Is recommended to use at least SPF 30 in Thailand.
However, my family uses SPF 50 as an extra protection.
Understand if you have never been to Thailand, you can get sun burned severely in no time at all.
Do not risk being laid up in your hotel with severe sunburn.
If you are going to be outside at all, protect yourself.
Banana Boat and Nivia SPF 50 are both available in Thailand.
If you bring your own sunscreen, please be advised the following chemicals are banned in sunscreen:
- Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3, BP-3)
- Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate)
- 4-Methylbenzylid Camphor (4MBC)
- Butylparaben
Anyone found using a sunblock product that contains these chemicals can be fined up to 100,000 Baht.
You might want to bring a wide brimmed SPF 50 hat to keep the sun off your face.
Luckily there are plenty of other reef friendly sunblock options available, and they are usually a similar price.
Probably the best well know brand in is Reef Repair. Reef Repair is marketed as being “reef safe, biodegradable, environmentally friendly, all natural, ultra-effective sun care products for you & your family”. It can be ordered online and is easily available in many shops and dive centers.
Sol Source is another Phuket based brand. It is very popular with the Phuket surf scene, and various other water sports based communities nationwide.