Send medicine from Europe toThailand

[daejung]

Hello,

 

When preparing my baggage for my current travel to Thailand, I left homee some medicine which I need.

 

My family is willing to send then to me but I have few questions :

 

1- Is it legal to receive medicine by mail ?

2- If legal would I be charged with taxes, VAT or else, and if not  legal what would happen ?

 

I can order this medicine at a pharmacy in Bangkok (I asked Boots) but for the duration of my stay it is very expensive. In France I got them for free.

 

Thanks

[Lorry]

First of all, ask at a real pharmacy,  not at Boots. Even better, ask at a cheap pharmacy. PS 15 pharmacy in Sukhumvit soi 15, for example.  Nowadays,  there are many cheap pharmacies,  where are you located?

 

Second, what medicine are you talking about?

You are not supposed to send any medicine here by mail, but if it's a limited amount of some innocuous stuff (no opioids, for example), sent by mail, not courier, maybe nobody cares.

It's always better and more legal if someone traveling here brings it with him.

 

Third,  some (few) European travel insurances cover this situation and will get your stuff here for you.

 

[daejung]

Thanks for your anwser.

 

I am staying in Silom.

 

The medicine is innocuous. It is Permixon used to to treat symptoms related to benign prostatic enlargement.
It would be 2  boxes with 180 pills each for 90 days treatment.

11 hours ago, Lorry said:

maybe nobody cares.

What would happen if they cared ? They would just confiscate it of would I get in trouble ?

I just felt it was stupid to pay a high price (arround 190 euros at Boots' price for something I had for free).

 

In France I need a prescription from my doctor.
Apparently no prescription is needed in Bangkok. It takes 3 days fro them  to get it.

Edited November 4 by daejung

[Smokin Joe]

About two months ago I had a package with a few clothing items and also a couple bottles of Metformin. I had to go to the customs office in Laem Chabang and open the package for inspection. Customs form had fairly accurate list of contents and the Metformin was described as "Supplements". No medications or supplements can legally be mailed to Thailand without a import license.

 

They didn't just confiscate the contraband item. The entire package was confiscated. The lady I dealt with actually offered to wait to finalize their actions if I wanted to go get an import license. She even told me the office I would need to go to wasn't very far away. I didn't bother since I figured that it probably would be a waste of time.

 

There was no issue with any fines, just lost the package. They said it would be returned to sender.

[daejung]

40 minutes ago, Smokin Joe said:

They didn't just confiscate the contraband item. The entire package was confiscated. The lady I dealt with actually offered to wait to finalize their actions if I wanted to go get an import license. She even told me the office I would need to go to wasn't very far away. I didn't bother since I figured that it probably would be a waste of time.

 

There was no issue with any fines, just lost the package. They said it would be returned to sender.

 

OK Thanks

Better not to bother with this then
I will buy in Thailand and follow Lorry's advise

 

Edited November 4 by daejung

[daejung]

12 hours ago, Lorry said:

Even better, ask at a cheap pharmacy. PS 15 pharmacy in Sukhumvit soi 15, for example.  

 

 

 

I understand this pharmacy is cheaper than Boots but are the prices cheaper than in any other "real" pharmacy like Chula MD Pharmacy 942 25 Rama IV Rd, Si Phraya, Bang Rak which is much closer to my place ? 

[Sheryl]

30 minutes ago, daejung said:

 

I understand this pharmacy is cheaper than Boots but are the prices cheaper than in any other "real" pharmacy like Chula MD Pharmacy 942 25 Rama IV Rd, Si Phraya, Bang Rak which is much closer to my place ? 

No and that pharmacy (Chula) is a good choice for actual pharnaceuticals.

 

However what you are taking is an hetbal supplement (Saw Palmetto).  These are usually best bought online from Lazada or Shoppee.

 

Dose equivalence may be an issue. I don't think you can find Permixon brand hete. 

 

 

[daejung]

6 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

No and that pharmacy (Chula) is a good choice for actual pharnaceuticals.

 

However what you are taking is an hetbal supplement (Saw Palmetto).  These are usually best bought online from Lazada or Shoppee.

 

Dose equivalence may be an issue. I don't think you can find Permixon brand hete. 

 

 

Thanks.

Equivalence/ generic is a not a problem but buying in a pharmacy is probably safer, even with generic. Many fake/counterfeit drugs online.

They have Permixon in Thailand. Boots could get it within 3 days

[Lorry]

Sheryl is right.

Chula MD is a good and cheap place to ask.

Saw Palmetto is available here (I think even the brand Permixon is available), in the usual dose of 160mg.

But not cheap.  Cheaper online: Lazada, shopee, iherb.

[daejung]

6 minutes ago, Lorry said:

Cheaper online: Lazada, shopee, iherb.

