When you think of Thailand, there are certain health threats which come to mind, such as air pollution, food poisoning or traffic accidents. However, another area which should not be overlooked are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). A topic not really discussed, but if you’re sexually active, here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.
What Are STIs and How Do They Spread?
STI vs STD – what’s the difference?
While the terms STI and STD are often used interchangeably, understanding the distinction is important for early detection and prevention. Many STIs don’t show symptoms, yet they can still be transmitted and may progress into more serious conditions (STDs) if left untreated. Being informed helps you take control of your sexual health.
How are STIs transmitted?
STIs can be spread through close physical contact, most commonly known as sexual activity. Generally, STIs are passed through bodily fluids, however some can be transmitted via skin contact with an infection area. It’s also important to be aware that STIs can be caught or passed on even if no symptoms are present.
Here are some common transmissions:
- Sexual activity without protection
- Sharing personal items that haven’t been cleaned properly.
- From a parent to baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding
- Through blood transfusions or sharing of needles.
Why You Should Care About STIs in Thailand
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a growing concern in Thailand, where many STIs can show no symptoms but eventually they can lead to serious health issues if left untreated.
Rising STI cases in Thailand
In recent years, Thailand has seen a noticeable increase in reported cases of STIs, especially among young adults and in Bangkok in particular. In 2024, it was reported that 96.87 of every 100,000 people in Bangkok were diagnosed with an STD, and over 10,879 people in Bangkok have an STD.
The increase in Thailand can be linked to many factors, such as limited awareness of STIs and STDs, inconsistent use of protection and especially the stigma surrounding sexual health. This could most definitely discourage people from getting tested.
Common STIs in Thailand which you should know about
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Hepatitis A, B, and C
- Genital herpes (HSV)
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Syphilis
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea has been around for centuries, and was previously known as ‘the clap’. While today we understand the cause, a bacterium known as Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the infection is making a comeback globally due to its growing resistance to common antibiotics.
Gonorrhea is usually spread through unprotected sexual activity, and the sharing of unclean personal items. Furthermore, it can be transmitted through oral sex. While using protection such as condoms can significantly lower the risk, it does not completely eliminate it as the bacteria can still be transmitted through contact of the infected fluids or skin.
Symptoms, if present, will usually show up within two weeks and can include painful urination and a yellow/green watery discharge. Unfortunately, many people, especially women, don’t notice these symptoms and when left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious health issues such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility and an increased risk of other infections.
Gonorrhea is usually treatable, with an antibiotic injection and a cone-time antibiotic tablet. It is often recommended that a follow-up test is taken to confirm that the infection is fully cleared. If you feel you are at risk or have concerns, get yourself tested – early detection can make a difference.
Chlamydia
Chlamydial infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections around the world. Like gonorrhoea, it is easily transmitted through sex without a condom, oral sex, anal sex and can even occur when you and your partner’s genitals come into contact.
Many people with chlamydia don’t notice any symptoms, however, if signs do appear, they can include discomfort during urination or an unusual discharge – typically within one to three weeks. Often, the symptoms subside until the disease reaches an advanced stage, when it begins to cause inflammation and severe pain which, if not treated quickly, can make the person sterile. If left untreated, not only do you run the risk of being infertile, but you could find yourself some long-term health problems, including PID, epididymo-orchitis (inflammation of the testicles). That is why it’s important to stay on top of your STI screenings.
A simple urine or swab lab test is all your doctor will need to determine whether you’re positive for Chlamydia. If this is the case, a course of antibiotics should be prescribed and you should avoid having sex until you and your current sexual partner have finished the antibiotics.
Hepatitis A, B, C
Contracting one of the hepatitis triplets can sometimes be as easy as do-re-mi.
Hepatitis A is mainly transmitted through poor sanitation and contaminated food – or sometimes through oral or anal sex. The disease can cause swelling of the liver and, in extreme cases, liver failure. Hep A is usually not a serious illness and most people make a full recovery, however, and you can be protected through a vaccination.
Hepatitis B, on the other hand, is far more serious and is particularly common in Southeast Asia. It is usually contracted by exposure to other people’s bodily fluids, or a cut on your skin, but it is also commonly spread through sex. Many people with hepatitis B will not experience symptoms and may even manage to fight off the infection without realizing. However, if symptoms do decide to show up to the party – usually 2 to 3 months after exposure – they include, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite and yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Infection can result in major liver damage and severely impact your quality of life and life expectancy. The main issue with Hep B is the risk of chronic evolution after the acute phase, which is about 5 to 10% of patients. There is no cure for Hep B, but you can be immunised against it. If you have only been exposed to the virus for a few days, emergency treatment may stop you from becoming infected.
Hepatitis C is endemic in Thailand. It is usually transmitted by sharing contaminated needles in the South East Asian region, and less so through sharing personal care items like razors, or having unprotected sex, although this is rare unless blood is present. Hep C, if left untreated, can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, over time causing the liver to stop working effectively. Be warned: there is no specific preventative medicine or vaccine for Hep C, however it can be treated with medicines that stop the virus from multiplying in the body.
