Can I bring my medication/herbal remedies into Thailand?

[ibizajetsetter]

Hi all,

I'm scheduled for rhinoplasty in early August. I'm taking arnica montana and bromelain before the surgery to reduce swelling (they are both alternative remedies that don't require a prescription). I'm also taking valium and allergy medication.

Can I bring these into Thailand?

I'm a bit concerned customs might fear they're something else. There was a recent case of a New Zealander guy getting charged for drug smuggling for bringing his valium prescription into the country.

Edited June 29, 2014 by ibizajetsetter

[Sheryl]

You can bring in a 30 day supply of medication for personal use. The prescription drugs should be in a clearly labelled prescription bottle with your name on it. The valium, in addition, requires specialdocumentation as it is a controlled substance in Thailand (psychotropic category 4) as follows:

"Medications containing psychotropic substances of

categories 2, 3, and 4

According to the Psychotropic Substances Act B.E. 2518 (1975), Travellers to

Thailand under treatment are allowed to transport medications containing

psychotropic substances of Categories 2, 3, and 4 for personal treatment in

a quantity not exceeding 30 days of prescribed usage when accompanied by a

certificate/medical prescription from the prescribing physician.

The certificate/medical prescription from the prescribing physician must indicate:

• the name and address of the patient
• the identified medical condition
• thename of the medications and the reason that those medications were prescribed for the patient's treatment
• the posology and total amount of medications prescribed
• the name, address, and license number of the prescribing physician"

http://narcotic.fda.moph.go.th/faq/upload/guidance%20for%20travelers%20version%204.doc._e1a4.pdf

[ibizajetsetter]

You can bring in a 30 day supply of medication for personal use. The prescription drugs should be in a clearly labelled prescription bottle with your name on it. The valium, in addition, requires specialdocumentation as it is a controlled substance in Thailand (psychotropic category 4) as follows:

"Medications containing psychotropic substances of

categories 2, 3, and 4

According to the Psychotropic Substances Act B.E. 2518 (1975), Travellers to

Thailand under treatment are allowed to transport medications containing

psychotropic substances of Categories 2, 3, and 4 for personal treatment in

a quantity not exceeding 30 days of prescribed usage when accompanied by a

certificate/medical prescription from the prescribing physician.

The certificate/medical prescription from the prescribing physician must indicate:

• the name and address of the patient
• the identified medical condition
• thename of the medications and the reason that those medications were prescribed for the patient's treatment
• the posology and total amount of medications prescribed
• the name, address, and license number of the prescribing physician"

http://narcotic.fda.moph.go.th/faq/upload/guidance%20for%20travelers%20version%204.doc._e1a4.pdf

Thanks but what about herbal remedies like bromelain and arnica montana? I can't find anything on that.

[impulse]

Thanks but what about herbal remedies like bromelain and arnica montana? I can't find anything on that.

If you're looking for assurances that your herbals won't be mistaken for something else, I doubt anyone here can help you. If you're looking for someone to Google what's in your herbals to see if it matches anything on the contraband list, I doubt anyone's willing to risk giving you bad advice that could get you banged up. There's actually some great people on here, and they really don't like to see people get in dutch.

Is it possible you may spend some time in custody while they check out (for example) even a bag of oregano or foot powder in your luggage? Sure. Is it likely? 99.9% not.

I can tell you that my luggage and carry on has never been searched on arrival in Thailand- but that's just a few arrivals.

I carry quite a few meds with me as a consequence of age, and I'm nervous whenever I travel to foreign countries. So far, in over 70 landings in Asia, I have only been asked about meds one time- in Korea and they let me pass when they could have detained me for having several different types in pill caddies with no proper markings.

My suggestion would be to make sure your herbals are clearly marked in original, unopened packages, and take your chances. Then take all the precautions to not look like a suspicious person, and you won't even get a second look.

Or leave them at home- but that's really being too cautious.

Edited July 12, 2014 by impulse

[brucegoniners]

I've never had an issue. Best to travel with any prescriptions you have, just in case. But they have never checked. Could be different now, don't know.

[squarethecircle]

Bring them in clearly marked bags - I myself bring a bunch of different herbal medications (some of which might be mistaken for pot by the untrained eye but Thai cops will know that) when I come, they are easily available in the local co-op back home but not here so I stock up. Even showed them all to a police friend once and he was just very interested about what they were and what they do (help with digestion, cough, etc., better than the over-the-counter medication too).

Just have them clearly labeled and look respectable. Maybe with the pharmaceuticals you need to be more careful but with the documentation described above should be no problem. Never had bags searched on 20+ arrivals but I think they are watching body language etc. and looking for genuine smugglers so if you are prepared to explain what everything is and look respectable, no worries.

[Suradit69]

Bring them in clearly marked bags - I myself bring a bunch of different herbal medications (some of which might be mistaken for pot by the untrained eye but Thai cops will know that) when I come, they are easily available in the local co-op back home but not here so I stock up. Even showed them all to a police friend once and he was just very interested about what they were and what they do (help with digestion, cough, etc., better than the over-the-counter medication too).

