Why is it impossible to find this in Thailand? What do I do?

[phoenix22]

Hi All,

I am trying desperately to find high-proof alcohol (ethanol) of some sort in Chiang Mai, or anywhere in Thailand for that matter. I need this as a solvent for a topically applied medicine.

I cannot understand why it is so brutally difficult to find a high purity form of such a trivial substance, which is present in massive quantities in the drinks in every shop and bar. It absolutely boggles my mind, it's like it would be easier to buy a Polar bear or a tub of anthrax or something.

Every liquor store I have asked has either looked at me like I'm an idiot or like I just asked them to do me a sexual favour. Bizarre.

So if anyone can help:

Where would I find high purity (~95%) ethanol of some sort, such as 'Everclear', 'Grain alcohol', or 'Perfumers alcohol'?

Or, who would I ask in Chiang Mai who might understand this question and have information on where to source this?

Or, who might know such a person?

If anyone is able to help I will be ever so grateful.

Kind Regards!

[padsterj]

this 711 or family mart any good ? http://tinypic.com/r/2rqyqg4/8

[noahvail]

These folks do nationwide delivery. 99.9% for 131baht per liter. http://www.chemipan.com/home/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&view=productdetails&virtuemart_category_id=30&virtuemart_product_id=1159&gclid=Cj0KEQjw-dSgBRDb0oOl9MzxqMEBEiQAkHqy-dNFySe4O3cystiCLdiiVeln8ETxmmNubstEmXF4_MwaAvFZ8P8HAQ

[FritsSikkink]

Why should a liquor store sell ethanol? Maybe more luck at a pharmacy.

[lungbing]

Is isopropyl alcohol any good? I've seen that in pharmacies. It's often used as nail varnish remover.

[CharlieH]

Moving to health forum for better knowledge as this is medicine related.

[Langsuan Man]

For many years it was difficult if not impossible to find 'Everclear', 'Grain alcohol', or 'Perfumers alcohol' in the US, because the tax authorities did not want you making your own booze and defeating their "sin" taxes. Maybe that is the reason that you can't find it in Thailand

Edited September 14, 2014 by Langsuan Man

[namdocmai]

yes pharmacie in the mall..i also have it.

[Tywais]

There is a chemical supply house, maybe two, on Suthep road near the Suan Dork hospital where you should be able to get it. I keep 95% ethanol at home for cleaning various items and we have large 5 liter bottles we keep at the lab and pretty sure they are obtained from there.

As for pharmacies, odds are that is isopropyl alcohol 70% or less.

[Sheryl]

Yes, a chemical supply company is your best bet.

[jcisco]

Is isopropyl alcohol any good? I've seen that in pharmacies. It's often used as nail varnish remover.

Probably not cause its at least 30% water, and nail varnish is that the same as nail polish..... in which case its Acetone and again, it will be dilute with water to at least a minimum of 30% Water.

@OP

Forgot to mention a lab supply company, not necessarily a chemical company will be able to assist you. And many of them have walk in stores. so you can go in and ask and have a look around at their bazillion other items for sale.

Also, you really really need 100%, i doubt that you will easily find that anywhere with ease, you should be able to obtain ~95% as that is more or less what you can practically store without special containers and handling.

Anyways, PTP probably sell it too, real long shot but I thought i might add it.

Edited September 15, 2014 by jcisco

[h90]

Is isopropyl alcohol any good? I've seen that in pharmacies. It's often used as nail varnish remover.

Probably not cause its at least 30% water, and nail varnish is that the same as nail polish..... in which case its Acetone and again, it will be dilute with water to at least a minimum of 30% Water.

@OP

Forgot to mention a lab supply company, not necessarily a chemical company will be able to assist you. And many of them have walk in stores. so you can go in and ask and have a look around at their bazillion other items for sale.

Also, you really really need 100%, i doubt that you will easily find that anywhere with ease, you should be able to obtain ~95% as that is more or less what you can practically store without special containers and handling.

Anyways, PTP probably sell it too, real long shot but I thought i might add it.

what I remember from my lab time, it isn't difficult to go from 97 to 100 (or maybe 99.5???) you just put in some "sand" like looking water absorbing material, it binds the water.

[seajae]

I use isopropyl to sterilize blades, also for mixing when alcohol is needed for a chemical combining effect with certain powders, just have to add a bit more if it doesnt dissolve properly and I buy it at the chemist.

[KhunBENQ]

I need this as a solvent for a topically applied medicine.

Can someone give me an English lesson?

What does "topically" applied mean?

External? On the skin?

Just asking, because something like "Everclear" can be dilluted and swallowed, while you will not have a good time swallowing the products from the drugstores described above.

[phoenix22]

OK thanks very much for the help guys!

I will look into some of the options mentioned.

[jcisco]

ooops I meant PT as in the petrochem group not as in PTP the party of cleptocracy, my bad.

[jcisco]

I need this as a solvent for a topically applied medicine.

Can someone give me an English lesson?

What does "topically" applied mean?

External? On the skin?

Just asking, because something like "Everclear" can be dilluted and swallowed, while you will not have a good time swallowing the products from the drugstores described above.

Topical is the skin on affected areas I do believe and google define says: https://www.google.com/search?q=define%3Atopical&num=100&gws_rd=ssl

1. top·i·cal

   ˈtäpikəl/

   adjective

   adjective: topical

   1. 1.

      (of a subject) of immediate relevance, interest, or importance owing to its relation to current events.

      "a wide variety of subjects of topical interest"

      synonyms: current, up-to-date, up-to-the-minute, contemporary, recent, relevant;More

      antonyms: out-of-date

      • relating to a particular subject; classified according to subject.

        "annotated links to resources in eleven topical categories"
      • PHILATELY

        relating to the collecting of postage stamps with designs connected with the same subject.
   2. 2.

      MEDICINE

      relating or applied directly to a part of the body.

   noun

   PHILATELY

   noun: topical; plural noun: topicals

   1. 1.

      a postage stamp forming part of a set or collection with designs connected with the same subject.

   Origin

   late 16th century: from Greek topikos + -al. Early use was as a term in logic and rhetoric describing a rule or argument as ‘applicable in most but not all cases.’