Importing Low-Dose Codeine Mixes to Thailand

[Trevor25222]

Western countries sell low-dose codeine mixes over the counter (stronger versions available on prescription too, e.g. 7.5mg per tablet OTC or 30mg prescription-level).   Codeine is a controlled drug in Thailand: can bring in 30 days' supply if declared and approved by Thai narcotics control bureau prior to travel.   A doctor's letter is not enough but might mitigate one's punishment if caught by customs officers.

 

I have brought in such mixes, with legitimate prescriptions, before the 2009 'prior permission' law and have no doubt that travellers still innocently import such 'just in case' medications all the time.   Have there been any cases of arrest in this category?   Thailand puts up a significant declaration barrier for such low-narcotic meds, whereas other tourist destinations readily accept a doctor's permission or printed prescription.   The notion of OTC low-dose narcotics is hard to convey out there; travellers entering the UAE have landed in prison if not carrying medical permission.

 

I use a prescription-strength Paracetamol-Codeine and also Tramadol, both medically prescribed, but feel it an intrusion to request permission to import in advance, and be limited to 30 days, when I could go on holiday elsewhere.   Why does Thailand think it has to be so uniquely dogmatic in these matters?   And what about resident retirees who require a constant supply?

[poanoi]

i have at least in the past bought tramadol OTC in thailand, past like 3.5 years ago

Edited April 24, 2018 by poanoi

[Swimman]

52 minutes ago, Trevor25222 said:

Why does Thailand think it has to be so uniquely dogmatic in these matters?   

 

Thailand is not unique in this respect. Try the  Gulf States for example which are much stricter than is Thailand.  FYI Australia has recently banned all OTC sales of low dose codeine preparations.

Edited April 24, 2018 by Swimman
spelling

[Sheryl]

Codeine in any strength is also a controlled substance in the US. Thailand is not so unique in this.

 

I am not privy to the decision-making processes of the Thai FDA. For whatever reason, codeine at any strength is controlled narcotic.  Tramadol (so far) is not.

 

As for resident expats, for any medication needed long-term the expectation is that they will get it locally (through a hospital in the case of codeine -- and also these days of psudeoephedrine containing decongestants!). Even for non-controlled substances you are officially limited to bringing in just a 30 day supply.

 

I don't make these rules. And I doubt very much that the people who do read this forum.

 

 

[BEVUP]

They're all following the trend, & I think Thailand had this before the Nanny country (go figure )

All due to people going around & buying hoards of it to extract the Codeine 

At one stage you had to show drivers Lisc. in Auss , but as mentioned you may have to go to doctor now ( another waste of time , money , ect ) for a relative mild medication