Will there be problems bringing 1-year supply of medication, including supplements, in my luggage when entering on visa-exempt entry (that shall later change to non-o + 1 year extension based on marriage)? What about diamond ring?

[wml22]

I take low-dose naltrexone for an auto-immune disease. LDN is a widely recognized and in Europe commonly prescribed medication for immune disorders, but from my research it's not compounded in Thailand. I want to avoid the potential hassle of trying to import it from India for at least my first year in the country, by bringing a one year supply in my luggage when I arrive into the Phuket airport for the sandbox program. 

 

1) Will a doctor's prescription be needed to prevent the medication from being confiscated by customs? Do I also need a doctor's note explaining everything I'm bringing (including the supplements) in addition to being able to show a prescription document?

 

2) Will a doctor's note for a 1 year prescription be seen as a problem when my visa-exempt entry will not yet have been changed to a non-o 1 year extension at the time that I'm arriving? (I.e. is the incongruity between the prescription length and the "duration of stay" in Thailand going to be a problem?)

 

3) Will the x-ray scanning machines pick up that I have all these pill bottles inside the suitcases, or will the bottles only be noticed if my luggage is randomly subjected to being manually inspected and opened?

 

4) Is it a better idea to pack the medication and supplements in only the checked bags, or in the carry-on? Or is it better to split evenly among the three bags (e.g. if there are 24 bottles total, should I put 8 pill bottles in each suitcase/bag if I am bringing two checked bags and one carry-on)?

 

5) Is there any risk that customs will try to extort import taxes out of me on the medications?

 

6) I plan to bring a diamond engagement ring for my girlfriend since this is the visit in which we're getting married. Is there any risk that customs at the airport of arrival will steal the ring, or try to impose an import tax on the ring being brought into the country? Is the risk of theft or extortive taxes reduced if I wear the ring on my hand for the trip until I'm through the airport? (If I wear the ring on my hand will I be forced to remove it into a tray when passing through a body scanning machine for security?)  Or is it better to keep the ring in my carry-on bag?

 

I wouldn't feel as nervous coming into Thailand back in 2014 or even 2018 but based on what I read, the environment seems to have gotten much worse in Thailand and there's the added factor that it's not just a risk with the medication+supplements, but also the diamond ring (perhaps an issue with the medication draws attention to the ring as a target of extortion for sin-bon in the form of unjustified import taxes, or vice-versa). It would be a big help and I'd be very grateful if anyone has tried to brings these kinds of things into Thailand recently and can advise on what the safest methods would be for reducing the risk of having problems.

Edited August 5, 2021 by wml22

[ezzra]

I'm about to bring 6 month supply of my meds that are either hard to find or exuberantly expensive in Thailand but i have my GP letter authorizing such stockpile, other than that there's nothing you can do if you will face a hard*ss custom's dude who will insists that you will provide him with sorts of silly import documentations and pay huge import tax...

[Crossy]

The official line is 1 month with a prescription assuming the medications are not actually banned in Thailand. How many pills is a year's worth, a couple of bottles of 100 in a checked bag probably won't raise any eyebrows. The issue with large quantities is that the authorities will assume it's for resale, an import licence is required and you will never get one.

 

EDIT You might score with the information on this page 

https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/page/bringing-medications-to-thailand?menu=5d6636cd15e39c3bd00072e7

 

A quick search brought up this from @Sheryl in another thread.

 

Ring obviously in your carry-on well hidden at the bottom to prevent it wandering. Customs likely won't be interested. 

[Crossy]

Another post from @Sheryl

 

 

 

[Sheryl]

58 minutes ago, Crossy said:

The official line is 1 month with a prescription assuming the medications are not actually banned in Thailand.

 

Actually 3 months, not 1.

 

As long as the quantities look consistent with personal use (i.e. not a suitcase full) , they usually don't fuss about quantity.

 

There is no import duty. Worse that will happen is they may confiscate the emds or some of them if they believe quantity is excessive. (If they confiscate -- which is rare --  can get it back on leaving the country).

 

Do nto try to split it up or do anything else that looks surreptitious. Doesn't matter if checker or carry on. Just make sure it is in clearly labelled prescription bottles.

