Rabies vaccine is widely available in Thailand, including in Bangkok and at hospitals across most provinces. For travelers, this is important because rabies is still present in Thailand and exposure can occur through dogs, cats, monkeys and other mammals.
The vaccine itself can also be relatively inexpensive. The Thai Travel Clinic at Mahidol University's Hospital for Tropical Diseases currently lists rabies vaccines from THB 327 to THB 390 per dose, depending on the product. Additional doctor, hospital and injection fees apply.
Private clinics and hospitals may charge more. Current examples range from approximately THB 800 to THB 1,000 per dose at some private providers.
The more important distinction is whether vaccination is being given before an exposure or after a possible rabies exposure. Someone who has already been bitten or scratched may need urgent post-exposure prophylaxis, potentially including rabies immunoglobulin as well as vaccine.
If an animal has bitten or scratched you, do not delay medical assessment while comparing vaccine prices. Rabies is preventable when appropriate post-exposure treatment is given before symptoms develop, but once clinical rabies begins it is almost invariably fatal.
How much does the rabies vaccine cost in Thailand?
Thailand can be significantly cheaper than many countries for rabies vaccination, particularly at public and university hospitals.
The Thai Travel Clinic in Bangkok publishes the following current prices:
| Product | Current price |
|---|---|
| Chirorab, PCEC rabies vaccine | THB 353 per dose |
| Verorab, PVRV rabies vaccine | THB 327 per dose |
| Speeda, PVRV rabies vaccine | THB 390 per dose |
| Equine rabies immunoglobulin, ERIG 2 ml | THB 333 |
| Equine rabies immunoglobulin, ERIG 5 ml | THB 774 |
| Human rabies immunoglobulin, HRIG 2 ml | THB 3,022 |
These vaccine prices are per dose.
Thai Travel Clinic currently adds regular-hour fees of:
- doctor fee: THB 200
- hospital fee: THB 100
- injection fee: THB 20 per dose
- first registration fee: THB 20
Prices can change, so confirm them before visiting.
A first rabies vaccine appointment using a THB 327 vaccine would therefore cost more than THB 327 once the clinical fees are included.
Rabies vaccine prices can be higher at private hospitals
Private healthcare in Thailand generally costs more than university or public facilities.
Bangkok Hospital Siriroj currently advertises a THB 999 rabies prevention vaccine at its Bangkok Phuket Clinic branches, including locations around Phuket and Khao Lak.
A private Bangkok clinic currently publishes a rabies vaccine price of approximately THB 800 per dose.
The price difference does not necessarily mean one vaccine is better than another. Cost can reflect the facility, consultation fee, vaccine brand, service model and whether the price is part of a package.
For planned vaccination, it is reasonable to compare prices. After an actual animal exposure, speed of appropriate treatment is more important than saving a few hundred baht.
How much does a full rabies vaccine course cost in Thailand?
The answer depends on why you are being vaccinated and which schedule the doctor recommends.
For a two-dose pre-exposure course on days 0 and 7, the vaccine itself at Thai Travel Clinic could cost approximately:
- Verorab: THB 654 for two doses
- Chirorab: THB 706 for two doses
- Speeda: THB 780 for two doses
Consultation, hospital and injection fees are additional.
Private clinics may charge approximately THB 1,600 to THB 2,000 or more for two doses, depending on the facility.
Post-exposure treatment can cost more because several vaccine visits may be required and people with certain high-risk exposures who have not previously been vaccinated may also need rabies immunoglobulin.
Pre-exposure rabies vaccine schedule
Pre-exposure prophylaxis, usually abbreviated PrEP, is vaccination received before any known rabies exposure.
Current CDC guidance uses a two-dose schedule:
- Day 0: first rabies vaccine dose
- Day 7: second rabies vaccine dose
Additional antibody testing or a booster can be recommended for people with continuing occupational or other long-term exposure risk.
Pre-exposure vaccination may be worth discussing if you:
- work with animals
- are a veterinarian or animal-care worker
- regularly interact with wildlife
- plan extended travel in areas where medical treatment may be difficult to access
- frequently travel through countries where dog rabies occurs
- expect activities that increase contact with mammals
CDC specifically notes that pre-exposure vaccination decisions for Thailand should consider both the likelihood of animal exposure and how difficult it would be to obtain prompt post-exposure treatment.
Do ordinary tourists need a rabies vaccine before Thailand?
Not every traveler needs pre-exposure rabies vaccination.
CDC states that dogs infected with rabies are still sometimes found in Thailand, but rabies vaccine is generally available throughout most of the country.
