When traveling to a foreign country like Thailand, the last thing you want to happen to you is to fall sick in unfamiliar terrain. Therefore, you need to avoid various things that are known to make people ill in those lands. So, if you are going to Thailand, you may be wondering whether you can drink tap water in the country or not.
After checking various sources such as Thailandtravelessentials.com, Thaizer.com, Worldnomads.com, etc., it can be concluded that you should not drink tap water in Thailand. This is because the tap water in the majority of areas in the country is unsafe for drinking. Therefore, whenever you are going to Thailand, you should bear in mind that you are not meant to drink tap water.
However, it is worthwhile to note that this doesn’t mean that you will struggle to get drinkable water in Thailand. There is numerous alternative drinkable water that will make you enjoy your stay in the country. So, join us as we explain more about drinking water in Thailand.
Why is tap water in Thailand not drinkable?
Having stated that tap water is not drinkable in Thailand, you may start wondering why this is so. Since 1999, the World Health Organization has claimed that tap water in Bangkok and a few other places in Thailand is clean. Many people have noted that the water is of the same standard as what you have in lots of cities in the developed countries around the globe. Therefore, the water leaving the plant in Bangkok is entirely safe for drinking.
Unfortunately, many of the popes that will carry the water from the plant to houses, public places, etc. are broken, old, corroded, and so on. As a result of this, the water would have been contaminated before getting to places where people get it to drink. So, it is not surprising that the water may carry bacteria and other microorganisms that may lead to sickness for lots of individuals.
In several rural areas in Thailand, there is no good infrastructure for processing water. So, in those places, the water leaving the plant may be undrinkable already. Then, the old pipes may also add to the contamination of the water.
Overall, you are advised to avoid drinking tap water in Thailand, regardless of where you are staying.
What happens if you drink unsafe water in Thailand?
As we have highlighted, tap water is unsafe for drinking. But what will happen if you decide to drink it? Well, there is no certainty as many locals take such water without falling sick or having any other issues. Nevertheless, if you are a foreigner, you should understand that your body may react negatively to the water; thus, leading to certain sicknesses. According to AXAHealth.co.uk, these are some of the problems you may have to deal with after taking unsafe water in Thailand:
- Traveler’s diarrhea
Thailand is one of the leading places where foreigners can get traveler’s diarrhea. This disease is caused by several organisms and numerous factors. The ability to come down with the disease depends on the health status of the host, water treatment, and water management in the country of destination.
Someone with this condition will experience symptoms such as diarrhea, bloody stools, fever, vomiting, and nausea. However, it is usually not a serious condition as the symptoms will likely disappear after about 4 days.
- Cholera
Contaminated water and food are the major factors behind cholera. Although foreigners can contact the disease in Bangkok and other urban areas in Thailand, the risk is quite low. However, in remote areas, the risk is somewhat high because of unsafe water and poor medical care. So, if you are going to remote places, don’t hesitate to take a cholera vaccine.
Although there is a risk of schistosomiasis and a few other water-borne diseases in Thailand, you don’t have to worry about them. This is because you cannot get them from tap water. Only those bathing, wading, or washing clothing items in lakes, rivers, or streams can contact some of these diseases.
What alternatives do you have for drinking water in Thailand?
You have been warned that you should not drink tap water in Thailand, but what are the alternatives for getting drinkable water? As noted by Tap Water Guide, the alternatives include:
- Bottled water
The most reliable way to drink water is to go for bottled water. Bottled water must have been treated by the manufacturers before selling it to customers. Therefore, you can rest assured that bottled water is good for drinking in the Land of Smiles.
- Boiling
If you have to take tap water in Thailand, you can simply collect the water and boil it. Make sure that the water stays in a rolling boil condition for at least one minute. After this, allow the water to cool down before drinking it. For boiling water, you can use electric or stove-top kettles.
- Water dispensing machines
There are tons of water dispensing machines in Thailand. These machines will purify the water so that people can drink it without any problem. Therefore, this is another awesome alternative that ensures that you can drink safe water in the country.
- Water filters
Another dependable method for getting drinkable water in Thailand is to use water filters. Generally, you will attach a water filter to a faucet. As the name suggests, the tool will filter the water; thus, getting rid of any impurities in it.
What can you use the tap water in Thailand to do?
Although it is not suitable for drinking, tap water in Thailand can be used for a wide range of things such as:
- Showering or bathing
- Brushing teeth
- Washing clothes
- Washing the dishes, and doing other domestic works
Conclusion
In a nutshell, you should not drink tap water in Thailand as the water is believed to be contaminated by broken and old pipes that carry it to people’s houses. But you can drink bottled water, filtered water, boiled water, and lots more when you are in the country.s
