I'm going to Thailand for 2 weeks with my girlfriend?

We're only staying in 4/5 star hotels and will only really be on island beaches. Do we really need inoculations???

Yes you do. Hepatitis, Diptheria etc and other mainstream conditions are more prevalent in Thailand. They dont make any concession for you staying in a 4/5 star hotel. I was in Phuket at the time of the Tsunami and from relative safety to instantaneous squalor within 2 days makes it a real eye opener to diseases that you havent even been warned about. Also, you must travel with an innoculation card which can chart your treatment just incase you find yourself with Malaria in a Bangkok sanitorium.

If there recommended then you would be better off having them, you don't have to pay for them, you get them done for free at your GP's surgery, they don't hurt or cause discomfort, better to be safe than sorry.

To be fair, I wouldn't bother. You need to be careful but if you're staying in the nicer resorts the food will be fine. Drink bottled water (very cheap) and eat in busy establishments and you'll be fine. Get some good mozzie guard too for the evenings. Even that sun tan lotion that Boots do with the mozzi guard is useful.

Thailand isn't as bad a people made out.

I stayed there for 5 years, have I had the runs yes but not too much.

Yes use bottle water but that is the same the world over, don't tar Thailand as a run down area, it has alot of high spots.

You will be fine that the street food is cheap and good quality look for busy shops they have the highest quality. And most of all don't worry.

no,i've been to every country in asia except north korea and i skipped the shots.just drink bottled water.

thailand is a place to go WITHOUT one's girlfriend !!!!

I wouldnt bother with them. The 4/5 star places that I saw were absolutely spotless, and their reputation relies on the fact that no one gets sick while staying at them.

Unless you plan to try the street food (which is pretty safe anyway) then I wouldnt waste any time or money on them. It's going to be pretty much like visiting a western hotel for you. Similar standards of hygiene etc.

Just dont drink the tap water (Just about ALL hotels of ANY budget offer free drinking water) and take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitos.

Other than that, the biggest risks to your health will be from sunburn and hangovers.

I would get the shots if it is recommended and you are able to. But, that being said, Thailand's 4 and 5 star hotels are cleaner and nicer than in the states. I've been 5 times in the last 6 years and have never had innoculations and never gotten sick. I even eat the street food and at the authentic "Thai" restaurants. Bring mosquito repellant and drink bottled water and you should be fine.

No you don't need them. There is a list of recommended ones, but no, you do not need them. Thailand is not some strange mystical place. It is not too far different from your own country. Would you get immunized to stay two weeks in your country? Then why would you here? There is no Amazon River, Rain Forest, or Pygmies living in thatch huts carrying machetes here.

You know the answer to this question already. Come, enjoy your stay and don't do anything silly.

No you don't need shots to visit Thailand, unless your planning to visit remote locations in the country. I see one of the writers here continues to make rude and sarcastic remarks.

have been quite a few times, and to various outher SE asian countries for upwards of 6 months, not staying in 4 star accomodation, and eating on the streets, and have not been ill once. I think the UK medical advice is an overeaction.
Drink bottled water, wash your hands, and if the vendor selling food looks clean and is busy, its likely to be decent quality and fresh. Common sence must prevail (purely my opinion)

You mean your going to Thailand with your Ex girlfriend.

Man! Why would you take your girlfriend to Thailand?! That is like taking ice to Alaska!

No. I am from England and lived here for 10 years without innoculations.

I have been several times - no inoculations - no problems but I live on wild side so let your conscious guide you and get inoculations ( You and your Girlfriend should check your Travel Insurance as sometimes if you don't take preventive Medicine before you go you could end up very very poor )
Drink Bottled water and Tiger Beer and have a good time !