A traveler spending one week in central Bangkok with little expected animal contact has a different risk profile from someone spending several months riding through remote rural areas, volunteering with dogs or entering caves where bats are present.
Discuss pre-exposure vaccination before travel if your itinerary creates meaningful animal exposure risk or could make rapid access to medical care difficult.
For a broader vaccination overview, see Vaccinations for Thailand: What Travelers Need Before Their Trip.
Vaccination before travel does not mean you can ignore a bite
This is one of the most common misunderstandings about rabies vaccination.
Pre-exposure vaccination simplifies post-exposure treatment, but it does not mean an animal bite or scratch can be ignored.
If a previously vaccinated person experiences a potential rabies exposure, medical assessment is still required.
Under current CDC guidance, previously vaccinated people generally receive:
- vaccine on day 0
- vaccine on day 3
- no rabies immunoglobulin
That is substantially simpler than treatment for someone who has never been vaccinated.
What is the rabies vaccine schedule after a bite?
Post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, is treatment given after possible exposure to rabies.
There are several internationally accepted schedules, and the exact regimen can depend on previous vaccination, route of administration and the protocol followed by the treating facility.
For someone who has never previously received rabies vaccination, current CDC intramuscular guidance includes vaccine on:
- Day 0
- Day 3
- Day 7
- Day 14
People with immune disorders may require an additional dose on day 28.
For qualifying high-risk exposures, rabies immunoglobulin is also given at the beginning of treatment.
Thailand also has extensive experience with intradermal rabies vaccination, and WHO recommends intradermal post-exposure regimens that use smaller amounts of vaccine at multiple injection sites.
Because schedules differ, follow the regimen prescribed by the clinician treating your exposure rather than trying to construct a schedule yourself from information online.
Why might someone in Thailand be given a different number of injections?
You may see travelers reporting different rabies schedules even though they were all treated appropriately.
Possible reasons include:
- intramuscular versus intradermal vaccination
- previous rabies vaccination
- immune status
- national protocol followed
- type of vaccine available
- severity and category of exposure
Thailand has been an important center for intradermal rabies vaccination research and clinical practice, including regimens historically associated with the Thai Red Cross.
Do not assume your treatment is incorrect simply because another traveler received a different number of injections. Ask the physician which recognized regimen is being used and keep records of every vaccine dose.
When is rabies immunoglobulin needed?
Rabies immunoglobulin, or RIG, provides immediate passive antibodies while the vaccine stimulates the body's own immune response.
WHO categorizes rabies exposures broadly as:
Category I
Examples include touching or feeding an animal or an animal licking intact skin.
Rabies prophylaxis is generally not required if the history is reliable.
Category II
Examples include minor scratches or abrasions without bleeding or nibbling of uncovered skin.
Immediate rabies vaccination is generally recommended.
Category III
Examples include:
- bites that penetrate the skin
- scratches that bleed
- saliva contacting broken skin
- saliva contacting mucous membranes
- certain bat exposures
For previously unvaccinated patients, WHO recommends immediate vaccination plus rabies immunoglobulin for Category III exposures.
The doctor evaluating the exposure should determine the category and treatment.
How much does rabies immunoglobulin cost in Thailand?
Rabies immunoglobulin can increase the total cost of post-exposure treatment substantially.
Thai Travel Clinic currently lists:
- ERIG, equine rabies immunoglobulin: THB 333 per 2 ml or THB 774 per 5 ml
- HRIG, human rabies immunoglobulin: THB 3,022 per 2 ml
The amount required depends partly on body weight and the wounds being treated, so simply multiplying the vial price does not provide an accurate individual treatment cost.
WHO recommends infiltrating rabies immunoglobulin into and around qualifying wounds whenever anatomically possible.
People who were appropriately vaccinated against rabies before the exposure generally do not receive RIG.
HRIG and ERIG are not the same product
Thailand can use both human and equine rabies immunoglobulin.
HRIG is derived from human plasma and is considerably more expensive.
ERIG is produced from equine sources and can provide a less expensive option when appropriately manufactured and administered.
The treating clinician should determine which product is appropriate and available.
Do not delay post-exposure treatment simply because your preferred type of immunoglobulin is not immediately available without discussing alternatives with a qualified physician.
What should you do immediately after a dog or monkey bite?
The first step happens before you reach the hospital.
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water as soon as possible.
WHO and CDC emphasize thorough wound cleansing because it is an important component of rabies prevention.
Then seek medical assessment promptly.
Do not:
- wait for symptoms
- seal a wound with home remedies
- rely on the animal appearing healthy
- assume a monkey scratch is harmless
- assume a small bite does not count
- delay care until returning to your home country
For a step-by-step guide, see Animal Bites and Rabies in Thailand: What to Do.
