Is it safe to drink the ice?

Yes, in 99% of places. Most ice in Thailand is industrially produced in factories and delivered in clean bags. It is usually round, cylindrical, and has a hole in the middle.

What if I get a stomach bug?

Drink plenty of water with electrolytes, take activated charcoal, and stick to plain foods like white rice or congee for 24 hours. If symptoms persist beyond 48 hours, visit a local clinic.

Should I avoid raw meat?

Yes. Avoid any street food dishes that feature raw, marinated, or rare meats, such as raw shrimp (goong chae nam pla) or raw beef larb, unless you are at a very high-end establishment.

How to eat street food safely in Thailand

Eat only at stalls with a high turnover of local customers and food that is cooked to order in front of you. Avoid raw vegetables and ice in drinks if you are worried about your stomach, and stick to stalls where the cooking surface is visibly clean and piping hot.

Spot the local crowd. Look for stalls with a line or a steady stream of locals. High turnover means the ingredients are fresh and haven't been sitting out in the tropical heat for hours.
Prioritize high-heat cooking. Choose dishes that are fried or boiled on the spot. Wok-fired dishes (like pad kra pao) or boiling noodle soups are the safest choices because the high temperature kills most bacteria.
Audit the hygiene. Check for a clean cooking area. If the vendor handles money with the same bare hand they use to plate your food without a glove or tongs, skip it. Look for vendors who use separate utensils for raw and cooked items.
Handle raw items with caution. Avoid pre-cut fruit that has been sitting in a display case all day. Opt for whole fruit you can peel yourself, like bananas or mangosteens. If you order a salad like Som Tum, request 'mai pet' (no spice) if you have a sensitive stomach, but realize the raw veggies are harder to sanitize.
Use the condiments wisely. The jars of fish sauce, sugar, and chili flakes on the table are standard. Use them, but check that the lids are closed. Avoid raw garlic or raw chili cloves if you have a sensitive system.

Is it safe to drink the ice?: Yes, in 99% of places. Most ice in Thailand is industrially produced in factories and delivered in clean bags. It is usually round, cylindrical, and has a hole in the middle.
What if I get a stomach bug?: Drink plenty of water with electrolytes, take activated charcoal, and stick to plain foods like white rice or congee for 24 hours. If symptoms persist beyond 48 hours, visit a local clinic.
Should I avoid raw meat?: Yes. Avoid any street food dishes that feature raw, marinated, or rare meats, such as raw shrimp (goong chae nam pla) or raw beef larb, unless you are at a very high-end establishment.