Joanna James
Thailand is one of the world's most renowned tourism destinations and is visited by millions of people every year. Like most tropical countries though, there are a few things to watch out for.
Not all snakes are harmful, but in Thailand many of these varieties of snakes can often be dangerous. Most snakes will flee if they were to hear you approaching, but in the off chance you were to step on one, it could prove a very costly mistake. Where many sources of accommodation are concerned, a Lanna hotel such as the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort would generally be safe, but if there's grass, even if it's a city park, its best to keep your wits about.
Although these won't be as massive as you would expect given their name, these rather large centipedes can be found all over Thailand. Some of them can grow to the length of a man's forearm. A centipede's bite can cause breathing difficulties if the victim has an allergic reaction to them, but at the least would require tetanus shots and even painkillers. These critters can seek refuge in shoes during times of rain so it's best to double check your footwear before putting them on, and always keep your feet completely covered when exploring jungle habitats.
Since Sharks aren't a major problem in Thai waters, Jellyfish should be your main concern. Although they are fascinating to look at, their stings can be extremely painful, and one would require weeks to fully recover from them. In many cases, a jellyfish sting can leave behind brutal scars. Jellyfish stray away from the sun, so it is best to swim during sunny weather. Avoid hitting the water during overcast or rainy days. If you ever get bit by a jellyfish, a vinegar bath is the best and probably the only solution. If stung to a great degree, it can even lead to death if not treated well.
Diving is a great way to explore the wonder that the waters of Thailand contain, and there are many beautiful coral reefs to explore. If you happen to do so, be very mindful not to make contact with any sort of coral, alive or dead, since it can be quite harmful. Dead coral can be razor sharp, and can easily puncture the skin. Living coral can be even more dangerous since there's chance poisonous stings akin to those of a jellyfish.
Much like any tropical country, these are the most significant pests you could come across. These tiny airborne insects have caused more than half of total human deaths since our existence, and its best you carry some sort of repellent on you throughout your entire Thai adventure. Mosquitoes are notorious for carrying a range of diseases, and through a seemingly innocent mosquito bite, you could get infected a deadly disease ranging from dengue fever to malaria. Repellents such as citronella can be very effective.
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