If a dog was involved, you can also read Dog Bite in Thailand: What to Do.
Where can you get a rabies vaccine in Bangkok?
Bangkok has many options, including university hospitals, public hospitals, private hospitals and travel medicine clinics.
Thai Travel Clinic, Hospital for Tropical Diseases
The Thai Travel Clinic, part of the Faculty of Tropical Medicine at Mahidol University, is one of the most useful options for travelers seeking planned vaccination or rabies assessment in Bangkok.
It publishes transparent vaccine and immunoglobulin prices and specifically provides rabies post-exposure treatment.
The clinic states that rabies exposure is treated as a clinical priority and that someone who has been bitten or scratched does not need to wait for a routine appointment slot before seeking treatment.
It also accepts travelers, expats and non-travelers.
Public and university hospitals
Thailand's public hospital system routinely manages animal bites and rabies vaccination.
For urgent post-exposure treatment, the nearest appropriate hospital is generally more important than finding the cheapest specialist travel clinic.
Private hospitals
Large Bangkok private hospitals also provide rabies vaccination and emergency treatment. Prices are generally higher than at public or university facilities, but private hospitals may offer shorter waits, more English-language support and 24-hour emergency departments.
Where can you get the rabies vaccine in Phuket?
Rabies vaccination is available through hospitals and clinics in Phuket.
Bangkok Hospital Siriroj currently advertises rabies preventive vaccination for THB 999 at six Bangkok Phuket Clinic locations covering areas including:
- Mai Khao
- Airport area
- Laguna
- Rawai
- Kamala
- Khao Lak
For an actual bite or scratch, however, choose a facility capable of assessing the wound and providing the full required PEP, including rabies immunoglobulin if indicated.
A preventive vaccination clinic may not necessarily offer every component of urgent post-exposure treatment at all times.
Can you get rabies treatment in Chiang Mai, Pattaya and other Thai cities?
Yes. Rabies vaccination is not limited to Bangkok.
CDC's Thailand guidance states that rabies vaccine for both pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis, as well as human rabies immunoglobulin, is readily available in all provincial and most district hospitals throughout Thailand.
That makes Thailand relatively well equipped compared with destinations where rabies biologics can be difficult to obtain outside a capital city.
In places such as:
- Chiang Mai
- Pattaya
- Phuket
- Hua Hin
- Krabi
- Khon Kaen
- Udon Thani
- major provincial capitals
travelers can usually find hospitals able to assess potential rabies exposure.
Availability of a specific vaccine brand or immunoglobulin product can still vary, so urgent cases should contact or visit an appropriate hospital rather than spending hours comparing brands online.
What about rabies exposure on an island?
Thailand has many islands where travelers frequently interact with dogs, cats and monkeys.
If you are bitten on an island, wash the wound immediately and seek medical advice locally.
Depending on the island, a local hospital or clinic may begin vaccination while more complex care is arranged elsewhere if necessary.
Do not postpone the first medical assessment because you plan to travel to Bangkok several days later.
If the local facility cannot provide something required, such as immunoglobulin, ask the clinician where you should go next and how quickly.
Can you change hospitals during a rabies vaccine course?
Often, yes.
Travelers frequently receive their first rabies vaccine in one Thai city and subsequent doses elsewhere.
Keep written documentation showing:
- vaccine name
- manufacturer if available
- date administered
- route of administration
- dose
- injection schedule
- whether RIG was administered
Bring this record to every subsequent appointment.
Modern WHO-recognized cell-culture rabies vaccines can generally be used within accepted schedules, but changes should be reviewed by the treating clinician rather than decided independently.
What if you started rabies vaccination outside Thailand?
Bring your vaccination record with you.
Thai hospitals frequently manage international travelers who have started vaccination elsewhere.
The doctor needs to know:
- dates of previous doses
- vaccine product
- route used
- whether treatment was pre-exposure or post-exposure
- whether you received rabies immunoglobulin
- date and circumstances of the animal exposure
A minor delay in a scheduled dose does not automatically mean the entire series must be restarted. CDC guidance notes that small deviations can often be managed by continuing the schedule, although larger delays should be reviewed medically.
Can you wait to see whether the dog develops rabies?
Do not make this decision on your own.
Observation of a healthy dog or cat can sometimes play a role in rabies risk assessment, particularly when the animal can be reliably observed for 10 days.
