- Thailand's Drug Act sorts medicines into categories that decide whether a pharmacist must be on duty and whether a prescription is needed.
- Travellers can usually bring up to 30 days' supply of a prescribed, non-controlled medicine, in its original labelled packaging with a doctor's letter or prescription.
- Some narcotic and psychotropic medicines need a permit from the Thai FDA, applied for online at least two weeks before travel.
- The UK government notes that hospitals and pharmacies will usually accept UK prescriptions, and warns that medicines sold on the street may not be genuine.
- Being able to buy a medicine over the counter does not make it safe for you; ask a pharmacist or doctor before starting anything new.
How pharmacies work in Thailand
Pharmacies are easy to find in Thai towns and cities, from independent shops to chains in shopping centres and convenience-store strips. Hospitals also run their own pharmacies, which dispense medicines prescribed by their doctors. For many minor problems, people in Thailand go straight to a pharmacist rather than a doctor.
Thai law distinguishes between types of drugstore. A 2020 study of Thailand's drug classification describes two: community pharmacies, which must have a pharmacist on duty during opening hours and can stock the full range of medicines, and a more limited type of drugstore run by certified non-pharmacists that sells a restricted list of non-prescription items. The study notes that new licences for the second type have not been issued since 2005.
If you want advice, ask to speak to the pharmacist and check that they are the person on duty. Tell them about any other medicines you take, allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and long-term conditions. Keep the packaging and the leaflet if there is one; ask for an English label or written instructions if you cannot read the Thai.
Which medicines need a prescription?
Thailand's Drug Act groups medicines into categories. The study we read summarises them as household remedies, which are the least restricted; non-dangerous and dangerous drugs, which are sold without a prescription but with different requirements for who must be present; and specially controlled drugs, which correspond to prescription-only medicines. A large share of medicines falls into the dangerous-drug category, which a pharmacist can sell without a doctor's prescription.
In practice, this means some medicines that need a prescription in other countries can be bought at a Thai pharmacy after a conversation with the pharmacist, while others, including many injectables and some psychiatric and pain medicines, need a prescription. Narcotic and psychotropic substances are controlled under separate laws and are tightly restricted.
Being able to buy a medicine without a prescription does not mean it is right for you. Antibiotics are a common example: taking them for viral illnesses does not help and contributes to resistance. The UK government warns that taking medication without medical advice or a prescription can have serious health consequences. If symptoms are severe, persistent or unusual, see a doctor.
Using a prescription from home
The UK government's travel advice says hospitals and pharmacies across Thailand will usually accept UK prescriptions. Bring a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor that lists each medicine by its generic name, as brand names differ between countries, along with the dose and what it is for.
For a long stay, it is often simpler to see a doctor in Thailand who can review your treatment and prescribe locally. Book that appointment well before you run out. A Thai prescription will name the locally available version of the medicine, which may look different from what you are used to; ask the pharmacist to confirm it contains the same active ingredient at the same strength.
Buy medicines only from pharmacies and hospitals. The UK government warns that medication sold on the street may not be genuine or may have been stolen. Be wary of very cheap versions of branded medicines and of any product with damaged or unfamiliar packaging.
Bringing your own medicines into Thailand
The Royal Thai Embassy in London explains that most prescription medicines that are not controlled drugs are likely to be classed as medication preparations under the Drug Act B.E. 2510 (1967). For these, travellers can bring a supply of no more than 30 days of prescribed use. Keep them in their original labelled containers, and carry a letter or prescription from your doctor.
If you need more than 30 days' supply, or you are unsure how your medicine is classified, contact the Thai Food and Drug Administration's Bureau of Drug Control before you travel; the embassy page gives its contact details. Do not post medicines to yourself in Thailand without checking the rules first.
Controlled drugs: when you need a permit
Thai drug laws are strict, and some medicines that are routine elsewhere, including certain strong painkillers, ADHD medicines, sleeping tablets and anxiety medicines, contain narcotic or psychotropic substances that Thailand controls. The UK government and the Australian Embassy both advise checking a medicine's status before travel.
The Thai FDA runs a dedicated site for travellers, permitfortraveler.fda.moph.go.th, with restriction documents, a 'Check the Drug' search and a list of controlled substances. According to the Royal Thai Embassy in London, if your medicine falls into Category 2 of the controlled-drug list, you need an FDA permit. Apply online at least two weeks before travel; the embassy says processing takes 3 to 5 working days, the application should be made on a computer rather than a phone, and the permit is emailed to you to print and show at the customs channel on arrival.
Search by the generic name of each medicine, and check again before every trip, since rules and lists are updated. Carry your doctor's letter and the permit together with the medicine in your hand luggage. If you take a controlled medicine for a mental health condition, our mental health guide covers how to arrange ongoing care in Thailand.
Before you travel with medicines
- List each medicine by generic name, dose and purpose in a letter from your doctor.
- Check each medicine on the Thai FDA's traveller site before booking flights.
- Apply for a permit at least two weeks ahead if a medicine is on the controlled list.
- Pack no more than 30 days' supply of non-controlled medicines unless you have checked otherwise.
- Keep medicines in original labelled packaging in your hand luggage.
- Plan a local doctor's appointment before your supply runs out.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy prescription medicines without a prescription in Thailand?
Some medicines that need a prescription elsewhere can be sold by a Thai pharmacist without one, but others, including specially controlled drugs and narcotic or psychotropic medicines, cannot. Ask a pharmacist or doctor before starting anything new.
How much medicine can I bring into Thailand?
For non-controlled prescription medicines, the Royal Thai Embassy in London says up to 30 days of prescribed use, in original packaging with a doctor's letter or prescription. Controlled medicines may need a permit.
Do I need a permit for my medicine?
If it contains a narcotic or psychotropic substance on Thailand's controlled list, you may. Check it on the Thai FDA's traveller site, permitfortraveler.fda.moph.go.th, and apply at least two weeks before travel.
Will a Thai pharmacy accept my UK prescription?
The UK government says hospitals and pharmacies across Thailand will usually accept UK prescriptions. Bring a copy that lists generic names and doses.
Are medicines sold on the street safe?
The UK government warns that medication sold on the street may not be genuine or may have been stolen. Buy medicines from pharmacies and hospitals only.
Sources
- Royal Thai Embassy, London — Bringing medications to Thailand
- Thai FDA, Narcotics Control Division — Permits for travellers carrying controlled medicines
- Risk Management and Healthcare Policy (2020) — Prescription and non-prescription drug classification systems: lessons for Thailand
- GOV.UK — Thailand travel advice: Health
- GOV.UK — Healthcare and medical services in Thailand
- Australian Embassy Thailand — Medical information
