Answered2 years ago

Can you register with a GP in Thailand for long-term prescriptions?

Healthcare in Thailand General Practitioner (GP) Services Prescription Medication expat healthcare Thai Government Hospitals Medisafe

Anonymous *************

asked Feb 13, 2025

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Hi everyone. Can you register with a GP here on DTV? Wondering what’s the cheapest option to get long term prescriptions because it’s too expensive just buying from a pharmacy each time. Any advice would be appreciated 🙏

Answer summary

In Thailand, the concept of registering with a specific General Practitioner (GP) like one might in other countries (e.g., the UK or New Zealand) does not exist. Expats typically visit local clinics or government hospitals, where they can see a GP without needing to enroll. For prescription medications, cycle through various pharmacies to find the best prices, as there are no long-term plans similar to those in the UK. Some expats recommend using Medisafe, an online service that provides cheaper medication options.

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Bob **********

You just go to the pharmacy you don’t need a prescription order from Medisafe they deliver and there the cheapest

2 years ago

Christopher ***********

The concept of registering on the panel of a General Practitioner (Family Doctors) surgery or group practice as in United Kingdom doesn’t exist in Thailand. When locals want to consult a GP they go to their local community Government (National Health Service) hospital. There is usually one GP on duty. They take a turn ticket and often wait all day. However, they (or you) will be seen that day. The GP will diagnose, prescribe and dispense medications from the hospital pharmacy. The cost is very low. There have been reports of expats being able to obtain medicines at Thai Government Hospitals for less than the pharmacies charge.

2 years ago

Greg ********

No real concept of a primary care GP here although some choose to use a regular clinic in their location. As for prescriptions there is no long term plan such as in the UK where you can pay a single amount to cover all. You will jist have to find the cheapest pharmacy and buy from them. Many long time Expats here use Medisafe. You can find them online and message them. They will give you the price and may offer cheaper generics for the same meds.

2 years ago

Wannikea *********

It's called walking into a clinic and making an appointment. Then remembering that clinic and going again.

2 years ago

Jim ********

What do you mean by "register"?

2 years ago

Anonymous *************

@J**

Like enrol/sign up with a doctors clinic so you go to the same GP each time, etc

2 years ago

Jim ********

Anonymous participant Never heard of such a thing. You just make an appointment. There's no enrolment!

2 years ago

Anonymous *************

@Chris******

Thanks for the info, that’s good to know

2 years ago

Christopher ***********

Anonymous participant Government (NHS) hospitals have a shared database. Private hospitals and High Street clinics (green signs written in Thai only) don’t. You need a Thai person to point you to the High Street clinic that specialises in your condition e.g. ENT, cardiac, gastrointestinal etc. These clinics are open restricted hours only as the doctors also work elsewhere. There are also High Street clinics with blue writing (again in Thai only). These are nurses clinics. They can diagnose, prescribe and dispense too.

2 years ago

Jim ********

Anonymous participant You go to any clinic or doctor here. If I go I just tell the doctor what's wrong at that particular time. Do they need to know your entire history?

2 years ago

Anonymous *************

@J**

Oh I didn’t realise it was like that in other countries. In NZ, most people have a specific clinic/GP they go to so you’re not having to explain your medical history each time…

2 years ago