What are the guidelines for bringing prescribed medication into Thailand for a visitor?

Dec 16, 2023
a year ago
Kenny **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
My father (81) has just informed me that he has booked a flight from uk to come and visit in February.

Whilst I am really happy that he wants to travel he has to take a variety of prescribed medications.

I am aware that there are rules regarding the transportation of prescribed medicines but I am looking for a little advice from members who may have had to bring medication on how he should best proceed with bringing his medication.

Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
When traveling to Thailand with prescribed medications, travelers are advised to keep medications in their original packaging and carry a copy of the prescription. It is generally safe to bring a supply for up to 90 days, particularly if the medications are not classified as narcotics. Recommendations include bringing a detailed list of medications, a letter from a doctor for controlled substances, and checking specific medication regulations before traveling. It is also essential to verify if medications are available in Thailand for peace of mind.
Tore *********
Only issues are heavy painkillers. I had to bring Oxycodone as i recently had surgery. I had to submit a application and upload doctors letter, got the permit in 2 days. For the rest as long as its not amphetamines for ADHD (you simply cannot bring) you can bring up to 90 day supply in original packaging with your name on it

All you need is here

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Jann ******
Original packaging and had scripts and doctor letter no problems in carry on
Henrik *****
Not sufficient.

Don’t give advice, that can get others in big trouble.
Tore *********
@Henrik ****
it is sufficient for most medication. Don’t give advice on things you don’t know

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Steve **********
Talk to your local Dr or go to any hospital and talk to Dr.

They can make arrangements for him to them get here through his stay.

Just have him bring script showing were prescribed.
Kevin *******
Just make sure his name is on all the medication
Robert ***********
Hi iam a diabetic and a amputee i visited Thailand in June your dad must have a letter from his doctor detailing his medications no letter he will be arrested.
Tore *********
@Robert **********
Incorrect, only applies to certain meds and in those case doctors letter is not enough

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Terry ********
I bring mine in my hand luggage because I would not want them lost in stowed luggage. In 17 years I have never had my bags searched entering Thailand.
Murray *******
I live in Pattaya, but have travelled back into Thailand, many times with my BP medicines.

I carry copy of doctors prescription... But I have never ever been queried about the meds..
Steven *******
Make sure none of your medications are on the controlled substance list (mostly pain meds):

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The site is a collaboration between the Thai FDA, Narcotics Control, and Ministry of Public Health. Enter details, select name(s) of meds, get the answers. If any of them are, follow the instructions to apply for a permit to bring them into the country. Typically, you receive your permit in 2-3 days.
Andy **********
If he is carrying medication in his hand luggage, it's not just entering Thailand, also be careful of the countries he is transiting through, if he has got connecting flights, I've witnessed people in countries like Dubai get in a lot of trouble, for having strong pain killers without a doctors note.
Kim *********
Lot of good comments, 99% you or dad won't be asked. More likely to be stopped and asked going back.
Mu *************
2 months of med,with the prescription,in my carry on baggage, just arrived, no problem.
Henrik *****
Next time you may get stopped, and get in troble, if the guidelines from thai embassy hasn’t been followed.
Wyn **********
I bring 3 months worth in no problems. Just have packaging to show if needed.
Denise *******
Get a letter from Dr.
Kenny **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for all the replies. I don’t know the list of my dad’s prescriptions.
Henrik *****
Hope for him, that you choose to go with the Thai Embassy’s recommondations, so he doesn’t get in trouble with the law in a foreign country.
Kenny **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Henrik ****
I don’t choose anything. I have asked for advice and I have passed all of the information to my father, including a pdf of the Thai requirements. I have also told him that I recommend he goes to his doctor and gets a list of the medication and complete the form.
Jo **********
I have brought all kinds of prescription medicine over the past 20 no issues- they don’t care
Richard ******
We travel here most years and keep our prescription meds in our carry on and have never had a problem.

None of ours are narcotics, if he has narcotic prescription that could be a problem should he be checked.

Like other folks said keep everything in the containers that show the prescription and all should be good 👍
Tony *********
Ouch. His travel insurance for medical would be expensive .. ?

