Food Poisoning and Your Health Insurance in Thailand

As an expat in Thailand, it’s important to be on the lookout for what you eat, particularly street food. The hot climate also increases the likelihood of food poisoning as heat allows germs to grow. With health insurance, however, you can access quality medical care if you do get food poisoning.

This Pacific Prime Thailand article will look at the most common symptoms and causes of food poisoning, what you can do to prevent it, and whether health insurance covers foodborne illness.

Thai Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is an illness caused by ingesting contaminated food containing harmful bacteria, parasites, or viruses, mostly found in raw or poorly cooked meat, seafood (including fish), dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and water.

The most common symptoms include diarrhea and abdominal pain. Many people also get symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fever, or headaches. Some people even experience symptoms similar to dysentery, a type of gastroenteritis that often causes severe diarrhea with blood or mucus in the feces.

Note: If you are experiencing vomiting and diarrhea, be sure to rehydrate. Do you find it difficult to hold water in? Pick up some Oral Rehydration packets in a local pharmacy. They should cost no more than THB ฿5 per packet. Also, limit yourself to a maximum of 5 packets per day.

Potential Complications From Food Poisoning and When to See a Doctor

While most people in Thailand only experience mild symptoms that go away on their own after a few days, some forms of food poisoning can be very serious and even deadly if medical attention is not sought out straight away. Suspect it might be a symptom of a bigger problem. Check out this list of places to go for cancer or health screening.

The following are serious complications that could result from persistent food poisoning symptoms:

• Kidney Damage
• Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney failure.
• Meningitis
• Arthritis
• Brain and nerve damage

Additionally, if you experience any of these symptoms listed below, see a doctor immediately:

• Bloody diarrhea or diarrhea lasting for over three days.
• Severe stomachache that doesn’t decrease after going to the bathroom.
• A fever of over 102°F (approximately 38.8°C).
• Frequent vomiting.
• Dehydration signs like low urination, dry throat and mouth, or dizziness when standing.

Types of Food That May Cause Food Poisoning

Some types of food that can cause food poisoning include undercooked, raw meat or seafood, dairy products, eggs, and uncleaned vegetables. Below are brief descriptions of each potential culprit of food poisoning:

• Raw or Undercooked Meat and Seafood: Raw, undercooked meat and seafood contain parasites or bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli, which can cause food poisoning. 

• Uncleaned Vegetables: Vegetables or fruits (particularly salad), without washing, may contain E. coli or other germs that cause food poisoning. In other cases, certain fruits or vegetables may also have some remnants of pesticide from the growing and harvesting phase, to which you will need to wash them before eating.

• Raw or Undercooked Eggs: Undercooked or raw eggs may still contain the Salmonella bacteria passed from chickens.

• Unpasteurized Milk and Dairy Byproducts: Unpasteurized milk and, by extension, any byproducts such as cheese, contain dangerous germs such as Salmonella and E.coli once again, along with Listeria.

As you can see, germs such as Salmonella and E.coli are common culprit of food poisoning seen throughout these types of food, which brings us to our next point.

Street Food in Thailand and Harmful Bacteria

One of the most common causes of foodborne disease is harmful bacteria in food. There are two types of bacterial food poisoning: infectious and toxic.

• Infectious: This occurs when people eat live bacteria in food.
• Toxic: This results from ingesting illness-causing toxins that are produced by certain types of bacteria.

Here are some of the most common bacteria that can cause foodborne illness in Thailand:

Salmonella: The most common way people get salmonella is by consuming meat (e.g., chicken, pork, etc.), eggs, or milk that’s contaminated. Fruits and vegetables that have been fertilized with animal feces can also contain salmonella. The bacteria are killed by cooking and pasteurization.

Staphylococcus: This is a type of bacteria commonly found on the skin and hair of humans and other animals. These bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature to produce a toxin that causes illness. The most common source of staphylococcus is food that’s been prepared by hand without the need for further cooking (e.g., salads, sandwiches, cold ham).

On finding the prevalence of this bacteria in Thailand retail food items, a 2012 study found that 39% of meat, vegetable, seafood, and fermented food samples were contaminated with Staphylococcus.

E. coli: Although most forms of E. coli are harmless, some can make you very sick. The worst type is E. coli O157:H7, which causes bloody diarrhea, and, in severe cases, kidney failure and even death.

Listeria: This bacteria is unlike many other germs because it can even survive and multiply at cold temperatures, defeating one important food safety defense – refrigeration. It’s often found in untreated water, unpasteurized milk, dairy products made with unpasteurized milk (e.g., cheese), refrigerated meats or meat spreads, and raw sprouts. The bacteria are killed by cooking and pasteurization.

Aside from bacteria, other causative agents like viruses (e.g., norovirus), and chemicals/biotoxins (e.g., insecticides or tetrodotoxin in pufferfish), can also cause food poisoning.

Other Causes of Food Poisoning

Other causes of food poisoning involve accidental consumption of expired food or those that have gotten moldy, as well as improper hygiene and storage. For instance, not washing hands or improper kitchenware disinfection can cause any remaining germs to spread over to the food.

Contamination can also happen anywhere in the farm or fishery, such as in the growing, harvesting, catching, processing, storing, shipping, or preparing phases. Additionally, food can also become susceptible to contamination if left unattended at room temperature or stored in refrigerators that are too warm.

Food Poisoning Treatment in Thailand

The exact method of treatment for food poisoning will vary depending on the severity of your case and what was the culprit behind your food poisoning. For example, if your case of food poisoning was due to bacteria, you may be prescribed antibiotics, while antiparasitics may be prescribed if your case was due to parasites.

Your doctor may also prescribe additional fluid replacement via electrolytes, which include minerals like sodium and calcium to help you stay hydrated. Severe dehydration may also require going to the hospital to have fluids and electrolytes fed directly into your bloodstream.

