Thailand Drinking Water – Is It Safe to Drink in 2025?

No, the tap water is not safe to drink in any home or business in Thailand. The only really safe drinking water in Thailand is sealed-bottled drinking water you find in a store like Nestle, Crystal and Singha water.

I’ve been here nearly two decades now and so far I don’t believe I’ve been sick from drinking Thailand’s water. It’s impossible to know of course what exactly I’ve had “Montezuma’s revenge” from, but I always attribute it to the Thai food I’ve eaten and not the water being unsafe.

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Can I Boil Thailand Tap Water and Drink it Safely?

No, there are a number of additives in Thailand water, including heavy metals and chlorine, that make the water not healthy to drink from the tap. It won’t matter if you boil it, the metals and chlorine are still there and unhealthy.

Is the Ice Safe to Use in Thailand?

Yes, the ice is usually safe to drink because they use clean, filtered water in Thailand for all of their ice.

The key to knowing if the Thailand water is safe is to look at the ice. The ice will be a circular ice with a hole in the middle – like a very thick “Lifesaver” if you’re familiar with that candy or same shape as a Lifesaver of styrofoam that is a water flotation device but with a smaller hole and thicker sides – if that makes sense.

So, look at the ice and if it resembles what I described above then you’re probably safe. A Thai restaurant wouldn’t get this good ice and put it with bad water. They’d have bad ice too.  Even very small restaurants or holes in the wall have this type of ice.

The ice is very cheap for restaurants and they get it in bulk from trucks that dump it into their large coolers daily. You will probably get charged extra money for your ice if you get a small bucket – but, no matter – it’s healthy and clean and you won’t get sick from it.

If the ice is round I think I’m safe drinking the water they provide with it. Most Thais don’t want to drink the water here either and their business would be ruined quickly if they served tap water and many people got sick from it – so they charge for good water and keep everyone happy.

Is it Safe to Brush Your Teeth in Thailand with Tap Water?

No, don’t use tap water for anything except cleaning your dishes after a meal, and make sure they are dry when you use them. Before I use cups, I always rinse them with clean bottled water first!

When I first arrived in Thailand I brushed with bottled water. After a couple weeks and talking to some long-term expats I switched to tap water and as I said, I don’t think I’ve had the “runs” as a result of using the tap water for this.

Is Thailand’s Bottled Water Safe?

The store-sealed bottled water you find in Tesco, Makro, Big C, 7-11, Family Mart, and other stores is safe to drink in Thailand.

However, if you stay for any length of time you’ll probably start getting delivered bottled water to your door. These are 5 gallon plastic bottles that a number of companies make and fill with filtered and drinkable water for 8 to 12 baht at the present time.

The problem is that the bottles are used over and over in Thailand for this type of water. I have found green stains in the bottom of my bottles. Now, whether this is from the cleaning agent used for getting rid of the fungus that might build up – or whether it was fungus itself I haven’t a clue. What I do know is that I no longer used that company.

I always check the inside of the bottle now – after I buy it and open it. Even though it’s bottled, doesn’t mean it’s safe. On the other hand, the store bough 1 – 1.5 liter bottles of Thailand’s Nestle or Singha water are always clean.

Can You Safely Drink Water in Restaurants?

Yes, almost always the water in restaurants is fine to drink because no restaurant owner wants someone complaining that they got sick from their place! Restaurants in Thailand consistently serve good water. You can usually tell bad water by the smell. I can remember bad water only a couple times in 20 years in Thailand. It doesn’t happen often.

Is Tap Water Safe for Cooking?

It is safe, but do you really want to have trace minerals and other chemicals in your water? Why not just use bottled water for EVERYTHING? We do. It cost more, but we feel a lot safer. At least until everyone started talking about microplastics in the water!

Here are some additional headings and information that could complement your article on safe water in Thailand:

Is it Safe to Shower with Tap Water in Thailand?

Yes, showering with tap water in Thailand is generally safe. The main concern is not about absorbing harmful substances through the skin but rather ingesting it. It’s best to avoid getting water in your mouth, particularly in rural areas or places with older plumbing. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation, you might notice some mild issues due to chlorine or other chemicals present in the water.

Can You Drink Water from Water Filters in Thailand?

Many people in Thailand use countertop or under-sink water filtration systems to improve the quality of tap water. These are around $1,000 USD to install and provide a good alternative. While these filters can remove a lot of sediment, odors, and some bacteria, they may not be effective against heavy metals, chlorine, or other chemicals that are commonly found in the water. If you are considering using a water filter, ensure it is a high-quality multi-stage filter that is designed to handle these issues. It’s still safer to use bottled water for drinking.

What About Water in Rural or Remote Areas?

Water quality can vary a lot between urban and rural areas in Thailand. In remote locations, the water supply may come from deep-water wells or other untreated sources, making it more likely to contain harmful bacteria or parasites. If you’re staying in these areas, it’s highly recommended to rely entirely on bottled water for drinking and cooking. Even for brushing teeth or washing fruits and vegetables, bottled water would be the safest choice if you can get it. We use bottled water for everything except showering.

What Should You Do if You Get Sick from Water?

If you think you drank contaminated water, symptoms like diarrhea, stomach cramps, or vomiting may arise within hours. In Thailand, pharmacies are widely available and offer over-the-counter remedies like rehydration salts (electrolytes) and anti-diarrhea medication. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s advisable to visit a hospital or clinic, as waterborne illnesses like giardia or amoebic dysentery can require specific treatments.

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