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How easy is it to obtain medical prescriptions, such as blood pressure and thyroid medications, in Thailand?
Medical Care in ThailandPharmacy AccessPrescription MedicationsOver-the-Counter MedicationsThailand Healthcare SystemDoctors in Thailand
Apr 24, 2025
a year ago
Michelle *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHello, how do you find getting medical prescriptions..ie blood pressure tablets, thyroid.. do you find doctors are understanding??
TLDR : Answer Summary
In Thailand, obtaining medical prescriptions or necessary medications, such as blood pressure and thyroid tablets, is relatively straightforward. Many medications are available over-the-counter at local pharmacies, often without the need for a prescription. The overall cost is usually much lower compared to western countries, particularly the US, with multiple users reporting significant savings. Thai doctors are generally attuned to patient needs and provide quality care, having been educated to high standards, often in the West. Additionally, frequent consultations with local doctors for routine check-ups and medication refills are affordable, reinforcing the accessibility of healthcare in Thailand.
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Ivan *******
Just go to the pharmacy and buy what you need. Why do you want to make things complicated..
Peter ***************
I live in Korat and can get all of my blood pressure meds without prescription.
Karma *****
Most medicines don’t need any prescriptions.
Medicines are cheapest at Siriraj . That street have plenty of drugstores .
Medicines are cheapest at Siriraj . That street have plenty of drugstores .
John *********
Maybe improve diets and much less alcohol, then no need for too many pills, the more they sell the better for big pharmas
Jackie *********
I got blood pressure, water, statins and thryroid tabs at pharmacy. Ok I had to pay. Same same tabs as uk
เต๋อ *****
@Jackie ********
you need to find another pharmacy., wait you have universal healthcare in UK., so yea.Reply to
เต๋อ *****
Reply
Rod *********
Just take your last empty packet to a pharmacy and he will give a repeat
Walter ******
Is Xanax and imipramine available at the pharmacy
Michael ********
Walter Munz no
เต๋อ *****
@Walter *****
I don't think so. You need a script for this.Reply to
เต๋อ *****
Reply
Brian *********
In my experience otc prescription drugs tend to more expensive than Spain, where I live.
Jo **********
I just buy from the pharmacy no prescription needed
Michael ********
I buy in the local Pharmacy the same but 30% cheaper then hospital. But if you need to claim from the insurance you need a doctor certificate
Brian ********
Honestly. Try just going to a pharmacist.
They are able to dispense a lot more than in the west - and as a result, their doctors focus on more serious stuff and are superb when you need them. So if you do need a doc - they will be excellent.
It’s a far better model - in my humble opinion.
They are able to dispense a lot more than in the west - and as a result, their doctors focus on more serious stuff and are superb when you need them. So if you do need a doc - they will be excellent.
It’s a far better model - in my humble opinion.
Tom *********
Go to the pharmacy, you can get blood pressure medications.
Tania **********
@Michelle ********
Private Thai Hospitals in Bkk ; doctors have full knowledge in English , as well !I don’t understand why still people believing here is all poor , and pre historic… get well informed before visit !
Private Hospitals are high level, much
more than EU !
James ******
Most of the doctors were educated in West. If anything they over prescribe medicine. Most medicines you can get over-the-counter
David *********
I get my BP meds OTC at my local pharmacy. I take one a day and get 100 days worth for 270 baht. In America it would cost me over 100 times that price
David *********
i went to the hospital and got scripts made up at hospital doctors were great
Ashwina ********
@คลังยาร*******
You can contact us!Neil ********
Doctors in Thailand also give good advice. They changed my tablets and lowered my blood pressure and when I went back to the UK the doctors agreed and kept the same advice.
Rick *********
@Neil *******
yes, I had a similar fix by my pharmacist.Reply to
Rick *********
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Steve *******
I take two different blood pressure tablets everyday. Once every 5 months go to the local government hospital. Have blood test to ensure tablets aren't causing liver and kidney problems. See a doctor for a chat then get another 5 months of tablets. All for the grand cost of 6-700 bht.
Robert *******
I take thyroid and blood pressure tablets. I get 100 of each at a time and include gout tablets as well. Cost me around 1000 baht. That last 3 months + no prescription need just go to pharmacy and tell them what you need. Also every year I go to local doctors to check bloods and blood pressure again 1000 baht just to make sure I'm on the right dosage
Kevin ********
@Robert ******
Same here. 100 mg. Thyroid medication and ******
.5 mg. Thyroxin and Hydroclorithyzide. Usually get mine in Turkey before coming to Thailand. Super cheap. Will check out government hospital in Bangkok to check dosages. Have not checked in a couple of years.Michelle *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Robert ******
love it.. thank you and thankyou to all that responded.... xoReply to
Michelle *********
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Dan *******
I bring my jar to the pharpacy and they give me my meds, pretty inexpensive as well
Tom ********
No because I eat a healthy diet and exercise, stay away from junk food and that naturally takes care of those things.
