health
Health news in Thailand, covering public health policies, medical advancements, and outbreak responses.
- Health
Medical insurance in Thailand: What expats, digital nomads, and retirees should know
Health insurance in Thailand is of significant importance to foreigners, residents, and travellers alike. The country’s exceptional healthcare facilities, certified by the Joint Commission International (JCI), offer high-quality treatment options. For Thai citizens, healthcare services are primarily funded by tax revenues, providing many services at no out-of-pocket cost. Numerous satisfied policyholders, as evidenced by positive feedback and reviews, boost your…
- Thailand News
Asia on alert: Deadly new mpox strain hits Thailand
Thailand confirmed its first case of a potentially deadlier strain of mpox, marking Asia’s first encounter with the virus variant known as Clade 1b. This alarming development follows hot on the heels of the first reported case outside Africa, in Sweden, just a week ago. The infected individual, a 66 year old European man, arrived in Bangkok from an undisclosed…
- Health
Health insurance tips for foreigners moving to Thailand
Health insurance for foreigners in Thailand is crucial due to the high costs of medical treatment. Evaluating your needs is essential for selecting the right policy. Consider inpatient and outpatient care, along with maternity care if necessary. Coverage regions should be either worldwide or specific to ASEAN or Thailand. Those with pre-existing conditions need plans that include these treatments. How…
- Thailand News
Sweet spot: Thai fruits ranked by sugar content for diabetics
ThaiHealth has released information on the sugar content of various Thai fruits, identifying which ones have the highest and lowest amounts. This information is particularly important for individuals with diabetes, who need to consider both the type and amount of sugar in their diet. The Thai fruit with the highest sugar content is tamarind, containing 58.28 grammes of sugar per…
- Health
Expat alert: Your health insurance in Thailand might not be enough!
Health insurance in Thailand presents a complex view with multiple options. Several important types exist for both locals and expats. Choosing the right one is crucial. Many expats discover that their current coverage may be inadequate for their needs. Understanding the reasons behind these gaps is crucial for ensuring health and financial security. Types of health insurance in Thailand Employer-sponsored health…
- Thailand News
Health warning issued for Thai milk tea drinkers
The Thai Department of Health issued a health warning to avid Thai milk tea drinkers about the risk of developing kidney stones due to the high sugar, calcium content, and compounds found in tea leaves. A post on the Department of Health’s Facebook page today cautioned those who consume milk tea daily, highlighting the potential health risks associated with their…
- Thailand News
Taiwanese expert warns against six foods for better sleep
Taiwanese nutritionist Li Wanping issued a warning about six types of foods that should be avoided before bedtime, highlighting popular Thai dinner dishes. This, she claims, is a key reason many people struggle with insomnia. Modern life is often filled with stress, and many people remain emotionally tense well into the night. This ongoing stress can lead to daily bouts…
- Thailand News
Thailand calls for strict e-cigarette law amid rising seizures
Thailand’s Deputy Public Health Minister called for the creation of a distinct law aimed at restricting the use and sale of e-cigarettes, citing the ineffectiveness of current regulations. During a discussion at the National Health Commission Office yesterday, Health Minister Thanakrit Jitareerat highlighted the absence of a specific law addressing e-cigarettes. While the Public Health Ministry has established a task…
- Health
Thailand faces growing heart and cardiovascular disease crisis
Thailand is grappling with a significant public health challenge as heart and cardiovascular diseases claim an alarming number of lives. According to data from the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), there were more than 23,667 deaths due to heart and cardiovascular issues, including strokes, in the first 198 days of 2024. This staggering figure translates to an average of 119…
- Health
Malaria still a threat to Thailand as 8,999 cases reported so far in 2024
The malaria situation in Thailand remains a significant public health concern, with 8,999 cases reported from January 1 to June 9, 2024. The Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, highlighted the ongoing threat malaria poses, affecting both local Thai residents and foreign populations. This is critical as Thailand continues its efforts to eradicate the disease. The current rainy…
- Business News
Phyathai Hospital celebrates app success with healthcare promotions and benefits
Phyathai Hospital has announced healthcare promotions to celebrate 500,000 people downloading their Health Up mobile application. Until September 30, patients at Phyathai-Paolo Group hospitals can access a 2-for-1 deal on specialised medical assessments and evaluations. Individually, these services cost 5,500 THB, but users who provide proof of registering with the app can book one additional Health Up Celebration package for…
- Health
African swine fever outbreak reported in Chiang Mai
In a significant and concerning development, Thailand has reported its first outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) for the year, as confirmed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). This outbreak has occurred in Luang Nuea Village, located in the Doi Saket District of Chiang Mai Province. The outbreak details The outbreak began on June 5 on a farm…
- Health
Thailand’s PM and health minister unveils digital health stations to honour His Majesty The King
In a significant leap towards enhancing healthcare access, Sa Kaeo Hospital in Thailand has established digital health stations across 340 communities in the province. This initiative, part of the Royal Celebration Project, aims to honour His Majesty the King and marks a milestone in the country’s primary healthcare system. Celebrating His Majesty the King’s 60th birthday Over the weekend, Thailand’s…
- Health
Thailand’s Ministry of Public health launches innovative health food market initiative
The Ministry of Public Health in Thailand is trying to revolutionise the way locals think about food and health. On July 10, 2024, at the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Public Health, Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health, inaugurated the pioneering health market initiative, From Healthy Menu to Medicinal Food. This initiative aims to promote health through nutrition and…
- Health
Thailand’s DDC issues health alert on rising eye infections due to contaminated tap water
