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While it has been reported that tap water in
Bangkok and major urban cities exceeds world standards for drinking water,
and the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority has made a strong effort to exceed
the World Health Organization standards by 1999, in some places the water
that comes out of the tap is still questionable, this is because the
contamination in any section of the piping system may have occurred.
In 2004, access to improved drinking has been
almost 100% in both urban and rural areas in Thailand. Household water
connection has been reported to be at 85% and 16% in urban and rural areas,
respectively*.
Despite good
access to safe drinking water, travellers are recommended:
· Not to drink water from a tap, only boiled or
bottled water (preferably bottles that can be recycled) should be consumed.
· If in doubt, request hot Chinese tea or a soft drink
(clean containers, original bottle or cans).
· Avoid ice cubes and crushed ice.
· Make sure you drink enough; some experts recommend
at least one litre a day**.
The most important health rule is for people
to think carefully about what they eat and drink.
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** UN ESCAP Information Guide, March 2007.
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