Health
Thailand’s meth crisis sparks mental health fears
Thailand is battling a full-blown methamphetamine (meth) epidemic, with 1.5 million users nationwide and hundreds of thousands suffering serious mental health effects, according to bombshell new research unveiled this week. The data, released by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), paints a grim picture of widespread meth...
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Stretching into serenity: Pattaya Beach starts yoga countdown
Sun, sand, and salutations — Pattaya Beach transformed into a haven of calm as hundreds gathered to launch the countdown to the International Day of Yoga in a spirited celebration of wellness, unity, and global harmony. Marking “25 Days to International Day of Yoga,” Pattaya City joined forces with the Indian Association of Pattaya for …
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A rooftop evening of art, cuisine & connection at Sole Mio Boutique Hotel & Wellness
Rooftop views, summer bites, and creative sparks await at Sole Mio Boutique Hotel & Wellness this June. As the next chapter of the Soul & Sole Sunset Journeys unfolds, guests are invited to paint the flavour through an evening spent on the rooftop, featuring tartare tastings, signature cocktails, live art, and acoustic music, all set …
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Denied a visa extension in Thailand? Here’s how travel insurance can help
Denied a visa extension in Thailand? It can be a stressful and confusing experience. Immigration rules are strict, and even a small mistake, like missing documents, overstaying a visa, or not showing enough funds, can lead to a denial. If this happens, you may need to leave the country quickly or face unexpected costs. This …
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Why retirees in Thailand are choosing long-term health insurance over quick fixes
Retirees in Thailand are increasingly seeing the importance of health insurance in protecting their well-being during retirement. With insurance requirements for retirement visas and rising healthcare costs, many are moving away from short-term plans and choosing long-term coverage. Long-term health insurance gives retirees peace of mind by covering age-related health issues, providing access to quality …
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Deadly flu surge sparks star-backed vaccine push in Pattaya
Bangkok Hospital Pattaya has launched a high-profile vaccine campaign to combat influenza following Thailand’s deadly flu outbreak earlier this year. Held in the lobby of Building E, the BDMS Preventive Vaccine event drew attention not only for its critical public health message, but also for its star power. Thai actor Art Phasut Banyam and his …
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Expat moms-to-be: Navigating maternity insurance plans in Thailand
Expecting a baby while living abroad can be exciting and a little overwhelming, especially for expat moms-to-be in Thailand. Maternity insurance is important because it helps cover the high costs of private hospital care and gives you peace of mind during pregnancy and childbirth. Many expats find it tricky to understand the different insurance plans, …
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How Thailand’s healthcare system compares to the U.S. and Europe for expats
If you’re moving abroad, healthcare is one of the most important things to think about. Many expats choose Thailand because it offers good medical care at a lower cost than in the US or Europe. Private hospitals in Thailand are modern and affordable and have English-speaking doctors, making them a popular choice. In this article, …
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Why couples worldwide are choosing Thailand for fertility treatment
The discreet queues at Thailand fertility clinics aren’t included in your standard travel or even expat guide. But if you walk inside one of its top reproductive centres, you’ll see that for many couples struggling with infertility, the country is where parenthood begins. Every year, thousands of couples from around the world board long-haul flights …
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Thailand tightens medical cannabis rules: Prescription-only flowers
Thailand’s Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) has announced stricter regulations on cannabis, allowing the sale of cannabis flowers solely for medical use with a valid prescription. The move aims to crack down on recreational misuse while supporting legal medical treatments. DTAM’s director-general, Somruek Chungsaman, revealed the updated Public Health Ministry notification today, …
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Nomad insurance vs. Thai health insurance: what should expats in Thailand choose?
Expats in Thailand can use public hospitals or private healthcare, but most choose insurance to avoid expensive bills. If you’re staying long-term or working here, it’s important to pick the right type of insurance. This helps you get good medical care and keeps you in line with visa rules, like for the Retirement Visa, Long-Term …
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Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Here’s your health checklist before the move
Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Thailand is a popular choice for retirees because of its beautiful landscapes, warm climate, and affordable living. Cities like Chiang Mai and coastal areas offer a relaxed lifestyle with friendly communities. The country also has great healthcare, with modern hospitals and skilled doctors at lower prices than in Western …
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Thailand and Maldives seal health boost pact in Geneva
Thailand and the Maldives have sealed a landmark deal to boost public health collaboration, with bold plans to strengthen the Maldives’ primary healthcare and regulatory systems — all signed and sealed during a high-profile global summit in Switzerland. The agreement was inked today, May 21, at the World Health Assembly in Geneva. Thailand’s Deputy Minister …
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Super spreader Covid variant rips through Thailand
A new Covid-19 variant is sweeping through Thailand at breakneck speed, with infections skyrocketing and vulnerable groups most at risk. Health authorities are on high alert as the XEC variant, a descendant of Omicron, spreads nearly seven times faster than seasonal influenza. Since January 1, the Public Health Ministry has recorded 108,891 infections and 27 …
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Phuket shopper horrified by squirming surprise in salted fish
Nothing says “good morning” like finding live worms wriggling in your breakfast. That’s exactly what happened to one unfortunate shopper in Phuket who made a stomach-churning discovery in a serving of fried salted fish bought from a local shop. The shocking incident, which quickly went viral, sparked a wave of online outrage and renewed calls …
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Is private health insurance in Thailand worth it? Real costs vs risks explained
