Medication rules for travelling to Thailand: what you need to know

[CharlieH]

Planning a trip to Thailand? If you’re bringing medication, understanding the country’s strict regulations is key to avoiding issues at customs. Here’s a quick guide to ensure your travel plans go smoothly.

Can you bring your medication to Thailand?

Yes, travellers can bring personal medications, but limits apply based on the drug type. Non-controlled drugs are permitted for up to 90 days, while controlled substances like narcotics and psychotropics must not exceed 30 days. Controlled medications may require a permit from the Thai FDA before travel.

Examples of controlled substances:

●     Narcotics (Category 2): Codeine, morphine, and oxycodone (permit required).

●     Psychotropic substances (Categories 2–4): Alprazolam, diazepam, and methylphenidate (prescription required).

For narcotics, apply for a permit (Form IC-2) at least two weeks prior to your trip via the Thai FDA’s website.

 

 

 

Guidance for Travelers under Treatment Carrying Personal Medications

Containing Narcotic Drugs into/out of Thailand

Travel-friendly medication essentials

 

Pack basic medicines for common issues:

            •           Pain relief: Paracetamol or ibuprofen.

            •           Allergies: Cetirizine or loratadine.

            •           Stomach troubles: Loperamide for diarrhoea.

            •           Motion sickness: Dimenhydrinate.

For trips to rural or high-risk malaria zones, ask your doctor about preventive medication like doxycycline. Don’t forget to update vaccines such as Hepatitis A, Typhoid, or Japanese Encephalitis before you go.

 

Malaria and vaccinations

If you’re travelling to areas with malaria, ask your doctor about prophylactics like doxycycline. Vaccinations are also crucial for staying protected. Common recommendations for Thailand include:

●     Hepatitis A: Prices range from 1,500 to 1,700 baht (covered with no copay at pharmacies).

●     Typhoid: Costs are typically 1,000 to 1,200 baht.

●     Japanese Encephalitis: Expenses may be around 2,500 to 2,800 baht.

These vaccines are available at hospitals like Bumrungrad, Bangkok Hospital, and Samitivej. International health insurance, such as Cigna’s plans, can help offset or even eliminate vaccination costs with potential $0 copays at select hospitals.

 

🎉 The Black Friday deal is back for a limited time! 🎉

 

Exclusively for you, you can lock in current 2024 rates and avoid the 2025 price hike on international health insurance. Plus, you’ll get a FREE quote to help you secure coverage that suits your needs.

 

This is your chance to enjoy peace of mind while saving big on health coverage tailored for expats. But don’t wait—this offer is only available until the end of December!

 

Last chance offer: 10% off for life!

Get 10% off your expat plan for the lifetime of your policy!

T&Cs apply*

Prohibited medications

Some drugs, such as narcotics (Categories 1 and 5) and psychotropic substances (Category 1), are entirely banned. Examples include amphetamine and GHB. Always double-check the Thai FDA’s website for updates.

 

Helpful tips for medication packing

            •           Keep medications in original packaging with clear labels.

            •           Carry prescriptions and doctor’s notes for controlled substances.

            •           Apply for permits early if bringing narcotics.

            •           Pack a travel kit with painkillers, antihistamines, and emergency meds like an inhaler or EpiPen.

Long-term health insurance for peace of mind

Staying in Thailand for an extended period? International health insurance offers crucial benefits like coverage for prescriptions, vaccinations, and medical emergencies. Plans from providers like Cigna include in-patient and out-patient care, mental health support, and even emergency medical evacuation.

 

Last chance offer: 10% off for life!

Get 10% off your expat plan for the lifetime of your policy!

T&Cs apply*

Don’t wait—prices often rise at the start of the new year! Secure your plan now before 2025 prices kick in.

 

*Cigna Healthcare reserves the right to amend or withdraw a promotion at any time without notice. This promotion ends on November 30th, 2024. This 10% discount will apply for the lifetime of the policy and is only eligible to new Cigna Global Individual customers. The discount may only be applied by a sales agent and cannot be applied in conjunction with any other offer, except the 10% discount given to policies paid annually in full. If you choose to pay your policy annually in full, your 10% discount will be applied after the 10% annual discount has been applied. Only Cigna Global Individual Policies are eligible for the 10% discount. A minimum purchase value of $2000 for policies based in Europe is applicable. Policies based in the rest of the world require a minimum purchase value of $3000 to be eligible. 

Summary of original article by The Thaiger

[VBF]

Just an "FYI" for those interested in this subject.

I usually travel from UK via Dubai where the drug laws are VERY strict and I would think detection is VERY efficient.

 

For my last 3 trips to Thailand, I've had to bring 2 months supply of heart and anti-stroke medications.

There are 6 different tablets plus a spray - none of the items is on any controlled or  banned list but I also have a document listing what they are and what each ones purpose is.

As these are prescribed by my NHS doctor, they are in packaging with my name on.

I always get and print a current prescription, which I keep with the medication and above document all in a clearly labelled bag.

This bag is in my hand-carry (obviously)

 

I'm posting this because this is what I've actually done, and plan to repeat, as opposed to theoretical advice,

(no offence @CharlieH ) and I've (so far) never been stopped anywhere on the journey.

[Yagoda]

I just bring 90 days in with my Thai prescription with it

[hgma]

Underestimated subject.

While i travel frequently to Laos, i never been stopped or questioned, yet always be prepared they will one day, a separate medical kit when one needs a lot of medication,(heart for example) with all necessary meds and documentation helps them and yourself.

Travel safely

HGMA

[Wuvu2]

True by the letter of the law, but in three decades I've never heard of anyone being hassled by thai customs for their personal medications. If I was still in my 20's with a pony tail I'd worry more. Has anyone ever even been questioned by customs on this kind of thing? 

 

If they are going through your toiletries they must have some other major cause of suspicion.  For the most part customs is after sneaky HiSo Thais bringing in wine and designer goods to avoid taxes. 

[Lacessit]

I have brought in six month's worth of medications many times over the space of 12 years. I've never been stopped or questioned concerning them.

 

I do carry a letter from my Australian GP which explains their purpose.

 

While there may be regulations, there does not seem to be any enforcement. A bit like the road rules.

[john donson]

if you are on 'dangerous' meds, maybe better stay home

[Aland]

In 15 years of coming and going, I’ve never even encountered nor spoken to a Thai customs agent, never mind have them look through my stuff.

[Chivas]

On 12/13/2024 at 12:21 AM, Wuvu2 said:

True by the letter of the law, but in three decades I've never heard of anyone being hassled by thai customs for their personal medications.

 

 

 

Into 33rd year of visiting (around 170 trips) only once have customs stopped me coming out of arrival hall

I was so astonished I said what me lol

 

It was completely random

 

Put main bag through scanner though needn't have bothered as the guy viewing the screen was clearly asleep

 

I do bring in 2 months of Tramadol supply which is the most GP will issue at one time in the UK....when I need more I just buy OTC