Practical Information about Chiang Mai, Thailand

Pharmacies in Thailand readily dispense a wide range of drugs for all kinds of ailments. The following are the main threats to health:

Dengue Fever may occur 5-8 days after a bite by the aedes mosquito in the day, especially in the rainy season. Symptoms are sudden chilly sensations, severe headaches, pains in the join-ins, and severe tiredness. Fevers can get high, but the disease is seldom fatal. Treatment is by rest, lots of fluid and paracetamol. Hospitalization is recommended in severe cases.

HIV/AIDS and STD's seem hidden from normal life, but the problems are extremely serious in the area. Whatever the relationship between risk behavior (unsafe sexual practice, sharing intravenous needles, etc.), HIV and AIDS, no one should ignore the warnings.

Malaria is endemic in border areas (but not in Chiang Mai city) and is best dealt with by using repellents and nets. The mosquitoes are only a threat at night (just after dusk and very early in the morning).
See also: [ Malaria Prevention ]

Rabies is not common, but it exists. If you are bitten by an animal, consult a doctor and begin a course of injections immediately.

Road accidents are one of the greatest threats to health in Chiang Mai. All the main hospitals are well-equipped to deal with trauma, but the Maharaj (government) and Chiang Mai Ram (private) hospitals are considered the best.

Defensive Driving in Thailand

A red Tung by the roadside shows that a death from a road accident has occurred near that spot. Please bear in mind the following.

Vehicles entering from side roads onto main roads may not stop.
Buses and heavy vehicles may overtake regardless of oncoming traffic - the latter must pull onto the hard shoulder or else!
Watch out for oncoming traffic overtaking on blind corners or hills - be ready to pull onto the hard shoulder at a moment's notice.
Watch your off-side - people overtake on the inside too!
Let impatient drivers overtake you before they take unreasonable risks.
Motorcycles, bicycles, tractors and carts without lights are common at night.
Gravel and sand on roads can cause motorcycles to slide easily on corners or when braking.

1/7 Soi 2, Chang Phuak Road.
24 hrs. Emergency, Dental Hrs. 08:00 - 20:00.
Luxurious, private hospital.
Tel: 053220022 Fax: 053218120

186/2 Chang Khlan Road.
24 hrs. Emergency & Dental.
New, luxurious private hospital.
Tel: 053277090-3 Fax: 053271621

1/42 Moo 3, Chiang Mai - Lampang Super-highway.
Hrs. 09:00 - 24:00.
Tel: 053411150

8 Bunruangrit Road.
24 hrs. Emergency. Dental: Hrs. 09:00 - 20:00.
One major international insurance company sends accident victims to this hospital because of its specialists and equipment.
Tel: 053224861 Fax: 053224880

99 Chiang Mai - Lampang Super-highway.
24 hrs. Emergency.
Tel: 053852590 Fax: 053852999

72212 Moo 3, Hassadisewee Road.
Hrs. 07:00 - 08:30, 20:30 - 23:00.
Private clinic of respected pediatrician Dr. To Phong.

1 Sukkasem Road.
24 hrs. Emergency.
Luxurious, hospital with a good outpatient service (Dental clinic by appointment Hrs. 08:00 -20:00 closed Mondays.)
Tel: 053211037-41 Fax: 053218402

Hrs. 07:30-13:00 and Hrs. 16:30-20:30.
Saturdays mornings only; Sundays evenings only.
Dr. Thawatchai Chaikitmongkol handles a wide range of medical problems.
Tel: 053271571 Fax: 053280717

110 Suthep Road.
24 hrs. Emergency.
The largest medical/teaching institution in the north.
Though it has excellent facilities, it is suitable for visitors only in emergencies.
Tel: 053221122

133 Kaew Nawarat Road.
24hr Emergency. Dental Hrs. 08:00-16:00.
Older Christian hospital with a good, reliable service.
Tel: 053241311 Fax: 053241177

The Chiang Mai area is safe as long as you take normal precautions. Bag snatching and mugging in the narrow lanes at night has been reported, and you should beware of jewelry scams where "ghost guides" befriend you before leading you to an "opportunity" to buy low-grade gems at very high prices. Finally, when using your credit card, make sure that extra copies are not run off.

135 Praisani Road, Chiang Mai 50000.
Hrs. 08:30-12:00, 13:00 - 16:30.
Provides useful information about events in Chiang Mai area.
Tel: 053252557

105/1 Chiang Mai - Lamphun Road, Chiang Mai 50000.
Hrs. 08:30-16:30.
Located 300 m. south from the Nawarat Bridge.
Tel: 053248604, 053248607 Fax: 053248605

Mountain bicycles, motorcycles, off-road jeeps, pick ups and saloon cars are available at very competitive prices. Walk-in rental agencies may be found along Chaiyaphum and Moon Muang Roads. Check insurance provisions carefully before renting. Full comprehensive cover is strongly advised.

Health