Thailand has a strong healthcare system with both public and private options. Public hospitals offer affordable care, but many people, including expats, choose private health insurance for faster service, modern facilities, and more treatment choices. To decide if private health insurance is worth it, it’s important to understand the real costs and the risks of …
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DKSH earns top honours at 2025 Healthcare Asia Medtech Awards
DKSH Business Unit Healthcare, a strategic healthcare solutions partner and leading provider of Market Expansion Services for pharmaceutical, over-the-counter (OTC), consumer health and medical device companies, has received a major accolade for its efforts in bringing healthcare to all patients in Thailand. At the 2025 Healthcare Asia Medtech Awards ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, the company …
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What you actually get for US$2 a day with SafetyWing insurance
SafetyWing is a popular travel and health insurance provider that offers affordable coverage for digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term travellers. For just US$2 a day, their Nomad Insurance plan gives you essential protection, including emergency medical care, medical evacuation, trip interruption support, and coverage for lost luggage or travel delays. With automatic monthly renewals, …
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MedPark Hospital’s campaign to encourages gastrointestinal cancer screening
This May, MedPark Hospital invites the public to take proactive steps toward better health through its latest campaign, “Stay Healthy, Stay Safe from Cancer,” promoting early detection and regular screening, especially for colorectal cancer. As one of the most common and increasingly diagnosed cancers among the Thai population, particularly in individuals aged 45 and above, …
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Cambodia, Laos ban Thai livestock over anthrax fears
Cambodia and Laos have temporarily halted the importation of livestock and related products from Thailand to prevent the spread of anthrax. According to China’s Xinhua News Agency, Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries has implemented this precautionary measure and is closely monitoring the anthrax situation in Thailand. The ministry stated that while there are …
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Motorbike accidents in Thailand: Why most insurance won’t cover you
Motorbike accidents in Thailand are a major problem, with the country being one of the most dangerous places for riders. Motorbikes are the most common way to get around for both locals and tourists, but they also make up over 70% of traffic deaths. Having insurance is important, but many travellers and expats don’t know …
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Fourth anthrax case confirmed in northeast Thailand outbreak
The Mukdahan Provincial Public Health Office announced yesterday a new case of anthrax, raising the total number of cases in the current outbreak to four, with one resulting in death. According to a source, three are currently hospitalised; two at Mukdahan Hospital and one at Don Tan Hospital. Of the 636 deemed at risk, 538 …
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No new anthrax infections found in Thailand’s Mukdahan province
The anthrax situation in Mukdahan province is showing signs of improvement, with the Public Health Ministry reporting no new cases as of yesterday, May 5. The province has recorded three anthrax cases, according to Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin. Of these cases, one person has died, while two remain hospitalised. Some 636 people in the …
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Thailand reports first anthrax death in 30 years, health alert issued
Thailand has experienced its first anthrax-related death in 30 years, resulting in a public health alert after hundreds in Mukdahan province were possibly exposed to the bacteria. A 53 year old man from Mukdahan passed away on Wednesday, April 30, after contracting anthrax. A second confirmed case and three additional suspected cases are also being …
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Phuket labour day funds cancer centre amid workers’ struggles
Phuket provincial officials marked National Labour Day 2025 with the event Labourers for the Light on Thursday, raising more than 150,000 baht to support the construction of the province’s first government cancer centre at Vachira Phuket Hospital. The event, which took place at Bang Wad Dam, was presided over by Phuket Vice Governor Suwit Phansengiam …
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Top gyms in Bangkok that offer the best workout classes and facilities
If you’re going to sweat in Bangkok, you might as well do it somewhere with cold brew on tap and hydro message bed waiting after your final burpee. Fortunately, the city is home to some seriously impressive spots to break a sweat. The gyms here don’t mess around. They’re stylish and high-tech, with classes that …
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Best facial treatments in Bangkok for radiant skin
If urban life has left your skin feeling as stressed as the Friday evening rush hour, there’s no reason to let it dampen your spirits. The answer to your skin’s prayers might just involve less commuting and more pampering. Thankfully, Bangkok boasts a beauty scene as vibrant as its city skyline. From innovative therapies to …
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Phuket Red Cross pleads for rare blood as tourist demand surges
The Phuket Red Cross (PRBC) and the Blood Bank at Vachira Phuket Hospital are calling on locals to roll up their sleeves this May and donate blood—particularly the rare Rh-negative type. With tourism booming again across Phuket and the surrounding regions, accidents and emergency hospital visits are on the rise—especially among foreign visitors. And that …
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What happens if you get hospitalised in Thailand without insurance?
If you get hospitalised in Thailand without insurance, it can be stressful and expensive. Thailand’s public healthcare does not cover foreigners, and private hospitals often ask for payment before giving treatment. Even public hospitals may delay care if you can’t pay right away. In this article, we’ll explain what to expect if you don’t have …
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Answers to the most common questions about international health insurance
If you’ve been thinking of staying in Thailand long-term, you’ve probably already asked the big question, “Do I actually need international health insurance?” It’s a question that often comes up among expats, digital nomads, retirees, and even frequent travellers. Sure, we don’t think we would be the ones to experience a motorbike tumble in Chiang …
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Thailand vs. the West: What expats save on healthcare each year
Healthcare in Thailand is much cheaper than in Western countries, making it a great choice for expatriates looking for affordable medical care. Both public and private healthcare options offer high-quality services, with savings of up to 80% on procedures like cardiac surgery and diagnostic imaging. Routine medical care is also much cheaper, often costing 50-75% …
