Health and Safety
Crime
There is little if any violent crime in town. This
is an essentially rural area and people will treat you as guests not targets of
opportunity. But be smart. Follow the basic rules of common sense safety. Do not
walk around alone in the evenings. Be aware of your surroundings. Think.
Basic Health Concerns
All participants are strongly encouraged to consult a travel clinic and/or their personal physician to discuss recommended immunizations and risks for contracting diseases in Thailand. The Centers for Disease Control in the US (www.cdc.gov) makes recommendations for travelers to rural Thailand. A yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into the Kingdom of Thailand if coming from an infected area.
Malaria and dengue fever, both mosquito-borne diseases, are prevalent in rural areas during the rainy season, but are not a serious problem during the cool, dry season when we will be there. There is no vaccination or prophylactic for dengue fever. Participants are advised to see their personal physician prior to departure regarding the appropriateness of malaria prophylaxis.
Although the weather will not be extremely hot, we will be near the equator. The sun is very bright. You should always wear sun protection and take care to drink enough bottled water.
Hospitals
In the event of small scrapes, we will literally be working at the local clinic. For more serious accidents, we are less than an hour and a half by ambulance from Chiang Mai’s Mahajan Hospital. Mahajan is one of the finest hospitals in the country and boasts a staff of English speaking, American trained and board certified doctors.
