Taking Prescription Drugs Through Thai Customs.

[7by7]

Since my last visit to Thailand I have developed a form of epilepsy for which I have been prescribed epilim (sodium valporate). I need to take two 300mg doses a day, each does being one 200mg and one 100mg tablet.

The wife and I are going to Thailand for 1 month in the new year, so 30 days supply will be 120 tablets, which my GP in England is happy to supply me with.

I intend to take not only the tablets but also the prescription form to show customs if necessary.

Will this be ok, or do I need any other documentation?

Should I declare the medicine to customs, or will walking through the green channel be ok?

If for some reason I need to resupply whilst in Thailand, e.g. loss or damage to the pills, how easy is epilim, or similar, to obtain? I assume I would need to see a doctor first, but should I take a letter from my GP or neurologist just in case?

Many thanks.

[FBN]

That documentation should be sufficient.

No need to declare.

Sodium Valproate is available in Thailand but may be under another name. Check out the "MIMS" Thailand link in the posted links on this forum for alternate names but search under "sodium valproate".

Always good to have a letter from your GP with you; it will speed up any medical assistance you may need related to this problem while traveling.

Have a safe trip!!

[7by7]

Many thanks for the information.

[Penkoprod]

While the above info "should" be enough, its probably best to have a letter from your GP

Better to have and not need, than to need and not have principle applies

Penkoprod

[Sheryl]

Valproate is sold over the counter in Thailand. No problem getting resupply.

Main risk would be raising suspicion that the medication is something else (i.e. a controlled substance). A clearly labelled prescription bottle should suffice for that.

But as FBN said, good to have a medical summary from your own doctor on hand esp should you need acute medical care while here.

Not relevant to your situation but for benefit of other readers, a doctor's letter is required if bringing in a controlled or restricted substance (along with clearly labelled prescription bottle) and the letter, on official letterhead and signed, should clealry state the need for the medication.

Controlled/restricted drugs can be identified by looking at the code next to "Poison Schedule" in MIMS. "S" or "P' (p1 or P2) = controlled while "D" (which is most drugs) are not.

There is also a rule that only a 30 day supply for personal use can be brought without an import license. In practice, i don't think anyone is going to count tablets or make an issue out that for a non-restricted drug unless quantity looks large enough to be inconsistent with personal use. But I would advie anyone bringing in a restricted/controlled medication to be sure to be within that 30 day supply limit as well as having the documentation mentioned.

AFAIK there is no requirement to declare medications for personal use on the arrival customs form.

[Camelot]

I always declare medications at Customs (anywhere), just to be on the safe side. Never once has this caused a problem. I'm usually waved straight through. Rarely do they even want to look at it.

I once asked at Heathrow and was told that this was the correct policy to follow as it protected me from any misunderstandings.

[7by7]

Thanks for the further replies; all very useful and helpful.