Stay sun-safe in Thailand

Getting away from gloomy weather to enjoy time in the sun is one of the many advantages of a holiday in Thailand. Although it can be tempting to lap up as much of that Thai sunshine as possible during your stay, there are some sensible precautions to take. Even for repeat visitors to Thailand, adjusting to the heat and humidity can take a few days. If you’re a first-time visitor, don’t underestimate the strength of the sun in Thailand. 

The UV index indicates the strength of the sun’s rays. In Thailand, the UV averages a rating between 11 and 12 (which is considered extremely high). This compares to an average of 6 to 7 in the UK during the summer. Advice from healthcare professionals is that you should wear sunscreen. However, don’t rely on sunscreen alone. Dressing for the heat is another important consideration for staying sun-safe in Thailand. 

Choose the right sunscreen

Even on cloudy days in Thailand, UV levels remain high, so don’t skip the sunscreen. Apply it before heading out and keep a travel-sized bottle in your day bag for reapplication throughout the day. While sunscreen is widely available in Thailand, it can be more expensive than in Europe, especially if you’re used to picking it up on a 2-for-1 deal in the UK or Ireland. Bringing your preferred brand from home can save you money and ensure you’re well protected. If you need to buy sunscreen in Thailand, there are branches of Boots in bigger malls and cities. Even more widespread in Thailand, the Watsons chain stocks a wide range of skincare products, including sunscreen.

The NHS has advice about sunscreens on its website. Some of the key points they list are:

• Sunscreen should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to protect against UVB and at least 4-star UVA protection.
• Make sure the sunscreen is not past its expiry date.
• Do not spend any longer in the sun than you would without sunscreen.
• Do not rely on sunscreen alone to protect yourself from the sun.
• Wear suitable clothing, sunglasses, and spend time in the shade when the sun’s at its hottest.  
• Take extra care with children.

Reef-safe sunscreen

In 2021, Thailand implemented stricter regulations to protect its coral reefs. Sunscreens containing harmful chemicals that can damage marine ecosystems are now banned in all of Thailand’s national parks. To help preserve these fragile environments, please avoid using or bringing sunscreens that contain any of the following ingredients:

• 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (4MBC)
• Butylparaben
• Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3, BP-3)
• Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate)

Instead, look for reef-safe sunscreen or one which uses mineral-based products such as zinc oxide.

When visiting Thailand’s marine national parks, beaches and islands, travellers are encouraged to use reef-safe sunscreen. However, identifying truly reef-safe products isn’t always straightforward. To address this issue, a new certification system known as Reef Protection Factor (RPF) has been introduced.

Just as sunscreens carry an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating to indicate protection against UV rays, the RPF rating is designed to show how safe a product is for marine life. Developed in collaboration with the University of Derby, RPF is an official certification mark based on rigorous scientific testing.

Products certified with the RPF label have been shown to have no measurable harmful effects on coral reefs. As awareness grows, it’s hoped that RPF labelling will become a trusted standard which helps consumers choose products that are not only safe for their skin but also safe for the ocean. In April 2025, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) partnered with Coral Care, an RPF-certified sunscreen by Stream2Sea. The partnership has included a free sunscreen giveaway at Thai beach locations to encourage more travellers to use reef-safe products. Find out more here.

Dressing for the Thai heat

Loose-fitting linen or cotton clothing is ideal for Thailand’s tropical climate. Loose garments allow air to circulate between your skin and the fabric, helping sweat to evaporate more efficiently. While many believe light colours are cooler, it’s the fit that matters most. Technical hot-weather fabrics (often used in golf or athletic wear) can also be a smart choice.

Even if you’re not usually a hat wearer, consider packing a wide-brimmed one to protect your face and neck from the sun and wear UV-protective sunglasses.

9 of the best ways to beat the heat in Thailand

Keep your shirt on and respect local culture
Going shirtless away from the beach is not appropriate. Unless you are at a beach or pool area, men should keep their shirts on. Topless sunbathing by women is not culturally acceptable.

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