What should I do about bringing my medicines when moving to Thailand?

Aug 24, 2020
4 years ago
Sara ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello, I have questions for this group -And everything else:

So I am moving to Thailand to my husband. I bring with me my dog and I year all I need. I have lots of medicines because I need those. And my medicines are problem. I check and I can bring only 30 days medicines these 3 medicines. So what I do? I get medicines from my home country almost free but Thailand prices are 10-20 higher. I don't have money buy my medicine from Thailand. Anyone else this problem? Anyone could give me advice? Thank you.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user is seeking advice on bringing medications to Thailand as they move there to join their Thai husband. The individual faces restrictions on the supply of medication they can bring (limited to 30 days) and is concerned about the high cost of medicines in Thailand compared to their home country. Comments from the community suggest various strategies: bringing a larger supply with a doctor's letter, checking prices at local pharmacies versus hospitals, and considering the challenges and regulations around importing a dog.
Joyce *******
I would bring 6 mos worth of meds from Canada in carry on luggage, had a letter from my Dr. no one ever looked or was at all interested
Jay *****
Medicine back home is free & very expensive in Thailand, so I brought 6 months supply with me. I carry a doctors letter &’prescription only to show at the check in desk at departures. I’ve never had to show the letter when arriving in Thailand & no questions ever asked. Two of my friends have also took 6 months supply with them together with a copy of my prescription. Again, no problems.
Karen ***********
When I moved here I had no idea there were limits. Brought a years worth of meds. No one even noticed!
Sara ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Karen **********
I didn't now before. I just now read that page and I was terrified all those warnings.
Drew *******
We travelled to Thailand last year for 6 months and my Doctor gave myself and my wife (Thai) 7 months medication to take with us. We had copies of our repeat prescriptions with us. And had no problems. Carried in hand luguage.
Sara ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Drew ******
I have also always. I have being travelling in Thailand 8 years. But now problem is medicines that you can't bring to Thailand. You can find list from RTE page. There is lots of medicines that are allowed in Finland and Europe but not in Thailand.
Daniel *********
I went to Siam Pharmacy in Korat 2 Big Pharmacies I got my meds dirt cheap 1,000 dollars in USA for one of my meds , here 50 bucks
Edward *******
I am going to assume you’ve already done a deep dive into what medicines you can bring and the cost, so theres no sense in arguing about where drugs are cheaper.

The more important question... Why would you move to another country when you and your husband can’t afford your medical care there? It sounds like you need to take a step back and re-evaluate your priorities. If you can’t afford medicine, how can you afford a medical emergency? Don’t move here now if you’re saturating yourself with meds and can’t afford insurance and meds. It is a disaster waiting to happen!

If you were a guy moving here to live with a Thai wife who can’t afford to take care of themself, people would be flaming you for your irresponsible decision making. I’m not saying you shouldn’t move here period... But you should really get your financial situation under control with plenty of cushion before you uproot your life and move to another country. I don’t think you’d let your son or daughter do something so silly... don’t do it yourself.
Sara ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Edward ******
My husband is Thai. I was surprised that my medicine in Finland is 8 euros and in Thailand it's 100 euros. I have very good insurances. I just put my words wrong. I don't like pay medicines hundreds euros that I get almost free from Finland and I can't bring those with me when I come. But if there is not any changes then I buy medicines from Thailand.
Terary **********
I have a friend in a similar situation. he is from the US so meds are stupid expensive but insurance pays for them. Ultimately he can buy locally not exactly the same thing and pays. Or he ships from US. When he ships he is clever and packages them with clothes and what not. I don't recommend this it can be trouble for you.
Wanda ****************
I have brought too several months medications to Thailand ...., be safe ask your doctor for a letter mentioning your needs that’s ok
June ***********
6mths supply with a dry letter also you can get someone to send it to you as long as they stipulate what's in the package
Anne *******
This lady was asksking about bringing medicines. So if she got Medizin from the list she needs a letter from her doctor. Rules are that she can only bring for one month even with the letter after this she has to buy the medizin in Thailand. I think there is no other way around.
Sara ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Anne ******
I think also. That's why I asking if some one knows it's possible bring if you can show example rental contract that I am moving.
Anne *******
@Sara ***********
, I don't think this will work if they realy check on the airport.
Nick ************
@Anne ******
I declared all that was in my carry on. They had a look and said it was ok. About half was in my checked in bag in case it went astray.
Sara ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Anne ******
I think also. I don't want to take any risk.
Nick ************
@Anne ******
I brought 7 months supply to Thailand and some of it was gel. No questions were asked. All were sealed with prescription info attached and in sealable plastic bags. 6 of them!
Helena ********
I brought my dog from Spain 5 years ago, now I adopted another one and we live in a gated community where I can let them run free in my mooban ☺️