 

Also good to have a doctor's note with you - not strictly required as naltrexone is not on the narcotics list, but advisable and will also help should you need medical care here in Thailand for any reason.

 

They do not usually Xray foreigner's luggage.

[Crossy]

21 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

Actually 3 months, not 1.

 

Has that changed recently, the London embassy page I linked to says 30 days (not that it's famed for accuracy).

 

Of course I can't find to Thai customs page which actually says anything other than about alcohol and tobacco (which is undoubtably what they concentrate on, easy target, well known limits).

 

[Crossy]

25 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

They do not usually Xray foreigner's luggage.

 

Swampy now x-ray all arriving baggage before the carousel (there was a big announcement about their new machines a while back). I've been stopped and bags x-rayed at the Green Channel several times over the years.

[MeaMaximaCulpa]

I have seen a doctor at a "Functional Medicine" Hospital in Bangkok called Better Being Hospital; Dr. Worawit Kitisakronnakorn.

 

https://www.bbhhospital.com/doctors/dr-worawit-kitisakronnakorn/

 

I am pretty sure (but not 100%) that he a few months said that there is now (or will be soon) a compounding pharmacy in Bangkok that can concoct personalized supplements and medication, and I guess LDN as well (which is on my "Plan B" list). I have not used said pharmacy yet, but it is worth a try to contact Dr. Worawit. He is at BBH one day per week I think, so try to contact them and see what they say. If you cannot get hold of him via BBH, PM me.

 

If you find something of interest, it would be good if you post back here.

 

Good luck!

 

 

[poskat]

and the award for the category "longest title of a topic" goes to.....

Edited August 6, 2021 by poskat

[MrJ2U]

You can buy all that here.

 

I sent some multi vitamins by mail to where I was arriving.  There still sitting in my cupboard and have expired.

 

You want to get Cialis though, way overpriced here.

[MrJ2U]

2 hours ago, Crossy said:

 

Swampy now x-ray all arriving baggage before the carousel (there was a big announcement about their new machines a while back). I've been stopped and bags x-rayed at the Green Channel several times over the years.

Probably much easier with so few flights.

 

 

[MeaMaximaCulpa]

Forgot to say that for nutritional supplements (but not prescription medicines) there is a very good website in the US called iHerb.com.

 

They ship to Thailand, and is very good on customer service, info, refunds, etc. They also have a huge selection, so I import most of my supplements from there, and it is both cheaper and much better than trying to find things locally. If you keep each order to around 1,500 Baht or so, customs lets it through without any duty. Shipping is cheap, and often they ship for free. Before the covid, it took only 5-8 days to ship, now it is around 2-3 weeks.

[4MyEgo]

5 hours ago, wml22 said:

I want to avoid the potential hassle of trying to import it from India for at least my first year in the country, by bringing a one year supply in my luggage when I arrive into the Phuket airport for the sandbox program. 

I used to bring in 12 months supply of my heart meds when I would go back to my country of birth.

 

Always get a doctor's letter stating your condition and the meds you are prescribed.

 

Do not take them out of the packets.

 

I always carry mine with me on the plan, albeit it, I remove them from their packets and fold the packets neatly so they don't take up space, I also put an elastic around the tablets so as to keep them in neat piles, it helps creating space in the bag and then throw some clothes on top of them.

 

Just walk casually but slowly with the crowd keeping an eye on who's being pulled over and just take a wide birth.

 

I have done this a couple of times, no issues, and to be honest, only ever saw one lady pulled over. 

[KannikaP]

10 minutes ago, 4MyEgo said:

Do not take them out of the packets.

 

I always carry mine with me on the plan, albeit it, I remove them from their packets and fold the packets neatly

Rather confusing advice.

[mikebell]

Your problems start with number 6 in the above list.

[BKKBike09]

5 hours ago, wml22 said:

6) I plan to bring a diamond engagement ring for my girlfriend since this is the visit in which we're getting married. Is there any risk that customs at the airport of arrival will steal the ring, or try to impose an import tax on the ring being brought into the country? Is the risk of theft or extortive taxes reduced if I wear the ring on my hand for the trip until I'm through the airport? (If I wear the ring on my hand will I be forced to remove it into a tray when passing through a body scanning machine for security?)  Or is it better to keep the ring in my carry-on bag?

 

Obviously I would not advise you how to avoid import duties etc.

