Advertorial 5 Ways to Avoid Food Poisoning in Thailand

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When traveling to Thailand, you look forward to the delicious food, crystal blue waters, and relaxing massages. What you don't look forward to is falling sick. You will be surprised to know that many viruses in the Land of Smiles can sneak up on you, and the most common reason for getting an upset stomach is food poisoning. However,, you can minimize your chances of falling severely ill if you follow specific sanitary rules.

 

In this article, our insurance expert friends from Pacific Prime Thailand have put together some tips to help you avoid food poisoning in Thailand.

1. Pick what you eat wisely

Most food poisoning episodes occur when you eat something stale. For obvious reasons, you don't know how fresh the ingredients are in your ordered dish. However, you can control when it is cooked. Your best bet is to avoid pre-prepared food and to steer away from seafood if you have a sensitive stomach.

 

So, is it safe to eat street food in Thailand?

It's definitely hard to avoid all the inviting street food stalls in Thailand, and it is some of the best food you will find in Thailand. However, the problem with street food lies in its preparation. You never know if the vendor is using fresh ingredients, but you can always analyze the surroundings and assess the cleanliness of the surroundings, the weather, etc.

2. Dealing with Spicy Food

Did you know that Thai food served in Western countries is a milder and less traditional version? When you eat in local Thai restaurants, you may experience a sore stomach from all the chili consumption. What’s more, excessive levels of chili can cause diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. So, it's a good idea to let your table host or the restaurant know about your spice tolerance and choose non-spicy dishes.

3. Try not to Consume Ice or Filtered Water

You should avoid drinking water straight out of the tap in Thailand. Additionally, the ice in Thailand is made in factories, so it comes in one large cube, so when you see broken bits of ice it is okay to consume. However, it’s best to avoid ice that looks like it was made in a tray.

If you fall sick from drinking unfiltered water or ice, you can visit a pharmacist. Most pharmacists speak English and will advise the proper medication for your condition.

4. Finding the Right Hospital in Thailand

With sufficient insurance, you could go to a public hospital for treatment. However, most public hospitals are often overcrowded and offer a lower standard than those in the West. However, with comprehensive travel insurance, you can go to a private hospital without paying the bills out of your pocket. Remember, you may have to pay expensive hospital bills without international or travel insurance.

 

Secure Health Insurance with Pacific Prime Thailand

Travel insurance can help offer peace of mind if you fall sick on your vacation. Falling sick in a foreign place can be stressful. From finding hospitals and doctors to sourcing prescriptions, your insurance provider can help navigate you through the system. Moreover, travel insurance will be able to cover your hospital expenses, so you don't have to worry about paying for it yourself. 

 

Pacific Prime Thailand has helped thousands of people secure travel insurance over 20 years and also offers international health insurance for expats and more. If you are planning to travel and want to learn more about this type of insurance, contact Pacific Prime Thailand's insurance experts for a free, no-obligation quote.