Your dog will not be a problem, you just need to rent a house because they are not allowed at apartments.
Sara ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Helena **********************
I have house already waiting for us safety area. I looking for houses 8 weeks last spring and I finally found good one 😊
Andy *********
I brought my 13 yo lab from UK - complicated process doing it on your own - live in village with many soi dogs - I just don’t let her mix - when we go for a walk a large stick is handy - never had to use it
Nick ************
My experience is that you can buy some medications much more cheaply from a hospital after seeing a doctor than you can from a pharmacy. One of mine was less than a third of the price.

As for the dog I would leave it at home as in my experience the local dogs here would not tolerate it if they came face to face at any time. Many dogs here are not pets and will fight to protect their territory.
Sara ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nick ***********
I know where I am moving and I have house already waiting for us. It's safe area. Safety is my priority number one.
Sammy *******
I dont doubt you, but just have never seen that. ah, if u can, what hospital and what medication?
Nick ************
@Sammy ******
Nakhon Phanom hospital. The biggest saving was on Clopidigrell.
Sammy *******
@Nick ***********
never seen a medicine bought more cheaply at a hospital than local thai pharmacy-- perhaps from boots, but not others. almost all hospitals mark up meds to increase profits. I stopped buying meds from hospitals when a few years ago daughter's visit to her pediatrician was 400 baht charge and meds were 2500, later saw could have bought same meds, same brands, from a local pharmacy for around 500 baht total.
Ivan ************
@Sa***
public hospital pharmacies are extremely cheap, I have never found cheaper. Private yes they mark up.
Andy ********
@Sammy ******
,
@Nick ***********
is absolutely correct. My wife is diabetic and we moved here to Thailand 4 years ago. We brought 5 months supply of her medication. I did a lot of checking the best option for her to carry on managing her condition.

I checked at pharmacies in Cha Am (where we live), Hua Hin, Bangkok and Pattaya. When it came to price the results were, most expensive first:

1. Private hospitals, by a long way the most expensive option. There was quite a variation between hospitals, even different hospitals in the same chain.

2. Private clinics.

3. Pharmacies, again quite a variation between pharmacies. Pattaya was the cheapest although our local pharmacy in Cha Am offered to do a price match if we bought 3 months supply at a time.

4. Government Hospitals, because of where we live we ended up using Hua Hin Hospital. Cost of medication is 25% less than buying at the cheapest of the pharmacies.
Joel *********
Sammy *******
@Joel ********
well then, I am not incorrect -- private hospitals were more expensive, local pharmacies better-- yes, if u go to a govt hospital, i would agree, they could, be cheaper as they are subsidized and affordable to most thai patients-- most expats do not go to thai govt hospitals
Nick ************
@Sammy ******
I found the service and treatment at the hospital very good and not expensive. In fact, the saving I made on the meds paid for the treatment.
Joel *********
@Sammy ******
I don’t understand your message to me? I was saying True to one of your messages that it’s much more expensive to get meds from hospitals ! What’s your point?
Sammy *******
Nick ************
@Sammy ******
it is worth checking both prices but I am just telling you what my experience has been. Less than a third of the price from the hospital for one med.
Sammy *******
@Nick ***********
can u name the med if it's not too private
J ******************
If you are not planning to stay long term should not bring the dog because if you decide to return to original country in many cases a dog will not be allowed back in from Thailand even with a quarantine. Regarding your medications, depending on what they are some you can get over the counter without prescription, others you will need to get from a hospital with a prescription. Perhaps you need to research more ,if you have someone who speaks Thai have them help with research because many businesses when they see Farang they think $$$$$.
Sara ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@J *****************
I stay long term. I am moving but covid situation... it's difficult now. I moving to Thailand so of course not I am not leaving my dog in Finland.