John **********
@Tom *******
Let me know when you succeeded in beating old age.Tom ********
@Jo**
No one will ever beat it but they can prolong an active and healthy life simply educating yourself about healthy diets and the harm pharmaceuticals can do to you and the best thing is everyone can make that choice.John **********
@Tom *******
Absolutely correct. I'm 65 a fitness fanatic gym, walking,and a healthy diet. This might not be a surprise to you but I am not in need of any medication whatsoever.😊Tom ********
@Jo**
Me neither apart from half a water tablet daily and I'm 67, If I'd have known I would last this long I would of taken more care of myself when I was younger 🙂John **********
@Tom *******
You and me both😂Reply to
John **********
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Chris *******
@Tom *******
yes genetics has nothing to do with illness......Trevor *******
@Tom *******
I don't believe that is the correct response to this question. Good on you for your chosen lifestyle, but you don't know everybody's circumstances.Tom ********
@Trevor ******
I believe if more people we're as concerned about what they put into their bodies then they wouldn't need to be concerned about curing the problems they are causing to themselves. too many people rush to 'big pharma' for the easy solution instead of looking at the root cause, remember a patient cured is a customer lost.Reply to
Tom ********
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Ruud ******************
For your information and understanding, Thailand is a well developed country !!! Medical care has western standard.
Tania **********
@Ruud *****************
Absolutelly; i don’t understand why people keep thinking here is all poor and low class…Michelle *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ruud *****************
all good thankyou for responding... not critical of anything or anyone.. just a question.Reply to
Michelle *********
Reply
เต๋อ *****
For sure, almost every medication you can get from the pharmacy, Lab work is also available if you know what you are looking for.
Cost? what county or who do you compare to, to The US, it is cheaper.
Cost? what county or who do you compare to, to The US, it is cheaper.
Michelle *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@เต๋อ ****
currently Australiaเต๋อ *****
@Michelle ********
if you have insurance, use it there, if the insurance does not cover, here is cheaper.Bruce ***********
@เต๋อ ****
not in all cases my meds in Australia are $31 a month each here there $100 a month eachเต๋อ *****
@Bruce **********
Medicare pay for the rest, you pay the deduction., like I said, you have insurance, Medicare, it's universal health care for Australian.Bruce ***********
@เต๋อ ****
yes you're right but still 31 compared to 100. Always stock up with a reg 24 when I go back for visits. Keep that medicare card aliveเต๋อ *****
@Bruce **********
for what Medicare doesn't cover , you will see the difference.Reply to
เต๋อ *****
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Tony *********
Most things are available at a fraction of the cost versus the west from the local pharmacy.
Make sure you learn how to drill down the prices because they always try to upsale to either a brand name or just a higher price... eventually if you persevere you get the Thai brand at the lowest price that's the exact same thing!
Make sure you learn how to drill down the prices because they always try to upsale to either a brand name or just a higher price... eventually if you persevere you get the Thai brand at the lowest price that's the exact same thing!
Rod *********
@Tony ********
medicines can be extremely expensive in Thailand as there is no govt. assistance as in western countriesTony *********
@Rod ********
- not my experience I've found everything that I normally take considerably cheaper...which doesn't surprise me at all because big pharma rips everyone off in the west.Rod *********
@Tony ********
depends what medicine you are taking. Generic is not the same but cheaper in some casesReply to
Rod *********
Reply
Pierre *********
Bring an old prescription bottle and show it to them. That will reassure them that’s it’s ok to sell it to you
Tracey ********
Don't need doctors for alot of medicines in Thailand. Go and ask a pharmacy first. You can even buy antibiotics over the counter.
Peter *********
MediSafe Bangkok delivers
Peter *********
@Bruce **********
delivers good 👍Bruce ***********
@Peter ********
l use them excellent to deal with save 3000 baht a month going through themReply to
Bruce ***********
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Lana ***********
Sure they are. No one wants a tourist to die in Thailand.
Lynnette *******
Show the pharmacy your medication and they should be able to provide it.
Phil ******
@Michelle ********
all pharmacies are equipped to anle what you requirePatrycja **********
Most of the things are available otc, just google the pharmacies and explain what you need. One thing it’s going to be probably super expensive.
