How to avoid common Songkran health risks
Songkran is Thailand’s New Year festival, known for water fights, temple visits, and family time. It’s a fun and exciting celebration, but Songkran can also bring some health risks when you are in Thailand.
The hot weather, large crowds, and water play can cause problems like heatstroke, infections, or stomach issues. This article shares easy tips to stay safe and healthy during Songkran and explains how having health insurance like Cigna can give you extra peace of mind during the festival.
How dirty water can affect your health and how to stay safe
Dirty water during Songkran can cause health problems like eye infections, colds, flu, and skin issues. Here’s how these problems happen and how you can protect yourself.
How dirty water causes health problems
Water used in water fights is not always clean. It may carry germs like bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
- Eye infections can happen when dirty water gets into your eyes, especially if you wear contact lenses.
- Colds and flu can spread when you breathe in water spray that contains viruses.
- Skin problems like rashes or infections can occur if dirty water touches your skin, especially if you have cuts or scratches.
How to protect yourself
You can reduce your risk of getting sick by following these simple steps:
- Drink clean water: Only drink bottled, boiled, or filtered water. Don’t drink water from puddles or random sources even as a joke. You can not drink tap water in Thailand.
- Wash your hands often: Use soap and clean water, especially before eating or after using the toilet. Carry hand sanitiser if needed.
- Avoid dirty water areas: Stay away from rivers, ponds, or places where the water looks unclear or smells bad.
- Ask your doctor about vaccines: Before travelling, check if you need vaccines for illnesses like cholera or typhoid.
How Cigna health insurance can help
If you do get sick from dirty water, having health insurance makes things easier. Cigna Health Insurance gives you access to good hospitals and fast care across Thailand. This helps you recover quickly and avoid big medical bills. Cigna is a great choice for both travellers and people living in Thailand.
Extra tips to stay safe
- Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses or goggles during water fights. At least anything to keep the water from directly entering your eyes.
- Change clothes quickly: After getting wet, shower and put on dry clothes to lower your risk of skin infections.
- Learn and share: Teach your friends and family how to stay safe during Songkran. Safe habits help everyone enjoy the festival without getting sick.
How to stay safe from heat-related illness during Songkran
April is the hottest month in Thailand. In places like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, temperatures can reach 35–40°C (95–104°F). The strong heat can cause problems like heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Here’s how to stay safe and healthy.
What is heat illness?
Heat illness happens when your body gets too hot and can’t cool down. This is more likely when the weather is hot and humid. Signs include feeling dizzy, tired, or sick to your stomach. In serious cases, it can cause confusion or even fainting.
Tips to avoid getting sick from the heat
1. Drink clean water often
Drink plenty of water during the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Water helps your body stay cool and replaces what you lose through sweat.
- Try to drink at least 8 glasses a day.
- Avoid sugary drinks, alcohol, and too much caffeine—they can make you more dehydrated.
2. Rest in the shade or stay indoors
Take breaks in cool places. Find shade if you’re outside, or spend time indoors with air-conditioning or fans.
- Use an umbrella or stay under trees when walking outside.
- Rest often if you feel tired or hot.
3. Avoid the sun during peak hours
The sun is strongest between 11am and 3pm. Try to stay indoors during these hours.
- If you go out, wear light-coloured, loose clothing.
- A wide-brimmed hat or cap can protect your face and neck from sunburn.
Other helpful tips
- Check the weather forecast so you can plan your day when it’s cooler.
- Join Songkran water activities to cool off, but be mindful of crowds and the heat.
- Watch for signs of heat exhaustion and get help quickly if you feel unwell.
How to stay safe during Songkran celebrations in Thailand
Songkran water fights and street parties are fun and full of energy, but they can also lead to health risks and accidents in Thailand. Wet roads, big crowds, and playful pushing can cause slips, trips, and other injuries. Here’s how travellers can enjoy the fun and stay safe.
Common risks during celebrations
- Water on the streets and spilt drinks make the ground slippery, especially in busy places like Khao San Road and Silom.
- Large crowds can lead to bumping into people or even falling if someone pushes or runs.
- Sprains, cuts, and bruises are common during the festival, especially when people aren’t careful in water zones.
Tips to avoid injuries
1. Wear shoes with a good grip
Choose shoes that don’t slip easily. Avoid flip-flops or smooth-bottom shoes that slide on wet roads.
- Closed shoes are better for protecting your feet from sharp objects like broken glass.
- Sandals can be fine as well. They provide good traction and are secured to your feet.