Further reading: Food Poisoning vs Stomach Bug: What’s The Difference?

What to do If You Get Food Poisoning in Thailand?

In most cases of mild food poisoning, you can self-medicate back to perfect health. However, seek medical help immediately if you suffer from severe symptoms. Blood in your stools or vomit, and a high fever lasting for more than an hour are two examples. 

International health insurance paves the way for a better medical experience at the best private hospitals in Thailand. On top of that, you won’t have to worry about a language barrier getting in the way. See a comparison of public vs. private hospitals in the Land of Smiles.

So, rest your exhausted body and forego your plans for a couple of days. Also, stick to a BRAT diet. It stands for Banana, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. Though bland, this tried-and-true diet will revitalize your gut flora so you can get back on your feet in no time.

Make sure you also stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and taking electrolytes (if you’re prescribed one by your doctor) to help your body replenish lost fluids each time you vomit or experience diarrhea. Getting plenty of rest is also another way to help your body heal from exhaustion.

If you have a fever as part of your food poisoning symptoms, you can take Tylenol pills (which you should be able to find at any local pharmacy or convenience store chain like 7-11 in Thailand) to reduce the symptoms.

Most doctors, though, wouldn’t recommend antidiarrheal drugs like Imodium unless absolutely necessary, as diarrhea during this time is the body’s natural method of repelling any bodily toxins. If you’re unsure of any medication recommendations or the uncertainty of your symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Further reading: Food Poisoning First Aid Services in Thailand

How to Not Get Food Poisoning in Thailand?

Anyone who ingests contaminated food or water can get food poisoning. That being said, certain groups of people are more susceptible to foodborne illness.

These include (but are not limited to) older adults, pregnant women, young children, and people with autoimmune diseases. If you, or someone you take care of, are included in one of these groups, be sure to follow the below seven steps to food safety:

1. When preparing food, make sure it’s fully cooked to kill off any remaining germs and bacteria.
2. If you’re eating out, be cautious of food that’s been stored uncovered, is not properly refrigerated, or has been sitting out for a while (e.g., at a buffet or outdoor food stall).
3. Wash your hands with hot, soapy water, or apply disinfectant before touching and eating food.
4. Unless you’re absolutely sure it’s been properly prepared, try your best to avoid raw seafood, fruits, and vegetables.
5. Try to stick with eating freshly cooked food (e.g., freshly made fried noodles or grilled meat).
6. Before ordering any drinks with ice in them, be sure to ask whether the ice is made from tap water. If the answer is “yes,” ask for the drink without ice.
7. Take note of the general cleanliness of the restaurant and its staff before eating there.

Additionally, make sure you don’t leave your leftover food unattended at room temperature, as they can become susceptible to contamination and make sure your refrigerator is cold enough for proper storage, as any excess warmth can prompt bacteria growth.

Also, remember to wash your hands and clean all kitchenware to get rid of any potential remaining germs so your food does not get contaminated during preparation and cooking. Lastly, when buying any food with expiry dates, be sure to read them carefully and plan how many you need so that you can finish them all before reaching the expiry date.

Private Medical Care in Thailand for Food Poisoning

Unfortunately, even the most vigilant and hygienic person can get food poisoning. While most symptoms of foodborne illness will go away on their own after a short period of time, if symptoms continue and/or become severe (e.g., blood in stool), it is important that you seek medical attention straight away.

Private medical care for food-related illnesses can be very expensive, especially if you need to stay at the hospital overnight. Are you an expat in the Land of Smiles? Check out these tips for the cost of living in Thailand.

If you have a Thailand health insurance policy, the good news here is that it will most likely cover care for foodborne illness, provided that you were not doing something illegal that led to you being poisoned.

Of course, international health insurance in Thailand comes with different coverage levels, benefits, and exclusions, which is why talking to an expert broker like Pacific Prime Thailand can give you the extra peace of mind you need.

If you have any questions regarding your health insurance in Thailand, be sure to contact our team today. Alternatively, get a free quote now with our online quotation tool!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Thai Tummy or Bangkok Belly?

As a foreigner, you may experience diarrhea or stomach ache when you try out Thailand’s spicy and richly-flavored seafood dishes, which are referred to as Bangkok Belly. However, if the diarrhea lasts for longer than 24 hours, please see a medical professional.

2. Should I be worried about getting food poisoning in Thailand?

If this is your first time visiting Thailand, be careful where you eat, especially during the summer and monsoon seasons in Thailand. A lot of travelers experience Bangkok Belly the first time they travel to Thailand.

3. Does travelers’ diarrhea last long in Thailand?

Travelers’ diarrhea usually goes away without any treatment in a few days. However, if you are experiencing a severe case of diarrhea, please visit the closest health center for treatment. Travelers’ diarrhea can be caused by drinking water or eating food that has bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

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Grace Dandan

Content Creator at Pacific Prime

Grace is a content creator with over 7 years of experience in the digital marketing space. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts from De La Salle University, which provided her with foundational skills in news writing, TV and film production, photography, and media. She has worked in different industries, including journalism, editorial, social work, fintech, beauty and eCommerce, providing a variety of digital works not limited to social media content, blogs, articles and presentation decks.

At Pacific Prime, Grace focuses on simplifying complex concepts on international health insurance to make these topics easily accessible and understandable for our target audience. Being a Filipino born in Hong Kong, she understands the struggles of most immigrants and expats in finding the right insurance solutions while in another country. Her goal is to redefine most people’s perception of insurance, that it is an investment for one’s protection and future.

In her spare time, Grace is either at home or at Hong Kong Disneyland. She loves reading, watching movies and K-dramas, and attending dance classes.

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• Food Poisoning and Your Health Insurance in Thailand - March 28, 2025