Thanks

But is it safe on Lazada ? Real drugs?

 

You seem to be knowing Permixon

Edited November 4 by daejung

[Sheryl]

21 minutes ago, daejung said:

Thanks

But is it safe on Lazada ? Real drugs?

 

You seem to be knowing Permixon

There really isn't much market for counterfeit saw palmetto here. Not enough for it to be worth anyone's while.  ED drugs etc yes   this sort if supplement, no. 

 

I buy supplements like fish oil, calcium  etc online all the time. Never had a problem. 

 

But I don't see Permixon  brand in Lazada or  Shopee. 

[daejung]

18 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

But I don't see Permixon  brand in Lazada or  Shopee. 

Neither did I

[Puccini]

2 hours ago, Smokin Joe said:

About two months ago I had a package with a few clothing items and also a couple bottles of Metformin. I had to go to the customs office in Laem Chabang and open the package for inspection. Customs form had fairly accurate list of contents and the Metformin was described as "Supplements". No medications or supplements can legally be mailed to Thailand without a import license.

...

 

Was this package sent via postal mail?

[Smokin Joe]

2 hours ago, Puccini said:

 

Was this package sent via postal mail?

Yes. I have had meds sent for years by mail with no issues but but if they catch it it is a PITA.

[daejung]

3 hours ago, Smokin Joe said:

Yes. I have had meds sent for years by mail with no issues but but if they catch it it is a PITA.

Was the description of the content different when they noticed your parcel ? 

Edited November 4 by daejung

[Smokin Joe]

31 minutes ago, daejung said:

Was the description of the content different when they noticed your parcel ? 

 

Customs form had fairly accurate list of contents and the Metformin was described as "Supplements"

[Peterphuket]

I wouldn't take the risk.

I tried high blood pressure pills once, but never arrived.

[daejung]

My doctor answered me by email that Permixon was not essential (only more urination) but I preferred to buy it anyway at Chula MD Pharmacy .

 

It cost 490 THB for 30 tablets, around 13.40 euros. 625 THB at Boots.

 

In France it costs 15 € for 60 tablets, which I need for one month,  and I don't pay.

[daejung]

On 11/4/2024 at 12:15 PM, Smokin Joe said:

..... I had to go to the customs office in Laem Chabang and open the package for inspection.

...

I didn't bother since I figured that it probabThere was no issue with any fines, just lost the package. They said it would be returned to sender.

What would have happened if you didn't go to the Customs ?

If in all cases you cannot get your parcel, maybe better to try and not get there if they don't force you to ?

[Paris333]

Since you are European citizen under doctors medication you have any right to take your prescription drugs in your journey to Thailand.

If you want go to interprenders to translate your medical prescription drug in order to avoid any stupid wise guy from tax authorities to pay taxes for your health.....

If Thai Tax Authorities insist to pay taxes for your prescription drug then call Royal Thai Police to register the event and take their report number of registration.

Do not shout ar cry but to be polite explaining them that your drugs are for your own life!

 

[richard_smith237]

No issues....   

 

I get medication sent out every few months... usually wrapped up in a pair of new socks !!!

 

I've been doing this for a few years without issue.

[Sheryl]

13 minutes ago, Paris333 said:

Since you are European citizen under doctors medication you have any right to take your prescription drugs in your journey to Thailand.

If you want go to interprenders to translate your medical prescription drug in order to avoid any stupid wise guy from tax authorities to pay taxes for your health.....

If Thai Tax Authorities insist to pay taxes for your prescription drug then call Royal Thai Police to register the event and take their report number of registration.

Do not shout ar cry but to be polite explaining them that your drugs are for your own life!

 

1. There is no right to import pharmaceuticals by mail, and in fact it is illegal without an FDA license. 

 

2. Pharmaceuticals are not  exempt from import tax.  In fact  significant duty is levied on imported medications which is why they are so costly in Thailand.  Medical appliances also are not exempt from import tax...regardless of how necessary they may be. 

[Upnotover]

22 minutes ago, Paris333 said:

Since you are European citizen under doctors medication you have any right to take your prescription drugs in your journey to Thailand.

Possibly but in this case he forgot them.  And he doesn't have the "right" to import them by mail.

[NicoBKK]

I use Xatral, same indications.

Available at pharmacy down Ploen Chit, 950 THB (elsewhere is 1400).

 

[Lorry]

I just happened to see a stall (at Lotus) selling Saw Palmetto 160mg (same dosage as OP) from the brand "now", 90 tablets for 1190B. 

It would be easy and certainly cheaper to buy it yourself from iherb.com, delivery takes about 9 days (much faster than what iherb says).

This kind of stalls selling vitamins etc are quite common in the shopping centers.