But several factors matter:
- animal species
- whether it can actually be monitored
- circumstances of the bite
- local rabies epidemiology
- vaccination history of the animal
- location and severity of the wound
A stray dog that disappears after biting you cannot be reliably observed.
Monkeys and many wildlife exposures require different assessment.
Seek medical advice rather than delaying treatment while watching an animal yourself.
Monkey bites and scratches are also relevant in Thailand
Tourists can encounter monkeys at temples, beaches and tourist attractions.
A monkey does not need to produce a dramatic bite for medical assessment to be appropriate. Scratches and saliva contact with broken skin can also constitute potential exposure.
Avoid feeding or touching monkeys even when they appear accustomed to people.
Pre-exposure vaccination does not remove the need for post-exposure assessment after a monkey bite or scratch.
Is rabies common in Thailand?
Thailand has made substantial progress controlling rabies through animal vaccination and public health programs, but the disease has not disappeared completely.
CDC continues to state that dogs infected with rabies are sometimes found in Thailand.
The practical message for travelers is not that every Thai dog is dangerous. Most encounters do not result in rabies exposure.
Instead, travelers should treat a genuine bite, scratch or relevant saliva exposure seriously because the consequences of missing a true rabies exposure are exceptionally severe.
For more context on actual risk, see How Common Is Rabies in Thailand?
Can children receive rabies vaccine in Thailand?
Yes.
Rabies vaccines are used in both adults and children, and children can be particularly vulnerable because they may approach animals and may not always tell adults about minor bites or scratches.
Parents should regularly remind children traveling in Thailand not to:
- pet unfamiliar dogs
- play with stray cats
- feed monkeys
- hide scratches or bites
If an exposure occurs, tell the doctor the child's previous rabies vaccination history.
Can pregnant travelers receive rabies vaccination?
Pregnancy is not a reason to withhold medically indicated rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.
CDC states that pregnancy is not a contraindication to rabies PEP.
Because rabies is almost invariably fatal after symptoms develop, appropriate post-exposure prevention should not be delayed because a patient is pregnant.
Planned pre-exposure vaccination during pregnancy should be discussed individually with a healthcare professional based on exposure risk.
Side effects of rabies vaccination
Modern cell-culture rabies vaccines are generally well tolerated.
Possible reactions include:
- pain at the injection site
- redness
- swelling
- headache
- nausea
- muscle aches
- dizziness
Serious allergic reactions are uncommon but possible, as with other vaccines.
Thai Travel Clinic requires patients to remain for observation for at least 30 minutes after vaccination.
When vaccination is being given after a potential rabies exposure, mild vaccine reactions are generally not a reason to abandon the course without medical advice.
Should you choose Verorab, Speeda or Chirorab?
Thai Travel Clinic currently lists all three products:
- Verorab
- Speeda
- Chirorab
They are modern cell-culture rabies vaccines rather than the older nerve-tissue vaccines historically used in some countries.
The appropriate product depends on availability and the regimen being used.
For most travelers, obtaining an appropriate recognized vaccine promptly is more important than trying to identify a supposedly superior brand.
If switching products during a series becomes necessary, discuss it with the clinician administering the next dose.
Do you need a rabies antibody test?
Most ordinary travelers completing a standard short pre-exposure course do not need routine antibody testing immediately afterwards.
People with ongoing high occupational risk or certain immune conditions may require antibody monitoring or later boosters depending on the guideline being followed.
CDC recommends additional measures for some people whose rabies exposure risk continues for years.
A veterinarian working permanently in an endemic region has different long-term requirements from a tourist receiving pre-exposure vaccination before one trip.
What to bring to the clinic
For planned vaccination or continuation of a course, bring:
- passport or other identification
- previous rabies vaccination record
- details of any vaccine already received
- information about previous reactions to vaccines
After an animal exposure, also tell the doctor:
- when it happened
- where it happened
- animal species
- whether the animal is owned or stray
- whether it can be observed
- where on the body you were bitten or scratched
- whether the wound bled
- what wound cleaning you have already performed
Photographs of the wound can sometimes be useful for documenting how it looked initially, but they do not replace clinical assessment.
Price matters less after an exposure
Thailand makes rabies vaccination relatively affordable, particularly through university and public hospitals.
For preventive vaccination, comparing a THB 350 university-hospital dose with a THB 1,000 private-clinic dose can make sense.
After a potential rabies exposure, the priorities change.
You need appropriate wound treatment, assessment of whether vaccination is indicated, determination of whether rabies immunoglobulin is required and a clear schedule for completing PEP.
A clinic charging slightly less is not useful if reaching it means delaying urgent medical care.