I have doctor's medical certificate and prescriptions.
J ******************
@Sara ***********
I said what I did re your dog in case you need to return to your home country, it may not be straightforward. You say you are from Finland so the change in climate may also be a challenge for the dog so I wish you well. My brother has a German Shepherd that was born in Finland
Sara ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@J *****************
I check also that and I can come back to Finland with my dog no problem 😊
Sammy *******
depending upon what medications, they are govt rules what can bring and what u must declare and surrender at airport.
Jane ***********
@J *****************
I’ve helped several people to take their dogs back home from Thailand- to Israel, Europe and US. Zero problems, in fact I found it harder to arrange for a dog to go to the UK from Greece.
J ******************
@Jane **********
it will not be as easy bringing a dog from Thailand to Australia
Wayne ********
obviously this depends which country the dog is coming from but even countries like Australia which in the past required 12 months quarantine have reduced this to 2 weeks not he basis pet has all the required vaccinations and certificates from a vet.
J ******************
@Wayne *******
the requirements are very tough for vaccinations and importing into Australia for example and to bring a dog back from Thailand most likely is not possible. Have family members who have bought dogs in from Europe and it is a very stringent process. It would be wise to check that through with authorities in the home country. All Australian Quarantine is done in Melbourne these days
Wayne ********
@J *****************
Brian as i said Australia now is much more relaxed only 2 weeks on basis you follow their strict instructions and processes it use to be 12 months but they have become more friendly about this.
J ******************
@Wayne *******
also depends where the dog comes from also
Wayne ********
@J *****************
from

thailand u need to go via singapore and spend sometime there
J ******************
@Wayne *******
yep Thailand is not an approved country need rabies shots and so on cost including quarantine flights and so on can be anywhere from AUD 5000 which is why I suggest this person be sure of their intentions and the financial ramifications
Wayne ********
Stephen *******
Just bring 12 month supply and a doctor's letter explaining the situation. Chances of a problem are close to zero.
Stan *******
@Stephen ******
agreed. Nothing will happen because no one ever checks at the airport
Brett *******
I have brought six months supply several times and never been asked a single question.
Henry *******
@Brett ******
Did you actually got stopped and inspected by customs and still experienced no issues?
Brett *******
@Henry ******
no. They were in my checked luggage. I collected the suitcase and walked straight through. I had a letter from my doctor and 5,000 baht with me to pay the “tax” if necessary.
Dan ********
@Brett ******
maybe carry more than 5000 next time, if that’s your ‘just in case fund’. 40,000 might be sufficient.
Glen ********
Dog, Do you know that Thailand has one of the worlds largest populations of free roaming dogs (Soi dogs).
Tony ******
@Glen *******
i brought my cat hes family cost 50k baht worth every baht
Enya *********
what’s your point 😂
Anne *******
I also brought my dog to Thailand. Why not? Should I leave it on the streets of my home town, because Germany is running out of street dogs? 😂
Michael ********
Both good points
Dave *******
@Gl**
first comment on point second comment Dons got you there.
Don ******
@Glen *******
kind of like saying “don’t bring your kids, Thailand has too many orphans...”🤣🤣🤣
Dan ********
@Don *****
but it should make people think a little more before having kids. It is one of the most selfish acts a human can make. People are always shocked when I say this at dinner parties. When there is millions of kids suffering terribly, needing a loving mother, family and home, and what a unbeatable gift, to sacrifice your life to make someone else’s better. Makes me sad how little it is considered, especially in the middle classes and working professionals.
Glen ********
pay 20% higher or stay wherever you are
Linda ***********
3 month supply I believe ok
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