 

Theoretically ... if you put the ring in your carry on, then put it + box in say a jacket pocket before you go through Customs on arrival, Customs will not ask you to put anything you are wearing through the x-ray machine. However jewellery is exactly the sort of item they look for in luggage: these guys are not stupid and know what a ring in a box looks like. 

 

I think the risk of luggage being x-rayed is quite high these days because there are so few passengers and Customs officers want something to do. I can't advise on the meds but personally I would think that, if your luggage is x-rayed, that quantity of pills will lead to questions and likely a search of all your bags. Which is when the ring would come to light if in one of said bags. 

 

If they do find the ring then you'll have to pay import duties (guesstimate 35%) based on the value. Which Customs will determine on the spot unless you have a receipt (and again they are not stupid so a receipt for "2-carat diamond ring USD 100" won't fly).

[4MyEgo]

20 minutes ago, KannikaP said:

Rather confusing advice.

Perhaps for some ?

[BritTim]

Many medications that are often expensive in Thailand are available at reasonable cost at the Diamond Pharmacy near Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok.

[Crossy]

38 minutes ago, mikebell said:

Your problems start with number 6 in the above list.

 

His is different!

 

So is mine ???? 

[phetchy]

Don't bring in anything containing Codeine.  It is banned I understand, as it is used as an additive in the process of making illegal substances (Ice I believe?)

[gt162]

I took year supply (6 bottles) of my medications in my suitcase and had no problems. Bottles stated  my name, doctor, medication, dose, etc. 

 

I also took few multivitamins/minerals bottles with no problems. 

[Iforbach]

Just to add ..not sure if it helps get doctors note @ i got my doctor rlincrease my dose on letter hence..months supply if u get my drift ..yes with few coming through xray is increased ..good luck ..i

[ivor bigun]

braught in 6 months supply of meds for years never been stopped ,

[utalkin2me]

Anything you want to do here right now, there’s problems. So yes, you will have problems. 

[spidermike007]

Should be fine. Bring in your carry on, as that is always wise with valuables. I have never had mine checked upon arrival.

[mikecha]

in Europe NL  you can get a medical passport from the farmacie  you use for prescripties 

it is a print out what you use   

i also have 1 year of medicine   but realy you must check if this is aloud in to Thailand 

things like oxycordon  pain killers is asking for trouble 

if you live els where then get a doctor certificate  take the medicine with you cabine bagage 

like others say show the  doctor ote should be fine 

 

ring  Cabine bagage 

i came through 3 weeks ago  no check just walk on 

 

[xtrnuno41]

I ve never been hold for my medicines, but ok only for 2 months, but never had questions.

Also brought bottles of vitamins with me, until now, never questions

 

Once i wanted to bring in a scythe, so then i send an email to customs Thailand to ask if this was a problem.

there was no problem, but sure took that message with me. But indeed , no problems.

 

Once i was leaving, i believe Phuket, but had a charging battery in my suitecase.

When i was about entering the plane, i saw my suitecase was out of the plane, so i go there and asked what was happening. Yes, the battery, it had to get out of the suitecase and carry on hand luggage.

Meaning it was scanned and they noticed the battery.

Weird was i had to notice it myself my suitecase was out of the plane. They didnt ask, saw it just by coincidence.  

 

I suggest for your medicines you make a list with amount and send an email to customs, if it is alright to bring them in. Then you can be sure. Bring the answering mail with you.

 

About the ring, i would suggest, keep it very close to you and dont let it out of your sight.

You could also have bought the ring in Thailand, but ok you got one now.

I bought once a ring in Thailand and kept it "hidden" in my hand luggage. Like a box in a box and then in the hand luggage, not easily accessible, but keep al times your eye on your hand luggage.

There are many things you need to do when you are passing to plane and are very easily distracted.

It is a sad if you loose the ring.

 

[head bender]

I pst mine once a year from Uk no probs

 

[ivor bigun]

2 hours ago, head bender said:

I pst mine once a year from Uk no probs

 

yes i get the other 6 months posted ,use ordinary mail ,never dhl etc

[shdmn]

In all the years I have been coming to Thailand, I have yet to have my luggage searched.  You can bring pretty much anything you want.

Edited August 6, 2021 by shdmn