Eric *********
Myles *******
@Patrycja *********
if u call 250thb for a months supply of 2 medications expensive!Kim *********
@Patrycja *********
super expensive? 😂 Never been to a Thai pharmacy?Kerry *********
@Kim ********
check the prices on GoodRx, that shows thing cost at supermarket pharmacies and chain drug stores in the US and for genetic (off patent) drugs the prices are usually lower than the prices at independent pharmacies in Thailand.Kim *********
@Kerry ********
thanksReply to
Kim *********
Reply
John **********
@Kim ********
To be fair it also depends what pharmacy you go to, Some pharmacies want to become wealthy overnight.Kim *********
@John *********
point taken but I never experienced that and I have been to many. Also got medicine from hospitals. Cheap public hospitals - quite expensive private ones.Reply to
Kim *********
Reply
Matthew *********
@Patrycja *********
those drugs are dirt cheap. Even cheaper at a government hospital. It's basically free compared to america. Your statement is a joke.Patrycja **********
@Matthew ********
your country is a joke. I get most of the things I need based on insurance in eu for free. So in comparison Thailand is expensiveMatthew *********
@Patrycja *********
I don't your insurance works here. But unlike you I have two military sources that pays here. Mine is 100 percent free. Your country can't do that here . If your worries about health cost, than you should go back to your socialist country and receive your free health care.Matthew *********
@Patrycja *********
if you think Thailand is expensive you probably should not come hereReply to
Matthew *********
Reply
Bob **********
@Patrycja *********
I pay 200 baht about $6 for a 3 month supply of my blood pressure medicine,I can see my dr with complete blood tests for about 2000 baht and if you use government hospitals there way cheaperStan ***********
@Patrycja *********
I think you mean super cheap.Matthew *********
@Stan **********
exactly, I take 20 different pills a day. I take high end pain pills , heart medicine and others for cancer. It's cheaper than going out to dinner in America. I receive 90 days supply at a time from government hospital. It's so cheap it's not worth even filing insurance on it.Reply to
Matthew *********
Reply
Mary ********
@Patrycja *********
rofl. Super expensive? More like amazing cheap. At least to an American.Patrycja **********
@Mary *******
that tells me sth about your country lol. Can’t use insurance here as well.Kerry *********
@Mary *******
take a look at prices on GoodRx and that might change your opinion.Ivan ************
@Ke***
I looked up a few things and they were all cheaper here, by a factor of as much as 10x. These were cheap meds that aren't going to break the bank from GoodRx either, but it was like $0.50-$1/tablet vs $1 for a strip of 10 here. What is expensive here is branded stuff that isn't available in generic.Patrycja **********
@Ivan ***********
internet is one thing, but that’s the local price. If you show up and ask for specific meds they usually do x10. And what are going to do? Buy or don’t. It’s not like you can call fda or sth.Reply to
Patrycja **********
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Mark *******
It's not actually. I purchased my blood pressure tablets and statins over the counter in Pattaya,very efficient. Ok I get them free in the UK being pensionable age,but they only cost me 250 baht; hardly a fortune!
Hoffman ******
@Mark ******
was it the same brand as back in your countryReply to
Hoffman ******
Reply
Lana ***********
@Patrycja *********
it’ll probably much much cheaper especially comparing to the US.Patrycja **********
@Lana **********
I haven’t been in the states since Covid so can’t tell. Most prices were higher than in eu for even basic painkillers. White people tax that is.Lana ***********
@Patrycja *********
was it in private hospitals? I bought generic Arcoxia and comparisons very cheap, in Thai pharmacy where driver stopped on the way to hotelPatrycja **********
@Lana **********
tbh I didn’t need to but any serious meds in Thailand. Just noticed they charged a lot for stuff like ibuprofen compared to other places. I haven’t gone into hospital, just a street pharmacy . Using European logic I went to chains.Lana ***********
@Patrycja *********
even in chains, they have ibuprofen manufactured in US or Europe, but they also have those manufactured in Thailand or Vietnam. Pharmacist will offer more expensive but if you ask - they usually sell you cheaper staff.Reply to
Lana ***********
Reply
Patrycja **********
@Lana **********
not really.Kerry *********
@Lana **********
maybe for drugs that are still on patent but generic meds located though apps like GoodRx in the US are almost always cheaper than at Thai pharmacies, often by a lot.Eric *********
@Kerry ********
no! Don’t think so name one - I dare you!Lana ***********
@Kerry ********
depends on the drugs, some generics costs pennies in ThailandKerry *********
@Lana **********
those probably sell for pennies in the US too. Prices that I see on GoodRx have always been a lot lower than here on the drugs that I've needed. I've encountered some spectacular examples firsthand, such as Temozolomide pills (a chemo drug) costing roughly $3000 per month at Chiang Mai Ram Hospital versus $600 at Northside Hospital in Atlanta.Ivan ************
@Ke***
private hospitals massively mark up drugs. Some stuff is genuinely expensive and that could include that but Ram is not a good example. I've seen a 10x difference between drug prices at private vs government hospitals.Lana ***********
@Kerry ********
the OP didn’t ask about those. She asked about specific meds which are very common. I can see comments with many examples confirming my pointMicheal ********
@Kerry ********
on patent, doesn't mean much here, as the India drug makers don't respect the patent laws, and pharmacies will have a selection of so called under patent drugs in generic form. In all my experiences.Kerry *********
@Micheal *******
those are still not dirt cheap. If we focus just on generics, every drug that I've ever been prescribed that is available as a generic cost a lot more here, at a Thai pharmacy, than what it would have cost at a Publix supermarket pharmacy in the US.Reply to
Kerry *********
Reply
Michelle *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lana **********
... hello.. and sorting a decent doctor...Tania **********
@Michelle ********
There are only ‘decent doctors’ here…get informed before visit !Reply to
Tania **********
Reply
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