime Minister, following another coup d’état a few months before.
Today, the political situation in most of Thailand is relatively calm, with the new constitution having been signed in April 2017. However, the Southern region of the country continues to experience unrest and violence due to ethnic and nationalist insurgents. Officials continue to advise tourists and residents to exercise caution when traveling to these areas, and to always stay informed of the current political climate.
Thailand has a healthy and fairly consistent system of information and journalism, where the most current political events and realities are covered both in English and Thai. One such outlet is. Read More
Safety in Thailand: Road Travel
Traveling within Thailand is relatively simple with buses, trains, planes, and boats making it possible to reach nearly all areas of the country rather easily. Within the city of Bangkok taxis, motorcycles, cars, and an extensive subway system connects the entire city. For those who choose to drive in Thailand, there are some important points to consider regarding the laws and regulations that govern driving in Thailand. The website Driving in Thailand provides comprehensive information on the rules, regulations, and expectations that come along with driving in Thailand.
Entry Requirement:
Traveler’s Health and Vaccinations
As with traveling to most other countries, health authorities advise all travelers to always make sure that they’re up to date on all their vaccinations before the trip. Every traveler needs to be up to date on their routine vaccinations, which are: thediphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, the chickenpox vaccine, the polio vaccine, the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, and your regular flu vaccine.
Additionally, please see the table below for more specific vaccine recommendations that may apply to specific people before entering Thailand.
Visa and Passport
The “Land of Smiles” is a very popular destination for visitors from around the world, whether on vacation or as medical travel patients, as the capital city of Bangkok continues to be one of Asia’s most popular medical destinations. Depending on your country of origin, there are some specific requirements put in place in order for you to enter the Kingdom of Thailand.
When visiting Thailand as a tourist or a medical travel patient you will need to obtain a Tourist Visa either upon arrival, or in advance of arrival, depending on your country of origin. Most tourist visas are awarded for a period of 15 days or 30 days, with the possibility of extending depending on the discretion of the appropriate authorities.
Here is a resource for a complete list of requirements that each traveler must meet upon arrival in Thailand
Immigration & Customs:
The requirements for immigration and customs when trying to enter Thailand will vary depending on your country of origin. For more specific information that applies to you directly, it is recommended that you contact your own state department of immigration.