Genital Herpes
The symptoms for genital herpes, HSV-2, are small blisters that burst to leave re, open sores on the sexual organs and thighs, which usually take a couple of weeks to heal. The disease can be contracted sexually or orally (as with the HSV-1 virus) and can be prevalent among the general population. In particular instances of genital herpes men and women may mistake the STD for other bacterial or bladder infections and that’s why regular testing and screening is important.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for either of the HSV viruses but symptoms come and go through occasional relapses. It’s during this relapse that a person with herpes is most contagious to others. If symptoms occur doctors can take a swab and test for genital herpes. If you test positive for genital herpes, you should let your previous partners know that they should get tested too. Whilst there is no cure, antiviral medicine can be prescribed to stop the symptoms from getting worse and cream can be administered for the pain.
HIV and AIDS
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system and weakens your ability to fight everyday infections and disease. AIDS, the full-blown manifestation of chronic virus HIV, is one of the deadliest diseases to have affected man in recent history. It can be passed from one person to another through sexual contamination.
The first cases of HIV/AIDS were reported in 1984, more than 30 years on the World Health Organization puts the number of deaths from the pandemic at 36 million worldwide. Unfortunately, in Thailand there has been a recent resurgence of HIV among youth, with 23,000 new cases reported in 2012.
HIV infection involves 3 phases:
- One or two months after incubation, HIV mimics a short-lived flu infection with a high-fever, headaches and cough.
- A ‘long silent period’ that has no symptoms and can last anywhere between 2 to 15 years. This can mean victims don’t realize they’re infected with HIV. This delay in diagnosis allows the disease to become more advanced and the virus progressively weakens the immune system by destroying some specific white blood cells.
- The resulting condition is AIDS, when the CD4 count reaches lower than 200 cells/mm3 – in which a number of potentially life-threatening infections and illnesses occur. There is currently no cure for HIV, but there are some effective drug treatments that help to suppress the virus and can support a long and healthy life.
HIV can now rapidly be diagnosed with blood and saliva tests within a few weeks or months of contact with an infected individual. It is now recommended by the center for disease control that people have a HIV screening in their annual health check up.
These days treatment is initiated the moment HIV is diagnosed, with a series of antiviral drugs, which are able to prevent up to 80 to 90 per cent of the cases to full-blown AIDS.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is usually acquired through close contact.
Some people with syphilis display no symptoms, but those who do suffer from painless sores or ulcers around the genitals, small skin growths, white patches around the mouth, tiredness and high fever or a blotchy, red rash. In fact syphilis has so many possible symptoms that it could be mistaken for other diseases.
If you’re worried that you might have syphilis, get yourself down to the clinic to be tested because usually syphilis doesn’t go away on its own. The medicine typically requires a prescription from a doctor and comes in the form of an injection to the buttock or a course of antibiotics.
Following treatment, any sexual contact with another person until at least 2 weeks after your treatment finishes.
Where to get tested for STIs in Thailand
In Thailand, STI testing is commonly available through various healthcare providers. There are many government clinics, such as those under the Ministry of Public Health which can offer low-cost testing services and treatments.
Private hospitals such as Samitivej Hospital and Bangkok Hospital also provide comprehensive sexual health services, which are usually shorter in waiting times and offer more privacy. However, please note that these additional conveniences can come at a higher price.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as the Thai Red Cross and SWING Foundation also offer STI testing.
What to expect and confidentiality
STI testing in Thailand is generally confidential, especially at private hospitals and NGOs. Once arrived at the facility, you will most likely be asked for some basic information and possibly a passport or ID number, however, some clinics may allow anonymous testing.
The process often involves a brief consultation with a healthcare representative, a sample collection (blood, urine or swab) and a follow up session to receive your results. Results are usually available within a few days, however some clinics may offer same-day results for certain tests.
Anonymous and Affordable Options
For those concerned about cost or privacy, Thailand offers several anonymous and low-cost testing options:
- SWING Foundation Clinics in Bangkok and Pattaya provide free or affordable STI testing, especially for sex workers and LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand (RSAT) offers STI and HIV testing with a focus on the LGBTQ+ community, including mobile testing units.
- Thai Red Cross Anonymous Clinic allows testing without disclosing your name or ID, and charges are affordable.
Does Health Insurance cover STI tests ?
Whether or not STI tests can be covered by your health insurance in Thailand depends on the coverage and benefits specific to your plan Some insurance policies, which have outpatient (OPD) benefits or wellness packages, can cover coverage for STI screenings, consultations and prescribed medications or treatments.
However, entry level plans, or emergency-only plans may exclude preventive services and treatments. Therefore, it’s important to review your policy or speak with your insurance consultant to understand exactly what is covered.
