Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand has delivered an urgent health warning that could significantly impact travel plans for thousands of British tourists visiting the Southeast Asian kingdom.
Royal Health Advisory for Travellers
The Queen Mother, through her foundation, has highlighted the growing threat of infectious diseases including dengue fever, influenza, and diarrhoea that pose serious risks to visitors in Thailand's most popular destinations.
British holidaymakers planning trips to tropical hotspots like Phuket, Koh Samui, and Bangkok are being urged to take immediate precautions following the royal health advisory.
Essential Protective Measures
The Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health recommends travellers adopt these critical safety measures:
- Apply mosquito repellent containing DEET regularly throughout the day
- Wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers during dawn and dusk hours
- Ensure accommodation has proper mosquito netting and screens
- Drink only bottled or properly filtered water
- Avoid raw or undercooked foods from street vendors
Rising Disease Concerns in Tourist Zones
Medical authorities have reported alarming increases in mosquito-borne illnesses across Thailand's southern provinces, with dengue fever cases showing particular concern. The tropical climate and recent weather patterns have created ideal breeding conditions for disease-carrying mosquitoes.
"Travellers often underestimate the health risks in tropical environments," warned a spokesperson from the Thai Ministry of Public Health. "The Queen's intervention underscores the seriousness of the current situation."
Impact on British Tourism
With over 400,000 British visitors travelling to Thailand annually, this royal health warning comes during peak booking season for winter sun holidays. Travel operators are now updating their advice packages to include the specific precautions highlighted by the Queen Mother's foundation.
The Foreign Office has echoed the concerns, advising travellers to consult their GPs at least four weeks before departure for appropriate vaccinations and anti-malarial prescriptions where necessary.