I remember my mums was 2500 Aud ( and this was only company that would insure her due to pre-existing conditions ) just to travel to Spain from Australia. My son and I together was 90 dollars for the 3 week duration ..
Sue **********
It should be fine. Just make sure it’s all labelled clearly with his name on. Carry a copy of his prescription list (the one attached to his prescription). Carry on as hand luggage 😊
Henrik *****
Does not meet the requirements for taking medicin to Thailand.
Patrick ********
I take my medication with doctors prescription note
Mary ********
Tell him to write a list of what medications he is on and strength of them and put that list in his wallet and then to pack them in his checked in luggage in their original packaging. If the worst case / rare scenerio does happen and luggage gets lost - take the list he prepared to your local chemist to purchase the thai equivilent to hold him over until his bags are found.
Henrik *****
Far from meeting the requirements, for taking medicin to Thailand.
Tore *********
@Henrik ****
it does meet the requirements for all medication except class 2.

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Mary ********
@Henrik ****
they rarely check but even if they do, in the original packaging which includes the pharmacy label showing the perscription - this covers the requirements as long as they are category 2 and not narcotics. Feel free to argue the point if you disagree as I sure you will feel the need to, but the fact is you can purchase most drugs there over the counter at the pharmacy. Not sure which ones you can't but without a listing of the types of meds in the post, we cannot really advise fully. Have a great day.
Henrik *****
Just following the instructions from Thai Embassy, to make sure everything is fine, instead of taking the chance and risk spending the holiday in jail.

It is irresponsibel to advise others not to follow the law in another country.
Xr ***
Tell him he can buy marijuana and viagra without a prescription
Michael ***************
Just keep his prescription and should be ok, I’ve been doing it for last 19 years
Henrik *****
Not good enough.
Daniel ************
med for 3 months are okay to bring -
Martin *****
Just check if his medication is available in Thailand.
Henrik *****
You have to go to the homepage of the Thai Embassy in your country, an follow the instructions given there.

That’s the only legit way.

Most answers in this thread is giving false answers and false security about doing the right thing

Something like this:

copenhagen.thaiembassy.org/en/publicservice/bringing-medication-to-thailand?page=604b397d
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Tore *********
@Henrik ****
this is why embassy websites suck. Riddled with outdated info and sometimes misinformation.

That website is wrong, currently its up to 90 days, not 30 days

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Aake **********
If any medicine is classified as a narcotic in Thailand, the embassy must be contacted for advice
Tore *********
@Aake *********
why? Rules are clear and well known and websites often outdated and full of errors. Only trust official government sources

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Aake **********
@Tore *****************
you dont have to till me, i know
Tore *********
@Aake *********
Alright then. Out of experience I would not trust the embassies when it comes to this.
Ruth *******
Most cautious option:

1) Medication in original packaging

2) written prescription from doctor

3) letter from doctor including dosage and reason for medication

The latter two will only become important for medication that is either controlled or not approved in Thailand. Best to be on the safe side. Is he coming for less than 30 days then?
Brad **********
38 visits, two toilet bags loaded with a variety of Pharmaceuticals! Never has been an issue, either carry on nor Stowed 👍

I used to carry a signed letter from my GP to be 100% sure, but gave that way years ago now!

Enjoy your trip 👍
Tim *********
In theory he can bring up to 3 months supply. that's what I did. Reality is no one will ask or look. And in any case, any medication he needs will be ready available over the counter at most pharmacies
Paul *********
@Tim ********
Thai embassy website says 1 month supply is allowed .......probably because they want you to buy meds here.

I bring about a week's supply in hand luggage and 5 or 6 months supply fills checked baggage.
Tore *********
@Paul ********
it’s currently 90 days. Never trust Thai Embassies websites. They are riddled with misinformation and outdated information

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Paul *********
@Tore *****************
don't shoot the messenger.

..... what makes the source you've linked more reliable than an an official government one ? Where does that information come from ?
Tore *********
@Paul ********
Its a official government website (FDA), it where you have to submit the application for the permit.

Not shooting anyone 😉 Its not a new thing with outdated embassy websites. Heck, go look at 10 different ones and information will vary.