2. Don’t run in wet areas
It’s easy to slip when the ground is wet. Walk slowly and watch your step, especially near crowds or in water fight zones.
- Splashing water can surprise you and make it hard to keep your balance.
3. Stay alert in crowded places
Busy streets can get packed with people.
- Watch out for sudden moves from others.
- Avoid rushing or pushing through crowds.
- Look down for potholes or uneven pavement to avoid tripping.
Extra safety tips
- Keep your things safe: Use a bag with zippers and avoid bringing valuables.
- Drink water often: The heat and walking around can wear you out.
- Know your exit: Learn the layout of the area and plan how to leave safely if needed.
How to eat street food safely during Songkran
Thailand’s street food is tasty and full of variety, but during hot months like April and a celebration as chaotic as Songkran, food can spoil quickly and lead to health risks. If food isn’t cooked or stored properly, it can lead to food poisoning. Here’s how to enjoy street food while staying safe and healthy.
Why food poisoning is a risk
Many street food vendors cook and serve food outside, often with limited access to clean water or proper kitchen tools. In hot weather, bacteria grow faster on food that’s not stored or cooked well. This can cause stomach problems like diarrhoea, vomiting, or other serious illnesses.
Simple tips to avoid food poisoning
1. Pick clean and busy stalls
Choose food vendors who have a lot of customers.
- Busy stalls usually serve fresh food often and don’t leave it sitting out.
- Look at the vendor’s setup—clean hands, covered ingredients, and separate tools for raw and cooked food are all good signs.
2. Avoid raw or undercooked food
Skip food like raw meat, seafood, or eggs.
- Choose dishes that are freshly cooked and served hot, like grilled meat, fried rice, or stir-fried noodles.
- Avoid meals that look like they’ve been sitting out or only warmed up again.
3. Clean your hands before eating
Always wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before eating.
- Carry a small bottle of hand gel or wet wipes if you can’t find soap and water nearby.
Extra safety tips
- Drink bottled water: Don’t drink tap water. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth.
- Watch how food is cooked: If you can, watch the vendor prepare your meal. Make sure food is cooked well and not reused or handled without care.
When to get medical help during Songkran
Songkran is a time for fun in Thailand but there are some health risks such as accidents and illness that can happen. Knowing when to see a doctor is important. Ignoring serious symptoms can lead to bigger health problems. Here’s how to spot the signs and how Cigna Health Insurance can help you get care quickly.
Watch for these warning signs
1. High fever
A fever can mean you have an infection or even heatstroke.
- If your fever goes over 39°C (102.2°F) or lasts more than three days, see a doctor.
- Fever can also come with food poisoning or waterborne illness, which are common during Songkran.
2. Dehydration
You lose fluids fast in hot weather, especially if you have diarrhoea or are sweating a lot.
- Signs of dehydration include dark urine, dry mouth, feeling dizzy, or a fast heartbeat.
- If you feel weak or lightheaded, get help right away.
3. Stomach pain
Mild stomach aches often go away, but strong pain can mean something more serious.
- If you have bad pain, vomiting, fever, or see blood in your stool, don’t wait—see a doctor.
- It could be food poisoning or another condition that needs treatment.
4. Injuries
Small cuts or bruises might not seem serious, but if not cleaned properly, they can get infected.
- Go to a clinic or hospital if you have a deep cut, bad sprain, or heavy bleeding.
How Cigna helps you get the care you need
1. Emergency care when you need it most
With Cigna, you can visit top hospitals in Thailand for fast help during emergencies like heatstroke, serious injuries, or sudden illness.
2. Doctor visits for smaller issues
Cigna also covers outpatient care, so you can see a doctor for minor injuries or early symptoms before they get worse.
3. Easy access to quality hospitals
Cigna works with many good hospitals in Bangkok and other cities. Even during busy times like Songkran, you can still get treated without long waits.
With Cigna Health Insurance, travellers and expats can enjoy Songkran celebrations with peace of mind. Whether it’s an emergency or a regular check-up, Cigna makes sure you get the care you need—quickly and easily.
Songkran is a fun and exciting festival in Thailand, but it also brings health risks like heatstroke, infections, injuries, and food poisoning. This article shared easy ways to stay safe—such as drinking clean water, wearing the right shoes, eating fresh hot food, and knowing when to see a doctor. Having health insurance like Cigna makes a big difference.
It helps travellers and expats get fast care at trusted hospitals without worrying about high medical bills. If you’re thinking about health insurance in Thailand, check out this guide on how much Thai health insurance really costs.
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