Khao tom, herbal soups, and the gentle foods Thais turn to when unwell — useful for travellers under the weather.
The primary Thai sick-day food — soft rice cooked until broken down into a gentle porridge with clear broth, ginger, spring onion, and minced pork; easy to find and easy on the stomach.
Clear soups with lemongrass, galangal, and ginger are considered medicinal — some pharmacies also sell dried herbal soup mixes.
Similar to khao tom but broken down further — almost porridge consistency; served with century egg, ginger strips, and a raw egg dropped in.
If you're unwell in Bangkok, ask your hotel for khao tom — any hotel restaurant or nearby local stall will have it; the BRAT diet equivalent in Thai form.
Thai pharmacies are widely available and pharmacists often speak enough English to recommend basic over-the-counter remedies alongside dietary advice for common travel ailments.
Persistent fever, severe abdominal pain, or symptoms lasting more than a couple of days warrant a visit to a private hospital rather than relying on comfort food and rest alone.