Thailand travel with nut allergy.

Anon Imperfect Mum

Thailand travel with nut allergy.

Hi all.
We are planning on travelling overseas to Thailand later in the year.
Has anyone travelled to Thailand with a severe nut allergy? Anaphylactic requiring an epi pen.
How did you manage this? I believe a lot of foods would be cooked using peanut oil etc.
I know you could ask at the restaurant, it just worries me not being able to speak the language and being misunderstood etc.
Thanks in advance.

Posted in:  Health & Wellbeing

4 Replies

Anon Imperfect Mum

This would be really scary in Thailand. Yes they cook with peanut oil and also use peanuts in a lot of their food, even cakes and sweets. Fortunately they also use a lot of palm oil. I would get the Thai translation, written in Thai script, printed to show, to make sure the message is conveyed. I would also find out where your nearest western hospital is, and write a card saying - take me to ‘name of hospital’ Anaphylaxis to peanuts. Again print it in English and Thai so a waitress or driver can read it.
I still wouldn’t trust that street vendors really understand cross-contamination. I would stick to resort and higher class restaurants. I would also let your resort know in advance.

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Anon Imperfect Mum

I would stick to the western restaurants (though that sucks) and as above, have cards written out in Thai - also with the location of your epi-pen - like "front pocket of handbag, inject with orange end"
Cross contamination will be a serious risk. Even the ice-cream vendors all have peanut flavoured products.

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Anon Imperfect Mum

My friend takes a lot of food or buys supermarket food, so she always has safe foods on hand.
It’s a very real risk and awareness of allergens is pretty poor.
Take multiple epi-pens

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Anon Imperfect Mum

Hmmm I personally wouldn’t trust anywhere if your reaction is severe!!! Nuts were in everything. I would go to a English speaking country with high food standards. Good luck.

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