No need to be offended because i pointed out the facts.

Its a few years ago it changed from 30 to 90 days.

For medications, this is pretty much the only reliable source.

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Paul *********
@Tore *****************
What makes you think I'm offended ?

I'm a UK citizen. My government's website points me to the Royal Thai Embassy, London website which says 30 days supply is allowed. (Last updated
*****
/22).

I don't need a permit for my various medications ...... maybe that's why it's different.
Tore *********
@Paul ********
its not different. Rules about bringing medicine to Thailand is the same regardless of nationality. London embassy website has incorrect information
Paul *********
@Tore *****************
I don't really care .... it's not my problem, it's theirs.
Tore *********
@Paul ********
if you say so….
Tim *********
@Paul ********
Thanks Paul. Sorry for the mis-information, it's changed since I arrived in August
Tore *********
@Tim ********
its not misinformation, the embassy websites are riddled with errors (they each run their own outdated sites)

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John ********
@Tim ********
Yes, but a prescription will ensure the correct medication is provided.
June ***********
@Tim ********
I bring a 6 mth supply each time with letter from Dr no problem
Adam ********
Just be careful if he is transiting via the Middle East. They have different rules iirc.
John ********
Have the medication and prescriptions in you carry on luggage. I have never been questioned. But, bring the prescriptions..
Mike ********
Never had a problem with my scripts & been going to Thailand for over 20 year's.
Julie ***********
Just keep it in original packaging, and bring prescription with him. Don't pack in hold luggage, ( for obvious reasons) just in carry on luggage..
Nick ************
No problem. You can get 3 months supply prescribed by doctor and I bring 5 different medications one if which is liquid. Only been checked once in carry on but a prescription was all that was needed. I fly Thai and they require all drugs in sealable plastic bags. They give them out at Heathrow.
Steve **********
Better safe than sorry, naturally. Great advice already given.

Just wanted to add that in 25+ years of going in and out of Thailand (and 30+ other countries) with prescription medication I have never even been approached about any, even when I was inspected.
Shane ************
put in luggage and come to thailand. not gonna bust him for meds especially if in checked bags
Ilse **********
@Shane ***********
they scan the bags before the security, security only stops you when they got a call to stop you. So that’s not really smart to do
Shane ************
@Ilse *********
I fly with tons of gear and no issue on over 300 flights a year
Ilse **********
@Shane ***********
I understand but when they stop you a cost a lot , especially with medicine who are opiate
Frances ********
@Shane ***********
don’t pack meds in checked bags. If airline loses his bag (oh that never happens😡) he loses his meds.
Andy **********
@Frances *******
they have good pharmacies in Thailand, that sell any medication you need, I asked once and i was told they can get anything you want, it just might be a different brand, and can also buy without a doctor's prescription.
Shane ************
@Frances *******
I fly 300+ flights per year with piles of gear and zero issue and no lost bags
Frances ********
@Shane ***********
lucky you. I’ve had bags lost, delayed, rerouted myself, family & friends as well. It’s up to you; if there’s anything you don’t want to be separated from, carry it onboard. That’s my choice.
Ilse **********
Get a medical passport, it’s easy and you will never have any problems
Tony *******
@Ilse *********
what is a medical passport thanks
Ilse **********
@Tony ******
when you have to take opioids with you than your doctor or the hospital can make a passport where all your medicine are in , so you can travel

Without asking, just show the passport,
Tore *********
@Ilse *********
if you need to bring opioids you need a special permit (which is easy to get)

Your country’s “medical passport” is worthless in Thailand.

The Dutch «Medical Passport» is only valid in Europe, but is a handy overview.

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Ilse **********
@Tore *****************
we have also internationale medicine “ passports”
Tore *********
@Ilse *********
is know, i live in NL. But it is still a useless document in Thailand . You still need that Permit from Thai Government.

