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Originally Posted by RustyC
(Post 31230450)
I think the Thai officials did a press conference a few years ago to declare the Bangkok water safe to drink, but I still wouldn't do it. They and other Thais probably have a lot more bacterial immunity. I probably get the runs nearly every time I go anyway, but much less fun is the more serious constant-pain bit where your immune system has to use all your energy to fight off whatever it is. That one can have you bedridden for a day or two and weakened for another day or two. I've had that maybe 7 times (including a shingles attack, but most were foodborne like the Bali belly). So that's the risk I usually weigh against the effort needed.
As for Pattaya, back in my first visit in 1992 the water was so yucky-brownish I took a picture to show people back home (alas, back in the film era...my greatest trips were in the last years of the film era).
Originally Posted by transpac
(Post 31232577)
Could be the supply, but just as likely the entire building's water supply system is unmaintained and contaminated? Mold/mildew here grows in seconds.
Many people install multi-stage filtration systems, usually under the sink in the kitchen for home use. These cost a few baht per day, can be installed quite easily, have user-replaceable filters which can be ordered online. Your friend can go to HomePro for a selection. Simple really. I haven't noticed any tap-water odors in years, but again, highly-dependent on location. We also took our chances with the countertop-type water purifiers in Penang, again to no ill effect. But the countertop ones severely limit waterflow. But I was very, very careful about eating and drinking. |
Originally Posted by kokonutz
(Post 31233526)
But the countertop ones severely limit waterflow.
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Originally Posted by kokonutz
(Post 31233526)
But I was very, very careful about eating and drinking.
Maybe some people have built up more immunity. I do notice (knock on wood) that the rate of problems has dropped in recent years vs. the first decade or so of trips. |
Originally Posted by hockey7711
(Post 31208418)
Travelling to BKK and Pattaya.
Is it safe to drink the water? Ice from larger high volume bars and restaurants and fast food chains is delivered due to the relatively high cost of making it so generally it's OK. |
Air quality: Bad...Check
Water quality: Bad...Check At least the roads are safe. Panel told tap water 'too salty' to be safe Thailand is urgently tackling a saltwater intrusion problem after the amount of sodium in tap water exceeded the standard level. The president of a subcommittee in charge of managing the Chao Phraya, Ping, Wang, Yom and Nan water basins, Weerakorn Khamprakob, said sodium in tap water was on Jan 30 measured at 2.2 grammes/litre which was deemed too much for consumption. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...lty-to-be-safe |
Originally Posted by transpac
(Post 33014858)
Air quality: Bad...Check
Water quality: Bad...Check At least the roads are safe. Panel told tap water 'too salty' to be safe Thailand is urgently tackling a saltwater intrusion problem after the amount of sodium in tap water exceeded the standard level. The president of a subcommittee in charge of managing the Chao Phraya, Ping, Wang, Yom and Nan water basins, Weerakorn Khamprakob, said sodium in tap water was on Jan 30 measured at 2.2 grammes/litre which was deemed too much for consumption. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...lty-to-be-safe |
Originally Posted by SKT-DK
(Post 33014976)
Worth noting though that this is due to severe drought conditions limiting water flows and allowing sea water to intrude into the system
Normally, freshwater of 3.5 billion cubic metres is used each year to dilute saline water. However, the country could not afford to use such a large amount of freshwater due to the drought this year, he said. Sea-water intrusion is always issue, but yeah, they need fresh water to dilute it and not enough fresh water. Again, all details are in the article. |
Buy bottled water
Buy plenty of bottled water, any kind that comes from a store. Use for drinking and also for brushing your teeth. I'd bet money that your system is not ready for the local genome. The water purchased is a wise investment. Might as well take some Imodium with you anyway.
Good Luck, have fun! |
Do people really buy bottled water to brush teeth with?? :confused: Seems a bit paranoid to me! For drinking, absolutely but for brushing teeth…?
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Originally Posted by SKT-DK
(Post 33342157)
Do people really buy bottled water to brush teeth with?? :confused: Seems a bit paranoid to me! For drinking, absolutely but for brushing teeth…?
Pre-Covid, I visited Thailand 5-6 times a year for the past 10 years. I am in good health and mostly adjusted to Thailand microbes. Been years since I have had any stomach issues, and I am very open about where and what I eat there. That being said, I have stayed at a couple "resorts" in Esan where I used bottled water to brush teeth / rinse mouth / etc. Seemed like the prudent thing to do, when noticing the cattle farm next door. :eek: For someone with sensitive stomach or underlying health conditions, I can definitely see them being more comfortable with bottled water. |
Originally Posted by kokonutz
(Post 31213971)
In Hua Hin our homestay was equipped with water purifiers which, after some research, we decided to trust and use. No ill effects to report. ^
-David |
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