Rabies, Dog Bites and Stray Animals in Phuket: What to Do and What It Costs

What to do straight away

• Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water, repeating several times, and apply an antiseptic, as Thai health officials advise.
• Go to a hospital or clinic the same day. Thai health guidance treats any bite or scratch that breaks the skin as a possible rabies exposure, and officials also mention licks on broken skin.
• Do not wait to see whether the animal seems healthy, and do not skip doses once treatment starts.
• If you can do so safely, note the animal's description and where it was, and whether it belongs to someone.

Most hospitals in Thailand stock rabies vaccine. The emergencies guide lists numbers and hospitals.

What treatment usually involves

Guides describe doctors grading the exposure using World Health Organization categories. Touching or feeding an animal with intact skin needs only washing. Nibbles on uncovered skin or minor scratches usually mean a vaccine course. A bite that breaks the skin, or a lick on broken skin, usually means a vaccine course plus rabies immunoglobulin placed in and around the wound.

People who have had a full pre-exposure course are generally treated with fewer injections, which is one reason doctors recommend it for long-term residents. Your doctor sets the schedule, so follow it exactly.

Costs reported

• Government hospitals: one guide reports roughly 800 to 1,600 baht for a vaccine course, with immunoglobulin adding about 2,000 to 8,000 baht.
• Private hospitals: the same guide reports about 2,000 to 6,000 baht for the vaccine and 5,000 to 20,000 baht for immunoglobulin, and international hospitals can cost much more in total.
• Another expat guide quotes 8,000 to 15,000 baht for a full course, so prices vary widely.
• Pre-exposure vaccination: about 3,000 to 4,500 baht for three doses is quoted for a private hospital, and one guide notes newer schedules of two doses.

Check your travel and health insurance for rabies cover, and see the health and insurance guide. The Bangkok Hospital Phuket group advertises a rabies prevention vaccine package at its clinic branches with a price valid to the end of 2026, so ask what is currently offered.

Living safely around strays and monkeys

• Do not tease, feed, corner or hit animals, and do not take away their food, as local officials advise. Avoid approaching groups of monkeys and keep food out of sight.
• Be careful when running or cycling, because dogs may chase. Walk calmly and avoid eye contact with an aggressive dog.
• Keep small children close and teach them not to approach animals.
• Report animals showing aggression, unusual behaviour, drooling or paralysis to the Phuket Livestock Office, with a number quoted in a local news report of 076-216934. Check it is still current.

Soi Dog Foundation and other groups run sterilisation and vaccination campaigns. See the volunteering guide to help.

Your own pets

Thai authorities urge owners to vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies every year and to keep pets indoors at night. The pets guide explains import rules, microchips and vets. Keep records, because they are asked for when you travel or if your pet bites someone.