Flooding in Thailand
Updated: November 10, 2011
Travel Health Notice
Heavy rainfall in Thailand has caused severe widespread flooding in many parts of the country; it is considered to be the worst flooding the country has experienced in a long time.
Floods can result in an increased risk of certain diseases that are transmitted by:
- Food and water such as travellers’ diarrhea, cholera, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, and leptospirosis.
- Insects such as malaria and dengue.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) 
advises against non-essential travel to Bangkok and flood-affected areas.
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that travellers practise safe food and water precautions and protect themselves against mosquito bites while in Thailand.
Where is Flooding a Concern?
The situation is evolving on a daily basis. For up-to-date information on areas where flooding is a concern, please consult the travel report for Thailand published by DFAIT.
Recommendations
Consult a doctor, nurse or health care provider, or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel.
- Follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor the flood situation by consulting DFAIT's Travel report for Thailand .
- Practise safe food and water precautions
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites, particularly two to three hours after dawn and during the early evening.
- Wash your hands frequently
- By washing your hands with soap under warm running water.
- Alcohol-based hand gel can also be used if soap and water are not readily available. It’s a good idea to keep some with you in your pocket or purse when you travel.
- Pack a travel health kit
- Review the Public Health Agency of Canada’s recommendations for travel to Thailand.
