Advertorial 5 Tips for dealing with diarrhea in Thailand

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The Phuket diarrhea outbreak made the news earlier this month, affecting over 70 students and residents across the island. While public health officials have yet to determine the cause, contaminated drinking water and ice from local factories could be to blame. A similar incident occurred in December 2022, where the norovirus caused over 700 locals and tourists in Chanthaburi to experience severe diarrhea and other uncomfortable symptoms.

 

Whether the reason for the mass diarrhea cases is the norovirus, contaminated local water supply, or something else, there’s no better time than now to discuss dodging diarrhea in Thailand. Many travelers in Thailand become afflicted with what is known as “Bangkok Belly”, though expats and locals also experience it from time to time.

 

With that said, our friends from Pacific Prime Thailand are here to share what causes diarrhea in Thailand, diarrhea symptoms, and how to avoid it with their 5 top tips.

What causes traveler’s diarrhea in Thailand?

Commonly known as Bangkok Belly and traveler’s diarrhea, this type of digestive tract disorder is caused by ingesting food or water that has been contaminated with organisms originating from feces. Typically, these organisms are bacteria like E.Coli, although other parasites and viruses can also be responsible.

 

For travelers, in particular, the combination of stress, jet lag, and dietary changes creates an ideal foundation for Bangkok Belly to form.

Bangkok Belly symptoms

The main symptom of traveler’s diarrhea in Thailand is loose stools, which generally occur with a rapid onset of multiple stools per day. Likewise, those affected with traveler's diarrhea will experience sudden urges to use the toilet throughout the day. Other symptoms that occur alongside diarrhea include:

 

●     Nausea

●     Vomiting

●     Abdominal pains (e.g. cramps)

●     Headaches

●     Fevers

How to avoid Bangkok Belly

Your best bet to reduce the chances of traveler’s diarrhea is to be careful with what you put into your body while traveling. Sadly, being cautious with what you eat and drink can make your time in Thailand slightly less adventurous since it’s advisable to steer clear of street food carts due to their (often) poor sanitization standards.

 

If you’re not convinced, just take a look at the next street food cart you’re interested in and look whether they have running water available. Without that, one can’t help but wonder how their clean their hands and food-preparing surfaces.

 

It’s also advisable to avoid raw and undercooked foods (especially those that spoil quickly), such as seafood, fruits, and vegetables, and opt for trusted restaurants that cook food to order instead.

5 tips to manage diarrhea in Thailand

When diarrhea strikes, it’s helpful to know how to manage it. The following tips can help reduce your symptoms and have you feeling better in no time.

 

1. Stay hydrated: Dehydration is common with diarrhea, so be sure to drink lots of bottled or boiled water. Electrolyte drinks and other rehydration solutions can also help replenish lost electrolytes and fluids.
2. Be cautious with your food and beverage choices: Thai food is certainly delightful, but it pays to be selective. As mentioned, avoid unhygienic street food and undercooked food, as well as tap water, ice cubes, and unpasteurized dairy products. Also, stick to easily digestible, bland foods like the BRAT diet while recovering.
3. Practice good hygiene: Avoid spreading infectious organisms by washing your hands with soap and clean water thoroughly and regularly, especially before eating or touching food. These days, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be a convenient substitute.
4. Use over-the-counter remedies: Anti-diarrheal capsules like Imodium are an effective over-the-counter treatment for traveler’s diarrhea. In Thailand, the generic Loperamide (the active ingredient in Imodium) is more affordable and just as effective.
5. Get plenty of rest: It’s important to rest and give your body time to heal when you’re experiencing diarrhea. Strenuous activities can worsen your symptoms. 

 

Note that it’s important to consult a medical professional if you experience severe symptoms or if symptoms persist for over a couple of days. That way, you can receive a proper diagnosis and get recommendations for traveler’s diarrhea treatment.

 

The reality is that incidences of diarrhea may occur during your time in Thailand. By taking necessary precautions, being cautious with your food and drink choices, and following treatment protocols when it does strike, you can reduce the impact of diarrhea and continue to enjoy what the Land of Smiles has to offer.

 

Planning a trip to Thailand? Don’t forget to secure private medical insurance in Thailand that will cover you while you’re in the area. The last thing you want is to worry about whether you can afford the treatment you need. With over 20+ years of industry experience, Pacific Prime Thailand is a leading health insurance brokerage that expats and travelers can rely on. Contact them today!