Health Care in Thailand : Life Expectancy and Health Risks

Related articles about health issues : Hospitals in Bangkok | Dental Services | Eye Clinics | Pharmacies | Shortcomings of Thai Healthcare

There are many reasons for differences in Life Expectancy between countries, and we certainly are not in a position to clarify all.

Below we compare causes of death in three countries in Asia and one in Europe. (source WHO, last published date 2002)

Of course, for the moment, we all have to die so the sum of all causes of mortality should be 100%. And when in one country there are more deaths of let's say accidents, it has to be compensated by less deaths from other causes. Nevertheless some comments are allowed, also regarding some health risk factors as perceived for Thailand.

First and foremost, life expectancy in Thailand is somewhat lower than in 'less developed' countries like Vietnam and China, which indicates that some more can be done to improve health in the country.

As indicated in bolt, Thailand still has a very substantial amount of (young) people dying from HIV/AIDS. While there is no secrecy about this issue, compared to its significance relatively little attention is paid in the media about this issue. It seems to be accepted that about 1% of the population is HIV-positive. Of course this figure (2%?) should be much higher in the sexually active young groups of the population. Thailand has to be commended for pursuing an open and active policy about preventing Aids. As an example, condoms are to be found clearly visible at most convenience stores. On the other hand, taboos still exists and we do not really remember people buying condoms when being viewed by others. Certainly, young females may still be very hesitant. In any case, the numbers above are worth remembering when engaging in casual sexual encounters in the country.
As an added note (while this is not allowed in certain countries) HIV-testing is routinely performed in hospitals when you are going in for some minor procedures or surgery.

Injuries and Accidents

Way to many young people still die unnecessarily in Thailand due to car and (mostly) motorcycle accidents. The actual number of deaths on the road is reportedly around 30,000. Many more of course get maimed for live, or require expensive medical care (if they can afford it). Reasons are discussed forever. High alcohol consumption is to blame and the government has started implementing various measures to reduce alcohol consumption. Thailand has one of the highest per capita consumption of alcohol in the world though.
Motorcycle deaths of course are mostly among young males. Still to common (especially in the side streets) one sees youngsters driving around without helmet protection. Motorcycle taxis seem to be allowed to carry passengers without requiring them to wear an helmet.
Especially in view of the rapidly declining birth rates in Thailand, the thousands of people killed yearly in motorcycle accidents will be surely missed in the future.

Motorcycle taxis waiting for customers at the entrance to Sukhumvit soi 19. It is a fast but not safe way of transport down the sois. We recommend you walk at all times.

Besides alcohol, driving carelessly and dangerously is mainly an educational problem. There seems to be serious difficulty in making young males realize that the time of the 'male-warrior' has passed, and that macho behaviour is not really that necessary anymore. The 'boys will be boys' attitude however is still well engrained in the culture. Behavioural change in this regard is highly warranted.
As far as we know, it is still allowed to use mobile phones while driving. We have been almost ran over by cars on intersection by drivers on the phone. In return, we have received a Thai smile on occasion. We remember reading a comment in one newspapers that Thai people are 'different' and are able to make phone conversations while driving without any problem.

According to the statistics above, cardiovascular disease is still somewhat less prevalent in Thailand, but surely on the rise. Some comments :

Smoking

Thailand has been taking measures that both can be called progressive and repressive to make it more difficult to smoke. Smoking though is a cheap habit, and cigarettes can be bought at about one fifth of the price asked in Western countries.

Measures taken :
Since end 2002 smoking in restaurants and most offices, hotel lobbies and indoor areas has been disallowed. Smoking is still allowed though in bars and nightvenues. Anyone visiting the nightlife scene in Bangkok will have entered heavily smoke-filled premises with poor ventilation.
Cigarette package have rather distasteful pictures on them, trying to deter smokers. You can say horrendously disformed teeth, distroyed lungs, and other graphic measures displayed.
Shops and supermarkets are not allowed anymore to openly display cigarettes or tobacco. Only a sign indicating that tobacco is available,  is allowed to be displayed.

Food

As in most countries, the attention given to reduce smoking, has resulted in giving less due to other causes of poor health, in particular educating the population about proper eating habits.

Thailand has allowed the opening of numerous international fast food chains, not exactly reknown for providing proper food. Even hospitals (Bumrungrad Hospital) have found is justified to allow the opening of fast food outlets on their premises, giving the wrong message.
Food at foodstalls in the streets of Bangkok (where many thousands of people eat every day) use oil that is of course contaminated by car exhausts, and/or oil that has been reused over and over again, giving rise to a highly toxic substance to cook food with. Most regular restaurants (as in most countries) do not indicate what kind of oils they are using to prepare your food. Cheap oils, such as palm oil and coconut oil, are highly popular and used in most smaller restaurants around town, including the restaurants of most smaller hotels. These oils are not recommended if you are worried about your cholesterol levels.
The message is of course, that it is safer to eat at home, if you can do the effort. You will know which ingredients you are using (up to a point).
A positive point is that Thai food still contains relatively less meat than in more developed countries. Poultry and fish are consumed more, though the deep fried variety of these foods, are not suitable for frequent consumption either.

Till about 10 years ago, it was uncommon, but nowadays one regularly sees morbidly overweight people, and obesity is very much on the rise in Thailand. Are the lite, attractive yound Thai women about to disappear? They will if no change in eating habits occurs.

Environmental Pollution

There is possible somewhat less pollution on the streets in Bangkok than before. However, it is still common to see buses driving around ejecting dark black exhaust fumes. Most of these are actually public buses, so one would expect the authorities can get this under control. There are regular reports about there being high content of small particles in the Bangkok air, which can get into the lungs easily and contribute to various diseases. Respiratory disease in Bangkok is common, and a lot of foreign residents living here also report more frequent respiratory problems. When staying in Bangkok, we should recommend to have airfiltering equipment in your main rooms. At least you can somewhat improve the environment at home, (and also make up for not really well maintained airconditioning units in many apartments)

Related articles about health issues : Hospitals in Bangkok | Dental Services | Eye Clinics | Pharmacies | Shortcomings of Thai Healthcare
More : Medical Tourism in Thailand | Health Statistics | Cost of Medical Treatment in Thailand

Send comments