Tap Water in Thailand: Can You Drink It? (2025 Safety Guide)

One of the most common questions tourists ask before arriving in Thailand is: “Can I drink the tap water?” While Thailand offers many modern conveniences, tap water safety remains a valid concern in 2025. In this guide, we’ll break down whether it’s safe to drink, what locals do, and how to stay hydrated safely while traveling.

Is Tap Water in Thailand Safe to Drink?

No, tap water in Thailand is generally not considered safe to drink. Although municipal water is treated at the source, the problem lies in old pipes, local infrastructure, and potential contamination during distribution. Even locals avoid drinking straight from the tap.

What Locals Do

Most Thai residents use water filters at home or rely on refillable water jugs delivered weekly. Others boil tap water for drinking or use bottled water. At restaurants and cafés, water served is typically filtered or bottled—especially in tourist areas.

What Tourists Should Do

• Buy sealed bottled water from 7-Eleven, Family Mart, or supermarkets
• Avoid brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth with tap water in remote areas
• Never drink water directly from the sink in hotels or public bathrooms
• Carry a reusable bottle and refill it from filtered water stations or trusted sources

Is Ice in Thailand Safe?

Yes, commercially produced ice (cylindrical with a hole in the middle) is generally safe and widely used across Thailand. This ice is made from filtered water and is safe to use in drinks at restaurants and cafés. Avoid ice made at home in rural areas unless you’re sure it’s from clean water.

Can I Brush My Teeth with Tap Water?

In major cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, brushing your teeth with tap water is generally considered low risk. However, if you have a sensitive stomach or are in rural areas, use bottled or filtered water just to be safe.

Water Refill Stations

You’ll find blue or white coin-operated water refill machines in many neighborhoods. These use filtration systems and are commonly used by locals. If you’re staying long-term or want to reduce plastic waste, this is a cheap and eco-friendly option. Just ensure the machine looks clean and maintained.

Conclusion

While Thailand’s tap water isn’t drinkable, staying hydrated is easy with bottled or filtered options. Bottled water is cheap and widely available, and most hotels offer complimentary drinking water daily. To avoid illness, always choose sealed or filtered water and use extra caution in rural areas. With a few precautions, you’ll stay safe and hydrated throughout your trip.