The practical guide to not getting sick — tap water, street food safety, and what actually causes traveller's diarrhoea.
Bangkok's tap water is chemically treated but not safe to drink — fluoride and chlorine levels are high; buy bottled water (10–20 THB/1.5L), use hotel filtered water, or carry a SteriPen.
Restaurant and café ice is made from purified water and is safe — the clear, uniform cylindrical cubes are machine-made from purified water; avoid irregular chunks from traditional ice vendors.
Generally very safe if the stall is busy (high turnover = fresh food), food is cooked to order in front of you, and served hot; avoid buffets left out in heat.
Dehydration (Bangkok heat), alcohol, over-eating unfamiliar food — not usually the food itself; wash hands before eating; carry hand sanitiser.
Pharmacies everywhere; most common treatments (electrolytes, antidiarrhoeals) sold over the counter; go to hospital if fever over 38.5°C or symptoms persist 3+ days.
