Phuket Marine Guide: medical and health

Phuket is free from malaria and most other tropical diseases. The tap water is not safe to drink, but bottled water is available island-wide, both local and international brands. Alternatively most mini-marts, newsagents and convenience stores sell multi-litre bottles. These cost approximately 100THB but can be returned and exchanged for a new bottle for approximately 10THB each time. The water is treated and clean, and is a good option for extended cruising.

Health Hazards in the Sea:

Jelly fish - These are prevalent in all tropical waters, and most produce nothing more than a minor sting. It is extremely rare in Phuket waters to encounter any of the more dangerous varieties.
Sharks - Reef sharks are common and harmless. Their larger cousins are rarely seen in coastal waters and the risk to swimmers is negligible.
Fire coral, sea urchins and some poisonous shells. These are all easily avoided by not touching or walking on areas of coral reef.

There are three private hospitals on Phuket that provide high standards of medical care, equivalent to that found in Europe or the USA. These are Bangkok Phuket Hospital, Phuket International Hospital, and the Mission Hospital Phuket. Some hospitals also provide dental services, plastic surgery and acupuncture clinics.

There are also a number of stand-alone private dental clinics on the island offering an international quality of service and care.

For more details on hospitals and dentists, see the Directory Of Services.

Phuket also has a Diving Recompression Chamber in Patong, t: 0 7634 2518.

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