Questions to ask when getting a rabies vaccine in Thailand
For preventive vaccination, ask:
- Which rabies vaccine are you using?
- Is this pre-exposure or post-exposure vaccination?
- Which vaccination schedule will I follow?
- How many visits will I need?
- What is the cost per dose?
- Are doctor and hospital fees additional?
- Will I receive a written vaccination record?
After a bite or scratch, also ask:
- What WHO exposure category is this?
- Do I need rabies immunoglobulin?
- Which type of immunoglobulin is available?
- Has the immunoglobulin been infiltrated into the wounds as appropriate?
- When is my next vaccine dose due?
- Can I complete the course in another city or country?
- What documentation should I take with me?
The practical answer
Rabies vaccination is both widely available and comparatively inexpensive in Thailand.
At Thai Travel Clinic in Bangkok, current rabies vaccine prices are approximately THB 327 to THB 390 per dose, before doctor and hospital fees. Other government or university facilities can also offer low prices, while private clinics and hospitals commonly charge more, with current examples around THB 800 to THB 1,000 per dose.
For pre-exposure protection, current international guidance commonly uses two vaccine doses on days 0 and 7 for travelers for whom vaccination is appropriate.
After a bite or scratch, the situation is different. Previously unvaccinated people may need several vaccine doses and, for higher-risk exposures, rabies immunoglobulin. Previously vaccinated people still need medical assessment but generally require a simpler booster schedule and no immunoglobulin.
If you have already been exposed to an animal, do not wait to compare prices. Wash the wound thoroughly and seek medical care promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a rabies vaccine cost in Thailand?
Thai Travel Clinic currently lists rabies vaccines from THB 327 to THB 390 per dose, before doctor, hospital and injection fees. Private providers may charge around THB 800 to THB 1,000 or more per dose.
How much does rabies vaccination cost in Bangkok?
At Thai Travel Clinic, the vaccine itself currently costs THB 327 to THB 390 per dose. Regular-hour doctor, hospital and injection fees are additional.
What is the pre-exposure rabies vaccine schedule?
Current CDC pre-exposure guidance uses two vaccine doses, given on days 0 and 7. People with ongoing long-term exposure risk may need later antibody testing or a booster.
What is the rabies vaccine schedule after a bite?
The schedule depends on previous vaccination and the protocol used. Current CDC intramuscular guidance for previously unvaccinated people uses vaccine on days 0, 3, 7 and 14, together with rabies immunoglobulin when indicated. Thailand may also use recognized intradermal regimens.
Where can tourists get a rabies vaccine in Thailand?
Rabies vaccines are available at hospitals throughout Thailand. CDC states that pre-exposure and post-exposure vaccine and human rabies immunoglobulin are readily available in all provincial and most district hospitals. Bangkok also has the Thai Travel Clinic at Mahidol University's Hospital for Tropical Diseases.
Can I get a rabies vaccine in Phuket?
Yes. Hospitals and clinics in Phuket provide rabies vaccination. Bangkok Hospital Siriroj currently advertises preventive rabies vaccination for THB 999 at several Bangkok Phuket Clinic branches.
How much does rabies immunoglobulin cost in Thailand?
Thai Travel Clinic currently lists equine rabies immunoglobulin at THB 333 per 2 ml or THB 774 per 5 ml, while human rabies immunoglobulin is listed at THB 3,022 per 2 ml. The amount required depends on the patient and wounds.
Do I still need rabies vaccine after a bite if I was vaccinated before traveling?
Yes, you still need prompt medical assessment. Previously vaccinated people generally require booster vaccine after a qualifying exposure, although they usually do not need rabies immunoglobulin.
Should I get a rabies vaccine before traveling to Thailand?
It depends on your expected animal exposure and ability to obtain prompt medical treatment. CDC recommends considering pre-exposure vaccination for travelers with increased animal exposure risk or those who may have difficulty accessing appropriate post-exposure care quickly.
What should I do if a dog bites me in Thailand?
Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water and seek medical assessment promptly. Do not wait for symptoms or delay treatment while trying to determine whether the dog has rabies.
Sources
Writer
Niran Chaiyasit
Niran Chaiyasit is a Thai health writer with a background in public health and a focus on travel health, disease prevention and healthcare access in Thailand. His work covers topics such as common illnesses, vaccinations, mosquito-borne diseases, food safety and practical health information for travelers and expatriates.
Medical review
Justin Brooks
Daniel Brooks is an American health writer with a background in health sciences and a focus on rehabilitation, musculoskeletal health and patient education. He writes about physiotherapy, injury recovery, pain management, preventive health and practical healthcare guidance for international patients and travelers.