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has issued a public health alert following the discovery of a conjunctivitis outbreak affecting 200 residents in a condominium complex in the Lardphrao area in Bangkok. Investigations have revealed the presence of the parasite Acanthamoeba in the tap water supply within the condominium units. Thai Health officials are currently conducting an in-depth disease investigation…
- Health
Mayo Clinic issues warning that kratom is unsafe and ineffective
Kratom, an herbal extract from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia, has gained popularity in recent years. Marketed as a mood lifter, energy booster, pain reliever, and remedy for opioid withdrawal symptoms, it is commonly sold in health stores and online. Users report that at low doses, kratom acts as a stimulant, increasing alertness and…
- Health
Men working shifts can suffer from premature ejaculation
Did you know that working night shifts could be affecting more than just your sleep? New research has found a link between shift work and premature ejaculation (PE) in men. This connection stems from disruptions in your body’s natural rhythms, affecting hormone levels and neurotransmitter activity. What is shift work sleep disorder? Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD) is a condition…
- Health
Exercise boosts cancer-killing immune cells in women with breast cancer
A recent study from the University of Turku in Finland has found that a 30-minute exercise session can significantly increase the proportion of cancer-killing white blood cells in the bloodstream of women with breast cancer. This is exciting news because it shows how something as simple as a short workout can boost the body’s ability to fight cancer. The power…
- Thailand News
Lat Phrao condo residents in deep water over parasitic health scare
A condominium in the Lat Phrao area is currently facing a serious health crisis due to a parasitic infection in the water supply. Over 100 residents have been affected, with some at risk of blindness if medical treatment is delayed. Social media influencer Pook Sukonta Berthebaud brought the issue to light, posting on Facebook about the distressing situation. Residents have…
- Thailand News
Thai health volunteers oppose retirement age limit in new bill
Village health volunteers nationwide have expressed strong opposition to an age limit proposed in a Public Health Ministry-sponsored bill, which would mandate their retirement at the age of 70. The bill, currently open for online public hearing until this Thursday, July 11, aims to impose an age cap on health volunteers, replacing the current lifelong service term. Volunteers in Chiang…
- Thailand News
Sticky situation as man sniffing glue gets nabbed at Bang Saen Beach
A man was seen inhaling glue while sitting in the sea at Bang Saen Beach, causing concern among beachgoers. Local police have detained him. The incident, which has drawn significant social media attention, took place yesterday, July 7. Reports indicate that the man, shirtless and inhaling glue, alarmed tourists who feared for his safety. A video of the event circulated…
- Cannabis
Potential of cannabis seed oil for healing burn wounds
Cannabis is often associated with its psychoactive component, THC, but not all cannabis products are used for recreational purposes. Recently, researchers have been exploring the medicinal properties of cannabis seed oil (CSO), particularly its potential to heal burn wounds. The study Researchers wanted to see if cannabis seed oil could help heal skin wounds. They used 18 male albino rats…
- Health
How different exercises affect your hormones and inflammation
Exercise is known to do wonders for our health, from boosting our mood to improving our strength and endurance. But what happens inside our bodies when we push ourselves to the limit during a workout? Researchers have been curious about the hormonal and inflammatory responses triggered by different types of exercises. A recent study explored how the body reacts to…
- Health
A phytochemical from cruciferous vegetables helps protect the brain
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts have long been hailed for their numerous health benefits. Recent studies have uncovered an exciting new advantage: a compound found in these vegetables may help protect your brain. What is Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C)? Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) is a naturally occurring compound found in cruciferous vegetables. When these vegetables are chopped or chewed, I3C is…
- Health
Fermented tea is a surprising ally in bone health
Tea is a beloved beverage consumed worldwide, second only to water. Among its varieties, fermented teas such as oolong and black tea have gained attention not just for their taste but for their health benefits. Recent studies suggest that these teas could play a significant role in bone health, especially in preventing osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes…
- Health
Trendy weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy increase risk for blindness
Recent research has unveiled a startling connection between popular weight-loss medications and an increased risk of a rare eye condition. Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, widely embraced by celebrities, influencers, and the affluent in Western countries as well as in Thailand and Singapore, are now under scrutiny for potentially raising the risk of sudden vision loss. The surprising link to…
- Health
Avoiding processed meats lowers risk of diabetes, heart issues and cancer
A new study has revealed that reducing the consumption of processed meats can significantly lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh and the University of North Carolina used a unique simulation tool to estimate the health benefits of cutting down on processed and unprocessed red meat. The study’s findings The study, which…
- Health
Gen X faces higher cancer risk than Baby Boomers
Generation X (Gen X), born between 1965 and 1980, faces a higher risk of developing cancer than the Baby Boomer generation, according to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open. This comprehensive research, conducted by the National Cancer Institute, analysed the health records of 3.8 million Americans diagnosed with malignant cancer between 1992 and 2018. The findings suggest that…
- Health
Toxic PFAS found to be easily absorbed through skin
Recent research reveals that toxic PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), often termed forever chemicals, can be absorbed through the skin at levels significantly higher than previously believed. This groundbreaking study, conducted by researchers at the University of Birmingham, demonstrates for the first time that human skin can absorb these chemicals at substantial rates, posing a significant source of exposure. The…
- Health
Frequent walks can reduce back pain
Did you know that something as simple as walking can make a huge difference in managing and preventing lower back pain? A recent study published in The Lancet on June 19 has shown that taking regular walks can significantly reduce the risk of experiencing future episodes of low back pain. This easy, cost-effective activity also improves quality of life, sleep,…
