Travel Vaccinations and Safety – Koh Samui, Thailand 2014

Seeing Koh Samui, with its world-class beaches and pristine turquoise seas, anyone would think that this truly was Paradise. Judging by the current news coming out of Koh Samui, it appears that, at least for the present, problems associated with the ongoing political turmoil in post-coup Thailand, have had little or no effect on day-to-day living  and holidays.

Personal Safety in Thailand

While the carefree mood of the sea-side resorts and hotels remains unchanged, visitors should be mindful of a few important facts about the general situation and of potential threats to their safety. First, there are reports through Reuters that the army has brought legal action against a human rights activist, citing libel and defamation charges. This comes during a rising tide of similar cases brought by the army against dissenters, and signals a frightening trend that is almost certain to incite public protests and demonstrations.

The second cause for concern lies south of Koh Samui, on the Thai-Malaysia border, where there have been reports of terrorist activity. Keeping informed on a daily basis, through news and social media is the best plan to ensure your continued safety. Apart from these two situations we have pointed out, Koh Samui enjoys a largely peaceful environment, with exceptions being the street crime that seems to pervade most sectors of the country, and, in some areas, incidents involving gangs of either Thai or foreign thugs.

The police presence on Koh Samui is, reportedly, not adequate for the number of visitors, so it is advisable to be on the lookout for scams, petty theft, and questionable offers from denizens of bars and clubs. As is the case in many regions of Thailand, there are threats of injury due to traffic accidents, due to reckless driving, general road safety, and tourist drivers on motorbikes who are unfamiliar with the roads in Thailand.

Travel Health Risks & Diseases in Thailand

Travellers to Thailand may require a range of vaccinations for their travel. This will be based upon a number of factors including itinerary, occupation and lifestyle factors and current medical condition. Travellers should ensure that they are up-to-date with their routine vaccinations including Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio. Travellers may also require Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Cholera and Japanese Encephalitis.

In addition, travellers should also be area of:

Malaria – Reports say that Koh-Samui is relatively malaria-free, however, you might wish to start a course of preventive treatment by beginning to take anti-malarial medication two weeks before your departure. Please discuss this with us when you visit our Travel Health Clinic.

Dengue Fever– There seems to be a rise in cases of Dengue Fever in Koh Samui, and the only way to keep from contracting it is to avoid
being bitten, so, protect your skin with generous and frequent applications of insecticide, and wear clothing that covers arms and legs. Symptoms range from fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, to nausea and vomiting. Should you have any of these symptoms, you must see a Doctor or go at once to a hospital for assistance. Dengue Fever is only fatal in severe cases, but there is no known cure.

Please contact our Travel Vaccination Clinic in London to book an appointment no less than 6-8 weeks prior to your planned departure for Thailand and Koh Samui. At that time, we will answer any questions you have regarding the vaccinations you might need, and provide a medical check-up, and a review of your general state of health.

Well before your departure from London, arrange to visit your family doctor to up-date any medication you require, renew prescriptions, and obtain a letter from him/her, stating the reasons why you need this medication. This could be required by officials at Thai immigration.

Not-to-be forgotten is a phone call to your Insurance provider, to make sure you have comprehensive health and travel coverage for
the duration of your visit to Thailand. Please bear in mind that, in light of the existing political uncertainty in Thailand, your insurance
could be in question, as some providers rescind coverage in cases of martial law or government upheaval.

Enjoy your vacation in exotic Koh-Samui in complete safety and good health.