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.

 

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.

 

Summary of original article by The Thaiger

 

 

Essential or Complete: pick the coverage that fits your journey

 

 

[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

[sikishrory]

According to this you get a permit and then proceed through the red declaration channel on arrival.

Everyone above is saying they just enter and never get stopped.

I have also never been stopped in 14 years. Just once recently for some reason a lady looked up from her phone as I was exiting and told me to scan my bag. Once in 14 years.

I have a family member who needs to bring a weeks supply of prescribed Methadone in soon. 

Knowing what Thai bureaucracy is like I really wonder if going down through the red declaration channel with the permit is going to cause more issues for him than getting a permit and going through the green channel. If that medication gets confiscated his holiday is effectively over and he may as well stay in the airport and fly straight back.

Another thing not mentioned here is the conundrum of booking a holiday with no certainty of if you can get issued this medicine whilst in Thailand. Methadone is only prescribed in 1 week supplies. This means the travellers holiday is limited to 1 week unless they can get another weeks supply whilst in Thailand. I have contacted both Bumrungrad and BKK Hospital Phuket to try and organise a pre-approval for this as it is pretty hard to book flights / rooms without knowing. They both said a consultation is needed with the psychiatrist to decide whether it can be prescribed. Both are listed on FDA website as recommended hospitals for getting narcotics yet neither do pre-approvals so any traveller in this situation has no certainty whatsoever when booking their holiday.