Just have them clearly labeled and look respectable. Maybe with the pharmaceuticals you need to be more careful but with the documentation described above should be no problem. Never had bags searched on 20+ arrivals but I think they are watching body language etc. and looking for genuine smugglers so if you are prepared to explain what everything is and look respectable, no worries.

"Just have them clearly labeled ..."

Well not to sound too negative, but don't you suppose someone hoping to smuggle in some controlled substance might clearly label it as something supposedly harmless?

Aside from that, if you're going to have surgery, wouldn't the surgeon want you to stop all unnecessary meds before going under the knife, including anything that might impede blood-clotting, which could include herbal concoctions?

Edited July 13, 2014 by Suradit69

[Gillyflower]

I have never had any problem bringing in anything, because no one asks me anything. I have a very nice doctor here who gives me prescriptions for loads of paracetemol. He knows very well it's for the refugee camps etc. I couldn't possibly take what is prescribed. I have also brought in loads of herbal stuff for me, before I decided that it was useless.

Have all the right documents, that's all.

Sheryl.....my medecine is NOT in bottles. I haven't seen anything in bottles for well over 30 years. My cholesterol tablets are in a box (for 3 months) in little trays with the day of the week that I must take it etc. NOTHING has my name on it. Even in T'land I have never been given anything in a bottle.....at the Ram ....little plastic bags.

[KhnomKhnom]

I travel with all bottles with original prescription labels and with a doctors statement listing ALL stuff I take, controlled or not, and have no problems.

Note, that I have had the experience in BKK of buying any meds that I can spell over the counter.

If somehow you can not get more meds immediately, just go to a Thai doctor and get what you need.

Upon entry, dress nice and smile.

[vox2]

Could anyone recommend a good Vitamin / Herbal shop in Chiang Mai

Specifically looking for herbs that deal with Prostate, Circulation issues and an over 50 Vitamin.

Thanks in advance

[wilcopops]

OP - So you are assuming that your place of treatment can't deal with inflammation?

Edited July 14, 2014 by wilcopops

[xen]

Whilst on the subject of bringing in prescribed medicines - should they always be in your carry on luggage or can it be in the middle of your checked baggage? My vitamins i always put into checked in baggage. New unopened (sealed) bottle or carton.

[mrfaroukh]

You can bring in a 30 day supply of medication for personal use. The prescription drugs should be in a clearly labelled prescription bottle with your name on it. The valium, in addition, requires specialdocumentation as it is a controlled substance in Thailand (psychotropic category 4) as follows:

"Medications containing psychotropic substances of

categories 2, 3, and 4

According to the Psychotropic Substances Act B.E. 2518 (1975), Travellers to

Thailand under treatment are allowed to transport medications containing

psychotropic substances of Categories 2, 3, and 4 for personal treatment in

a quantity not exceeding 30 days of prescribed usage when accompanied by a

certificate/medical prescription from the prescribing physician.

The certificate/medical prescription from the prescribing physician must indicate:

• the name and address of the patient
• the identified medical condition
• thename of the medications and the reason that those medications were prescribed for the patient's treatment
• the posology and total amount of medications prescribed
• the name, address, and license number of the prescribing physician"

http://narcotic.fda.moph.go.th/faq/upload/guidance%20for%20travelers%20version%204.doc._e1a4.pdf

Thanks for the information, my question is what about those people who are on retirement visa and stay longer than 30 days in Thailand and must bring their own medication from their country? Will appreciate the answer.

[ding]

For bromelain, I just eat the sweet pineapple in Thailand. I brought in my prescription with me, just as Sheryl described, and had no trouble.

Edited July 15, 2014 by ding

[Sheryl]

You can bring in a 30 day supply of medication for personal use. The prescription drugs should be in a clearly labelled prescription bottle with your name on it. The valium, in addition, requires specialdocumentation as it is a controlled substance in Thailand (psychotropic category 4) as follows:

"Medications containing psychotropic substances of

categories 2, 3, and 4

According to the Psychotropic Substances Act B.E. 2518 (1975), Travellers to

Thailand under treatment are allowed to transport medications containing

psychotropic substances of Categories 2, 3, and 4 for personal treatment in

a quantity not exceeding 30 days of prescribed usage when accompanied by a

certificate/medical prescription from the prescribing physician.

The certificate/medical prescription from the prescribing physician must indicate:

• the name and address of the patient
• the identified medical condition
• thename of the medications and the reason that those medications were prescribed for the patient's treatment
• the posology and total amount of medications prescribed
• the name, address, and license number of the prescribing physician"

http://narcotic.fda.moph.go.th/faq/upload/guidance%20for%20travelers%20version%204.doc._e1a4.pdf

Thanks for the information, my question is what about those people who are on retirement visa and stay longer than 30 days in Thailand and must bring their own medication from their country? Will appreciate the answer.

There is no legal provision for this. 30 day rule still applies.

However in the case of non-controlled drugs, as long as the quantities are consistent with personal use and clearly labeled, you are not likely to have a problem.

[bkkden]

You should always carry with you the doctors prescription and the doctors certification of what your condition is. This way if you get asked you have proper information! That's what I do.

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