Do I need malaria pills for Phuket?

You will not usually need malaria pills for areas such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket or Koh Samui. Mosquito avoidance must be practiced diligently as there are other diseases such as Dengue that are reasonably common and very unpleasant.



According to current health advisories from the CDC and WHO for 2026, malaria pills are generally not recommended for travelers visiting the main tourist areas of Phuket. Phuket is considered a low-to-no-risk zone for malaria transmission. The focus for travelers should instead be on "mosquito bite prevention" to protect against other mosquito-borne illnesses that are present in the region, such as Dengue Fever and Zika virus. This includes using EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, wearing long sleeves and pants in the evening, and staying in accommodations with air conditioning or screened windows. Prophylaxis is usually only reserved for those trekking in deep forested border regions.

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Here are my 5 tips on how not to get sick in Thailand.
  1. Don't Drink the Water. This is a rule of thumb for traveling in many parts of the world, including Thailand. ...
  2. Avoid Pork and Shellfish. ...
  3. Ask Yourself, ?How Long Has This Been Sitting Out?? ...
  4. Assess How Popular the Stall Is. ...
  5. Take Note of What You're Eating On.


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But - mossies really have more to do with where you are staying and the type of vegetation. So, come prepared - but you may not need to battle with them. On the beach - no problems - in town in the evenings not much problem. Most restaurants - in the evenings will burn the citronella (sp?)

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Stick to meat and fish that have been well cooked and preferably served hot. Avoid food that has been reheated. Fruits and vegetables should be washed with clean water (not tap water), peeled or cooked whenever possible. Ice cream that has been melted and refrozen should be avoided.

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While incidents of violent crime are rare, there are a few neighborhoods that are best avoided. These include areas like Soi Bangla in Patong, known for its adult entertainment and can be a bit sketchy at night. Another area to be cautious of is Kamala, which has a higher crime rate than other parts of Phuket.

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If eating from street side stalls make sure the cooking plate is very hot to kill off offending bugs. If it isn't hot dont eat the food. try eating yogurt before your trip to help build up good bacteria in your system some people take pepto bismol before they eat to pre coat their stomach.

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