Last updated: October 2026
Quick answer
Yes, rabies is present in Thailand, mainly in stray dogs, but also in cats, monkeys and bats. The risk for most visitors is low, but rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms start, so any bite, scratch or lick on broken skin needs action straight away: wash the wound with soap and running water for 15 minutes and see a doctor the same day for post-exposure vaccination. Pre-travel vaccination is worth considering for longer stays, rural travel or work with animals.
Key Takeaways
- Rabies is found across Thailand, including Bangkok, mostly in stray and unvaccinated dogs.
- Dogs cause about 99% of human rabies cases worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
- After any bite, scratch or lick on broken skin: wash for 15 minutes, then see a doctor the same day.
- Post-exposure vaccination works extremely well when started promptly, even if you weren’t vaccinated before.
- The rabies vaccine is available at HealthDeliver for THB 450 per dose, for both pre-travel and post-exposure protection.
Does Thailand Have Rabies?
Yes. Rabies is endemic in Thailand, and outbreaks in stray dogs are still reported in Bangkok and the provinces. In 2025, for example, Bangkok authorities vaccinated hundreds of residents and pets after rabid stray dogs were found in Prawet district. Human cases are now rare thanks to vaccination programmes, but they still happen, almost always in people who didn’t get treatment after a bite.
Which Animals Can Carry Rabies in Thailand?
- Dogs: the main source, especially strays and temple or street dogs.
- Cats: scratches and bites from stray cats also count.
- Monkeys: common at tourist sites such as Lopburi and some beaches and temples.
- Bats: any contact with a bat should be checked by a doctor.
What to Do If You’re Bitten or Scratched
- Wash the wound with soap and running water for 15 minutes.
- Apply an antiseptic such as povidone-iodine or alcohol, and cover it loosely.
- See a doctor the same day. Don’t wait to see if the animal looks sick.
- Note where it happened and what the animal was, and take a photo if it’s safe to do so.
- Tell the doctor if you’ve had rabies vaccine before, and when you last had a tetanus shot.
The doctor will check the wound and decide which treatment you need. If you haven’t been vaccinated before, you’ll usually start a course of rabies vaccine straight away. For deep bites or bites on the head, neck or hands, you may also need rabies immunoglobulin (RIG), which gives immediate protection while the vaccine takes effect. Your doctor will also check whether you need a tetanus booster.
Bitten or scratched by an animal in Bangkok?
Don’t wait. Walk in to our clinics in Asok, Sathorn or Phrom Phong, open daily 08:00–18:30, for a same-day assessment and your first rabies vaccine dose. The rabies vaccine is THB 450 per dose, for both post-exposure treatment and pre-travel protection. See all vaccinations and prices.
Rabies Vaccine Schedules
These are the usual schedules based on WHO guidance. Your doctor will confirm the right one for you.
| Situation | Usual schedule |
|---|---|
| Before travel (pre-exposure) | 2 doses, on day 0 and day 7 |
| Bitten or scratched, never vaccinated | A course of 4 doses over about 2 weeks (days 0, 3, 7 and 14), plus rabies immunoglobulin for severe exposures |
| Bitten or scratched, already vaccinated | 2 booster doses, on day 0 and day 3; no immunoglobulin needed |
Should You Get a Rabies Vaccine Before Travelling to Thailand?
Most short-stay tourists don’t need it, but it’s worth considering if you:
- Are staying for a month or longer, or living in Thailand
- Will travel to rural areas or islands far from a hospital
- Will work or volunteer with animals
- Are travelling with children, who are more likely to play with animals and less likely to report a bite
- Enjoy running, cycling or hiking, where dogs often chase
Being vaccinated beforehand doesn’t replace treatment after a bite, but it makes it much simpler: you need only two booster doses and no immunoglobulin. Read more about travel vaccines.
Symptoms of Rabies
Symptoms usually appear 1–3 months after exposure, but this can range from days to more than a year. Early signs include fever, headache, tiredness and tingling or itching around the wound. These progress to anxiety, confusion, difficulty swallowing, fear of water and paralysis. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, which is why treatment must start right after the bite, not when you feel unwell.
How to Avoid Rabies in Thailand
- Don’t touch, feed or pet stray dogs, cats or monkeys, however friendly they look.
- Keep food out of sight around monkeys at temples and beaches.
- Walk away calmly from dogs; don’t run.
- Supervise children closely around animals.
More detail on wound care and where to get treated outside Bangkok: rabies exposure in Thailand: what to do.
About HealthDeliver Clinic Bangkok
HealthDeliver Clinic, with locations in Asok, Sathorn and Phrom Phong, is a family-friendly medical centre providing care for people of all ages. Our English-speaking doctors provide rabies and other vaccinations, wound care and same-day consultations for residents and visitors to Bangkok.
FAQs About Rabies in Thailand
Is rabies common in Thailand?
Rabies is endemic in Thailand, mainly in stray and unvaccinated dogs, and outbreaks are still reported in Bangkok and the provinces. Human cases are rare thanks to vaccination, but any bite, scratch or lick on broken skin should be treated promptly.
What should I do if a dog bites or scratches me in Thailand?
Wash the wound with soap and running water for 15 minutes, apply an antiseptic and see a doctor the same day. Don’t wait to see whether the animal gets sick. The doctor will decide whether you need rabies vaccine, rabies immunoglobulin and a tetanus booster.
Do I need a rabies vaccine before travelling to Thailand?
Most short-stay tourists don’t. Consider it if you’re staying a month or longer, travelling to remote areas, working with animals, travelling with children or doing a lot of running, cycling or hiking.
How many rabies shots do I need after a bite?
If you’ve never been vaccinated, a usual course is 4 doses over about 2 weeks (days 0, 3, 7 and 14), sometimes with rabies immunoglobulin. If you were vaccinated before, you usually need 2 booster doses on days 0 and 3. Your doctor will confirm the schedule.
How much does a rabies vaccine cost in Bangkok?
At HealthDeliver, the rabies vaccine (ChiroRab) costs THB 450 per dose, for both pre-travel and post-exposure use. A doctor’s consultation is charged separately.
Can a scratch or lick give you rabies?
Yes, if the animal’s saliva gets into broken skin or onto your eyes, nose or mouth. Scratches from dogs, cats and monkeys should be treated the same way as bites.
Is it too late to get a rabies vaccine after a bite?
Start as soon as possible, ideally the same day. If days or weeks have passed, still see a doctor straight away: treatment is recommended at any point before symptoms appear.
Do monkeys in Thailand carry rabies?
Monkeys can carry rabies, and bites and scratches are common at temples and beaches. Treat any monkey bite or scratch as a possible rabies exposure and see a doctor the same day.