Health and Sexually Transmitted Diseases
What's the cost, quality and availability of medicines and health care in Thailand?
Medical care is pretty good in Bangkok, but gets less so the more into rural Thailand you go. Many doctors were trained in America, and some of Bangkok's hospitals (rohng pa-yah-bahn in Thai), such as Bumrungrad,are rated the equal of anything in the west. The very top hospitals aren't cheap, but most others are very good value.
Pharmacies are widespread, but take care when using them. Many drugs that require a prescription elsewhere in the world can be got here without one, and they aren't necessarily kept in the best condition - check the sell by date and go to aircon pharmacies if you can.
Is it safe to have sex in Thailand? What is the occurrence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)? What is the rate of AIDS infection in Thailand?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) the rate of new AIDS infections in Thailand decreased over 80% in the last decade. This was due in large part to a government program promoting education and condom use. Avert, an international AIDS charity calculates the rate of AIDS infection in Thailand at less than 1.6%.
Safety is not a measure of where you have sex, but whether you practice safe sex. Wherever you are, AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases are spread through unsafe sexual activities. If you are concerned, condom use is always your best protection.
What is the availability and quality of condoms in Thailand?
Condoms are more readily available in some parts of Thailand than in some parts of the United States! However, quality and size vary. If you plan to engage in sexual activity while in Thailand, ClubEX.org recommends that visitors bring an adequate supply of their preferred brand.