Malaria in Thailand

Most of the major cities in Thailand no longer have the problem of malaria but that is not to say that the rest of the country is free of the disease. There are still some areas in Thailand where malarial transmission still occurs; therefore, you may need to take malaria tablets depending on which area of the country you are planning to visit. It is advised that you visit your doctor about two months before you travel and discuss the best course of action to protect yourself against malaria and any other diseases that may be prevalent in Thailand.

There is no risk of malaria in Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Rai, Ko Samui, Chiang Mai or Ko Phangan. However, sometimes there are a few cases from the south of the country but these numbers are so low that you do not need to take malaria tablets when visiting these areas. You must be aware that there is a slight risk and you should follow insect protection measures such as using mosquito nets, sleeping in air conditioned rooms, wearing long sleeves at dusk and using insect repellent.


The rural areas of the country do pose a risk of malaria. You will need to take malaria tablets if you are visiting any of the rural areas that border Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Mae Hong Son. The malaria tablets that are usually prescribed are Malarone or Doxycycline because there are a number of different strains of malaria in the country and some are resistant to a few malaria tablets. The two mentioned above should be effective in the Thailand region. You may need to take malaria tablets if you are visiting any of the forested areas of Thailand.

There are rare cases of malaria reported in Phang Nga and Phuket but these risks are low and are local cases so prophylaxis is not needed but you will need to follow the insect prevention methods to avoid being bitten.

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