The Five Most Common Causes of Hospitalization in Thailand

1. Respiratory infections.

Children are at particular risk for these health issues, but they are not alone. People of all ages are negatively affected by hazards such as air pollution, causing conditions such as bronchitis and laryngitis. Respiratory infections should be diagnosed and treated immediately to prevent the extension of infection, and to maintain proper breathing function.

2. Gastrointestinal issues.

Food poisoning occurs more frequently in tropical countries, as it is often caused by unhygienic food preparation and/or insufficient refrigeration, which allow harmful bacteria to proliferate. Symptoms can include an upset stomach, nausea or diarrhea, each of which can be treated by proper medication. As with respiratory infections, children are at higher risk than adults for gastrointestinal issues.

3. Road accidents.

Responsible for sending more expats to hospitalization in Thailand than any other single cause, road accidents range in severity from mere bruises to broken bones or worse. From the often chaotic traffic in urban areas, to blind passes on hillsides, to late-night parties with alcohol, to drivers and/or pedestrians looking at their phones instead of the road, to the lazy habit of not wearing a seat belt or helmet, it is no wonder that so many injuries occur on the streets of Thailand. What may be surprising are the numbers. Thailand has the 1st highest road traffic death rate among ASEAN countries and the 9th highest in the world, with the Songkran holiday representing the most dangerous time of year. For more on this issue, see our article on the 3 biggest reasons young expats in Thailand visit the ER.

4. Gallbladder disease and inflammation.

Digestive problems, nausea, vomiting and fever can all have their roots in gallbladder problems. These can take the form of an infection or inflammation, which can in turn be caused by gallstones, excessive alcohol use, or even a tumor. These symptoms can lead to great discomfort, representing some of the most common causes of hospitalization in Thailand.

5. Sports injuries.

Exercise is normally great for the body, but it can also lead to painful side effects such as back injury, tendinitis, joint problems and other similar discomforts – particularly for those over 50. Sports injuries are quite common, and can sometimes lead to high bills from hospitals due to the use of high tech investigations such as MRI and procedure such as robotic surgery.