Class 3 and lower only requires your name on the box.
Gillian ******
I have travelled extensively with medication for many years . I transfer it all myself into nomads ( monthly pill boxes) before I travel, and I have all the labels from the original boxes packaged with them in my hand luggage. If asked I can identify each pill.
Lynnette *******
Original box with pharmacy label and prescription info. That's what I do.
Alain ***************
I brought a ton of meds lol. My carry-on trolley suitcase has a big sticker in English and thai that says prescription meds inside. They saw it from far away. Just make sure that the prescription is available in case someone asks. Carrying them in original packaging might help, too. But nobody ever wanted to see. Only security in Zurich airport because one of them is liquid. I told the officer to take a sip but he might spend the day in the bathroom. Positive side effect is that airlines usually don’t care if you’re within the allowed 7kg. I travel carry on only
Ruth *******
@Alain **************
I travel with syringes with ice packs. They nearly always get inspected at security but it’s understandable. I go in with a positive attitude stating, “I assume you’ll want to see…” and I pass through easily (of course needing to show them because they are in metal encasements). I never offered to jab them.
Alain ***************
@Ruth ******
i have plastic pens with tiny pen needles separated. The thai check-in people don’t know what that is and first said I can only bring one pen. I need 2 so i told the employee if i can just give the 2nd one to another passenger. After she realized how stupid that was, she said just take it lol. I offered her to call my local doctor to let him explain why I need 2. but it was ok
Ruth *******
@Alain **************
I wish I had something like that. The design of what I need to bring is so stupid. They are not at all efficient in terms of space, although I do see how explaining them would be very difficult. I'm always amused at the various special ways "authorities" interpret rules to make them make no sense whatsoever.
Phil ******
Accompany the message with documents
Declan **********
Keep in the original packaging and carry the prescription and he shouldn't have a problem
David ***********
Keep in hold luggage and keep your prescription
Lena ***********
@David **********
I came to offer same advice: put in checked luggage. Unsure why so much backlash.

If possible, keep in original prescription packaging. Though I’ve never encountered an issue with blended pills or weekly containers. Best to bring a few days supply in carry on. Since I travel with syringes and complicated Rx, it’s more streamlined to keep the majority in checked luggage.
Lena ***********
Obviously advice is contingent on the severity of need to the drugs at hand. 
Alain ***************
@Lena **********
what do you do if your checked luggage gets lost and your life depends on the meds you don’t have? Without my blood thinners for example you could be days away from a heart attack or stroke. I have to import mine myself from Europe
David ***********
@Lena **********
indeed. Always a couple of trolls on social media !. Yes, i always have a small supply in hand luggage for a few days which is sensible. The bulk though goes in hold. Ive had medicine removed at security at least 3 times for the duration of the flight but who knows how its been stored or tampered with whilst its out of your sight for say 12 hours
Euan ********
@David **********
I think you need to educate yourself in the definition of a troll.

Also your original comment "Keep in hold luggage" changed to "i always have a small supply in hand luggage for a few days"

I'm sure even you can see the significant difference.
David ***********
@Euan *******
you are the dictionary definition of troll Euan. If you are travelling for 48 hours, you need some with you wouldnt you think ? Think about it
John ********
@David **********
worst advice ever
Euan ********
Definitely, he makes no sense at all .

I'd put it down to inexperience and naivety.

Passport, wallet laptop / phone and in this case medication do not leave your side.
Euan ********
@David **********
surely you mean carry on baggage?

If for no reason other than the luggage being lost or delayed
David ***********
@Euan *******
no, i meant hold luggage but if you want to offer different advice, thats also OK
Dave *********
@David **********
What's the long standing advantage of hold baggage over carry on based on 20 years experience then?
David ***********
@Dave ********
Obvious to most. Less questions and issues at security particularly in less "civilised" areas of the world and less hand luggage to carry if you use quite a lot of medication.
Dave *********
@David **********
I see yes, if you are bringing over 7Kg of medication for a holiday in uncivilised Thailand and aren't worried about your suitcase going missing for a few days and you are happy to go without your meds and/or go and buy interim medication on arrival that makes sense.
Euan ********
@David **********
the difference is your suggestion makes no sense at all
David ***********
@Euan *******
20 years, flying many many times each year. My suggestion is offered with long standing experience all over the world with zero issues. If your experience is different, thats also fine
Julie **********
Just keep everything in the original packaging. Then have a copy of his med from the surgery. Not a problem.
Paul ********
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