Khao Lak Health questions - your answers are here!

Khao Lak Health Questions:


Medical Services
General practitioners, dentists and opticians are readily available throughout Thailand. Doctors and staff in the larger hospitals generally speak good English. Every major town in Thailand will have a public hospital, but these can be poorly equipped and overcrowded. However, there is a good number of private hospitals and we recommend these for easier communication and better service. In Bangkok are two world-class hospitals that have services at least as good as if not better than in European countries. Phuket has two very good hospitals of international standards.

In Khao Lak there is no hospital, though there are two clinics, one run by a local pediatrician. The other is run by nurses. Takuapa – 30 Km north and Thai Muang – 35 Km south both have small regional hospitals. For all major emergencies Phuket has two hospitals with international standards – Phuket International and Bangkok Phuket. Ambulance Service is readily available

If in Bangkok - Ask for "long-piya-barn ekachon" - private hospital.

The local Clinic – Dr. Chusak Clinic is open from 17:00-19:00 most nights. Currently the fee for seeing the doctor will be around 100-200 Baht, and the total bill, including medication, should be no more that 500 Baht. Medicine is very reasonably priced.

Throughout Thailand hospitals also offer a walk in service, where you can see a general practitioner, during the daytime. Many also offer a 24-hour emergency room service.

Emergency ambulance services differ from those found in most western countries. All hospitals have ambulances but they are mostly used to transfer patients. Emergency numbers are only useful if you can speak Thai! Khao Lak has two ambulances located right in town, so service is fast and prompt.

In the event of car accident, an ambulance is not always called. In many instances, a passing motorist will take the injured to hospital.
Common Ailments
Many of the problems that visitors encounter are minor and would not cause much concern in their home country. However, a minor problem can quickly grow into a bigger one, due to the heat. Don't wait too long if you think you need treatment. Don’t concern yourself with costs either, as it is usually a small fraction of the cost in the first world. Remember that tests, which might take days in your home country, can often be conducted with in an hour or so at the local polyclinic, and the appropriate medication prescribed. You can then be back on your feet ready to enjoy the rest of your holiday in a very short period of time.

Vaccination

At the current time there is no compulsory immunization required for Thailand. Medical opinions also vary as to which immunizations are advisable. The following vaccines are generally recommended for adults:

* Polio (up to date)
* Typhoid
* Tetanus (up to date)
* Hepatitis 'A' (Gamma Globulin, or Havarix)
Pharmacies

A pharmacy will be found on most streets throughout Thailand. They sell a wide range of products, both locally and internationally produced. However they may not have your particular brand – double check for a generic alternative. If you have special requirements it is a good idea to consult your doctor at home and bring adequate supplies with you, or make sure you know the generic name for any medication that you may require. In some cases pharmacies are able to sell you medications that would require a doctors prescription in your home country.
If in doubt – check online directories. Both for names and dosages. Most importantly check for drug interactions if you are currently taking any medications.

In all tourists areas you will find condoms, feminine hygiene products, birth control pills and even pregnancy tests. In the more remote places you may not find sun screen.

Health Insurance

By international standards the cost of medical treatment in Thailand is surprisingly low. Nevertheless health and accident insurance is strongly recommended. For diving, we can’t emphasize enough – please get diving insurance before arriving.

If you are planning a medical procedure you might want to consider a medical vacation.

Acclimatization

On first entering a hot, humid place like this - don't overdo it. Your body needs a few days to adjust to the higher temperatures and new humidity, so gradually increase your daily activity and exposure to the sun. This will help build up your defenses, providing you drink plenty of water. Take your time, relax and enjoy.

Adjusting to the tropical climate of Thailand can take a while, but you can lessen the degree of discomfort by heeding a few suggestions.

* Wear loose-fitting, natural fiber clothing and open shoes, which give good skin ventilation. Perspiration and dampness can cause bacterial and fungal growth, which cause itching and rashes.
* Don't worry about getting a sun tan, the sun will find you. The sun is very strong, and you can become sunburned in a very short period of time. Wear a hat to protect you head and a sun block to protect exposed areas of the body. Don't forget to anoint your feet as well, if you are wearing sandals.
* Increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration. Water and fruit juices are best. Sachets of re-hydration powder are readily available at pharmacies. When mixed with water the powder forms a refreshing drink designed to rebalance the levels of salt in the body. This is especially useful if you have had a bout of "Bangkok Two-step"
* Introduce your stomach gradually to all the new hot spicy foods. Street foods are generally safe, it’s the spices that will cause your biggest challenges.
* Most inhabitants avoid doing too much at the hottest time of day. You should do the same. Adopt the siesta mentality and arrange vigorous activity for the early morning or late afternoon. We heartily recommend hammocks!
* After bathing, dry thoroughly and apply powder.
* Use a fan to circulate air instead of air-conditioning. This will greatly speed up the process of acclimatization.
The Water

Tap water comes from various sources. In most towns it will have passed through a treatment plant, however, this is no guarantee of its purity.

Bottled water is available everywhere and for very little money. We strongly recommend mineral waters rather than the simply “purified water” as that has been stripped of all minerals and value. Imported water such as Evian, Perrier, Volvic etc is also available, but quite expensive.

Ice cubes served in drinks at established restaurants are not a problem as they are usually prepared from boiled or bottled water.

Malaria

Malaria is not a problem in the major tourist centers like Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Phuket. However it is wise to take sensible precautions to avoid insect bites at all times.

Windows are generally fitted with screens so that air can be allowed in, whilst keeping out the bugs. The sensible use of an insect spray to kill any attackers is recommended. Several different brands are available in the shops.

To avoid insect bites the use of an insect repellent is recommended. Several international brands are available in the shops, but we particularly recommend the local product called Sketolene. It is reasonably priced and very effective.

If you plan to travel away from the major tourist areas then you should take medical advice about the type of anti-malarial medication required. Some strains of Malaria are now resistant to the more commonly prescribed anti-malarial drugs. It is important to check on this information as early as possible, as some drugs need to be taken for a period of time before possible exposure to the disease. This may mean starting the course of drugs before you leave home.
Toilets

How do they work? Well…this is one of the most embarrassing questions we get. Toilets come in a few varieties, the most common being the bucket and the butt-gun.

The bucket is more difficult to use for the first time visitor. These are essentially pits with bucket of water and a small pan or scoop in the water. With careful balance and good hand work you can pour down your backside or front side. With either splashing or rubbing you cleanse your nether regions. This sounds messy, but after a few tries, it gets easier. A god option is to carry a small pack of tissues or baby wipes. Please dispose of paper products in the trash, not the toilets.
The butt-gun is more easily understood and used. Not unlike the spray gun on your kitchen sink, the butt-gun is well...a spray gun for your butt. The first couple of times will leave you a bit wet and embarrassed, but after that – a great tool. You will feel cleaner, and more refreshed – very suitable for the tropical environment.




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