- From 15 September 2026, injectable GLP-1 medicines such as semaglutide and liraglutide are specially controlled drugs in Thailand.
- Pharmacies may sell them only on a doctor's prescription, handed over by a pharmacist.
- The Thai FDA warns about fake and unregistered pens sold online and runs a Track & Trace check using the serial number on the box.
- The WHO's 2025 guideline supports GLP-1 medicines for adults with obesity under a qualified prescriber, not for pregnant women.
- Speak to a doctor about whether these medicines are suitable for you.
What changed in September 2026
The Thai FDA announced that, from 15 September 2026, injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists, popularly called 'weight-loss pens', are classed as specially controlled drugs under Ministry of Public Health Notification No. 58. The FDA names semaglutide and liraglutide among them. It says these medicines are indicated for type 2 diabetes, and that some products are used for weight control in people with obesity.
Under the new rule, licensed pharmacies may sell these injections only against a doctor's prescription, and a pharmacist must hand them over. The FDA says the aim is that patients are assessed and use the medicine appropriately, and that people already under a doctor's care can still get their medicine as normal.
Getting a prescription in Thailand
In practice, getting a GLP-1 medicine in Thailand now starts with a doctor's appointment. Hospitals with endocrinology, diabetes or weight-management clinics are the usual place to start; some health check-up centres also offer weight-management consultations. The doctor will decide whether the medicine is suitable and which product and dose to use.
Bring a record of your medical history, other medicines and any GLP-1 treatment you have used before, including product names and doses. Ask what follow-up the clinic expects, how often you will need a new prescription, what each pen costs, and whether the consultation and tests are charged separately.
Fake pens and online sales
The Thai FDA says it acted partly because of illegal sales of fake and unregistered pens, including online. It warns online sellers to follow the law, and says selling specially controlled drugs without a prescription, selling without a licence or selling unregistered drugs carries prison terms and fines. The WHO has also warned that demand for GLP-1 medicines has fuelled falsified and substandard products.
The FDA is tracking GLP-1 medicines from import to the patient through a Track & Trace system. You can check a product by entering the serial number on its box in the Track & Trace menu on the FDA's website. If no licensing record appears, or the details do not match, the FDA advises against using the product. You can report concerns on the FDA's 1556 hotline or through its Oryor Smart app.
The UK government's travel advice warns more generally that medication sold on the street may not be genuine, and that taking medication without medical advice or a prescription can have serious health consequences.
What the WHO says about GLP-1 medicines for obesity
In December 2025 the WHO issued its first guideline on GLP-1 medicines for treating obesity, covering liraglutide, semaglutide and tirzepatide. It made a conditional recommendation that these medicines may be used for long-term treatment in adults with obesity, excluding pregnant women, and noted limited data on long-term safety, stopping treatment and cost. A second conditional recommendation suggests that intensive programmes on diet and physical activity may be offered alongside.
The WHO stresses that medicines alone will not solve obesity and recommends prescription by qualified health professionals within regulated supply chains. Whether a GLP-1 medicine is right for you is a question for a doctor who knows your health.
Bringing your own GLP-1 pens to Thailand
GLP-1 medicines do not appear among the narcotic or psychotropic examples in the Thai FDA's traveller guidance. If the Thai FDA's Check the Drug tool confirms that your medicine is not on a controlled list, the Royal Thai Embassy in London says ordinary prescription medicines can be brought in a personal supply of up to 30 days of prescribed use, in original labelled containers, with a doctor's letter or prescription.
For more than 30 days, contact the Thai FDA's Bureau of Drug Control before you travel. Pens are often kept cold; check the storage instructions in the product leaflet, and ask your airline how to carry pens and needles in hand luggage.
Before you start or continue a GLP-1 medicine in Thailand
- Book a doctor's appointment; pharmacies need a prescription from 15 September 2026.
- Bring your medical history and details of any previous GLP-1 treatment.
- Check the serial number on every box with the Thai FDA's Track & Trace tool.
- Avoid pens sold online, through social media or without a prescription.
- If bringing pens from home, carry no more than 30 days' supply with a doctor's letter, unless the Thai FDA confirms otherwise.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy Ozempic over the counter in Thailand?
Not since 15 September 2026. The Thai FDA classes injectable GLP-1 medicines as specially controlled drugs, sold only on a doctor's prescription and handed over by a pharmacist.
Does the rule cover tirzepatide (Mounjaro)?
The FDA's announcement covers injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists and names semaglutide and liraglutide. Ask a doctor or pharmacist how the rule applies to a specific product.
How can I tell if a pen is genuine?
Enter the serial number on the box in the Track & Trace menu on the Thai FDA's website. If no record appears or the details do not match, the FDA advises not to use it.
Can I bring my own pens from home?
If the Thai FDA's Check the Drug tool confirms your medicine is not controlled, the Royal Thai Embassy in London says up to 30 days' supply with a doctor's letter or prescription, in original packaging.
Are weight-loss injections safe?
The WHO supports GLP-1 medicines for adults with obesity under qualified prescribers, but notes limited long-term data and excludes pregnant women. Speak to a doctor about your own situation.
Sources
- Thai FDA — GLP-1 injections become specially controlled drugs from 15 September 2026 (news, in Thai)
- World Health Organization — WHO issues global guideline on the use of GLP-1 medicines in treating obesity (1 December 2025)
- Royal Thai Embassy, London — Bringing medications to Thailand
- Thai FDA, Narcotics Control Division — Permits for travellers (Check the Drug, permit requests)
- Thai FDA — Guidance for travellers carrying medications containing narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances into Thailand (version 3, June 2020; hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- GOV.UK — Thailand travel advice: Health
