How to Avoid "Delhi Belly" or Traveler's Diarrhea in Thailand (Food Safety Rules)

Traveling to Thailand is an exciting culinary adventure, with an abundance of flavorful dishes to try—from spicy som tam (green papaya salad) to the famous pad Thai. However, like many other countries with street food culture, Thailand can present a risk for travelers to develop traveler’s diarrhea, commonly known as "Delhi Belly," due to the change in diet, water, and hygiene conditions. Fortunately, by following a few simple food safety rules, you can significantly reduce your risk of getting sick.

Here’s a guide on how to enjoy Thai food without the unwanted side effect!

1. Be Careful with Street Food

Street food is one of the main attractions of Thailand, and it offers a unique experience, but it's essential to take precautions.

Look for Popular Stalls

• Why: Popular food stalls with a constant stream of local customers are generally a safer bet. High turnover means the food is fresh, and the vendors are used to handling large volumes of customers.

• What to Look For: You’ll want to see food that’s cooked in front of you and is served hot. Avoid food that has been sitting out in the open for a long time, as it may have been exposed to bacteria.

Check Cleanliness

• Why: Hygiene is crucial when it comes to street food. Look for clean utensils, gloves (if they’re being used), and a generally tidy environment. A dirty cart or unwashed hands can be a red flag.

• What to Look For: Ideally, vendors should wash their hands and use clean utensils to serve food. If food is served without the proper handling, it’s better to avoid it.

Avoid Raw Foods

• Why: Raw food, especially salads and fruits, can carry harmful bacteria or parasites if not washed properly.

• What to Avoid: Avoid raw or unpeeled fruits and vegetables, like som tam (papaya salad), unless you’re sure they’ve been properly prepared using clean, safe water.

2. Drink Safe Water

Drinking tap water in Thailand is not recommended. While many locals may be used to it, travelers' stomachs may not be prepared for the bacteria or parasites present.

Drink Bottled Water

• Why: Bottled water is widely available in Thailand and is the safest option for drinking. Always check that the seal is intact before you purchase it.

• What to Avoid: Avoid drinking tap water, ice made from tap water, or unboiled water, especially from street vendors or rural areas.

Be Careful with Ice

• Why: Ice is often made from tap water, which is not safe for travelers. Drinking beverages with ice can introduce harmful bacteria to your digestive system.

• What to Avoid: When ordering drinks, always specify "no ice" (without ice) to be safe, especially in street-side eateries or local bars.

3. Eat Cooked Food Only

In general, it's safest to eat food that has been thoroughly cooked. High heat kills harmful bacteria and parasites that could cause illness.

Choose Hot and Fresh Dishes

• Why: Eating food that is freshly prepared and served hot ensures that any harmful bacteria or pathogens in the ingredients have been killed.

• What to Look For: Opt for dishes that are cooked on the spot. Stir-fried dishes like pad Thai, fried rice, or grilled meats are generally safer than raw or undercooked food.

Avoid Buffet-Style Dining

• Why: Buffets can be problematic as food is often left sitting out at room temperature, which allows bacteria to grow.

• What to Avoid: Avoid buffets or places where food has been sitting out for an extended period.

4. Use Hand Sanitizer and Wash Hands Regularly

Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent getting sick while traveling.

Carry Hand Sanitizer

• Why: Even if you can’t find a place to wash your hands, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can help kill germs and bacteria.

• When to Use: Use hand sanitizer before eating, after using public transport, or after touching surfaces in public areas.

Wash Your Hands Frequently

• Why: Washing your hands with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to prevent foodborne illnesses.

• Where to Wash: Many places in Thailand, especially restaurants and public areas, have hand-washing stations or restrooms with soap available.

5. Be Cautious with Dairy Products

Dairy products in Thailand are often not pasteurized, and consuming them may lead to stomach discomfort or foodborne illness.

Opt for Pasteurized Dairy

• Why: Many local dairy products are not pasteurized, which could put you at risk for foodborne pathogens.

• What to Avoid: Avoid consuming milk, cheese, and other dairy products unless they are clearly marked as pasteurized. Stick to processed items like yogurt or milk in sealed cartons.

6. Know What to Do if You Get Sick

Even with precautions, it’s possible to get sick. Here’s how to handle it:

Stay Hydrated

• Why: Traveler’s diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so it's crucial to drink fluids, especially water, to stay hydrated. Oral rehydration salts (ORS) can help replenish lost electrolytes.

• What to Drink: Drink bottled water or electrolyte drinks like Gatorade or Coconut water to rehydrate.

Use Probiotics

• Why: Probiotics can help replenish good bacteria in your gut and improve digestion. Consider taking them before or during your trip to support your digestive health.

• What to Take: You can purchase probiotics over-the-counter at most pharmacies in Thailand.

Seek Medical Help if Necessary

• Why: If symptoms persist for more than a couple of days, or if you have severe symptoms like vomiting or high fever, seek medical attention immediately.

• Where to Go: There are plenty of international hospitals and clinics in Thailand, particularly in major tourist areas like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Many hospitals offer English-speaking staff.

7. Local Remedies to Soothe an Upset Stomach

If you feel some stomach discomfort after eating, try these local remedies:

• Ginger Tea: Ginger is commonly used in Thai medicine to treat nausea and digestive discomfort. A hot cup of ginger tea might help soothe your stomach.

• Coconut Water: Known for its hydrating properties, coconut water can help replenish lost electrolytes and soothe your digestive system.

• Thai Herbal Remedies: Some local herbs, such as lemongrass and kaffir lime, are commonly used in Thailand for digestion and to relieve mild stomach upset.

8. General Food Safety Tips

• Don’t Overeat Street Food: Even though street food is delicious, eating too much, especially spicy or greasy food, can upset your stomach. Moderation is key.

• Know Your Limits with Spice: Thai food is often quite spicy. If you’re not accustomed to spicy food, it’s okay to ask for a milder version (say “mai phet”, which means “not spicy” in Thai).

• Travel Insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including treatment for foodborne illnesses, just in case you need it.

Conclusion

While Thailand offers some of the world’s best street food and incredible culinary experiences, traveler’s diarrhea (or "Delhi Belly") is a risk for many visitors. By following simple food safety rules—such as drinking bottled water, eating hot and freshly prepared food, avoiding raw or unpeeled items, and maintaining good hygiene—you can enjoy all that Thailand has to offer without the discomfort of foodborne illness. Stay cautious, but don't let the fear of getting sick stop you from exploring the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine!