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travel to thailand with medication

Bringing prescribed drugs and medicine into Thailand

If you are visiting Thailand on holiday and need to bring in medicine or prescribed drugs, there are some regulations to be aware of. Although in many cases it won’t be a problem, check with the information and links below to be sure.

travel to thailand with medication

When bringing prescribed drugs into (or out of) Thailand, keep the medicine in the original, clearly labelled packaging. You should also carry with you a letter from your doctor or the qualified medical professional who prescribed the drugs.

What drugs and medicine are allowed?

You can bring medicine into Thailand with you if:

  • It doesn’t contain controlled drugs ( see list here )
  • It is for personal use
  • You have an accompanying letter from a medical professional
  • The quantity doesn’t exceed 90* days of prescribed usage

As with many things in Thailand, there are official rules and there are unofficial rules. No doubt there are people travelling to Thailand who will say they have never had an issue or have brought in more than 90 days* supply of medications.

This is the advice listed on the website of the Royal Thai Embassy in London: Bringing prescribed drugs into Thailand

This is the advice on Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Information for travellers bringing prescribed medication into Thailand

*The information on the Thai Embassy website (as of October 2022) states 30 days, but the information from Thailand’s FDA says 90 days under legislation issued in 2021.

For some categories of prescribed drugs, travellers need to show the medication is for personal use and also apply for a permit in advance . This is applicable for drugs including:

  • Dihydrocodeine
  • Diphenoxylate
  • Hydrocodone
  • Hydromorphone

For medicines which contain these drugs and others, you should get a permit from Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Applications can be made online at least two weeks in advance here: https://permitfortraveler.fda.moph.go.th/nct_permit_main/

Applications should be made via PC/laptop and not on a mobile phone. Once the permit is granted, it will be sent by email. You will need to print out the permit and bring it with you to Thailand.

Cannabis regulations have been eased in Thailand . However, it remains illegal to bring in cannabis or hemp to Thailand or take it out of the country.

Thai pharmacies

Medicine which is normally prescription only in the UK or Ireland, may be available over the counter from Thai pharmacies. Brand names in Thailand are often different, but the active ingredients and reason for use may be the same. Many pharmacists in Thailand speak excellent English (especially in the main cities and resort areas) and are usually very helpful.

Flying to Thailand via another country

Different rules may apply if you are travelling to Thailand via another country. Some destinations have stricter rules compared to Thailand (e.g. Dubai) and travellers should check what is or isn’t permitted with their airlines and the relevant local authorities .

More information

This article was compiled according to the information available in October 2022. The information here is a guide. Rules may change and it is up to the traveller to ensure they comply with Thai regulations. More information is available from the relevant Thai authorities:

Narcotics Control Division Food and Drug Administration Ministry of Public Health Nonthaburi 11000 Thailand Website: FDA, Ministry of Public Health Email: [email protected]

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Just under three hours from Bangkok is the island of Koh Samet. It is a popular weekend getaway for Thais and those living in Bangkok (including foreigners) and if it’s popular with Thai people then it must be a great place for visitors to explore too. Quiet during weekdays and fun on the weekends, Koh Samet has gorgeous white sand beaches and great year-round weather with dozens of beach resorts, bars and restaurants. Visitors are also allowed to camp there if they wish. Like this post if Koh Samet is on your travel list. 🎥: @lifeinthailandnow 📍: Koh Mamet

travel to thailand with medication

Are you an adventurous foodie? Add this Treepod dining experience at Soneva Kiri to your dining bucket list. What’s the most unusual place you’ve had a meal? Tell us in the comments. 🎥: @paigunna 📍@discoversoneva

Take a boat from Pak Bara Pier in Thailand, or Langkawi in Malaysia to Koh Lipe. This small island is dubbed the Maldives of Thailand. It’s part of the Tarutao National Marine Park and has a charming, laid-back feel. Like if you think you’d enjoy spending time here. 🎥 @expeditioustraveler 📍Koh Lipe, Thailand

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Visiting Phang Nga and looking for a place to stay? Check into a Wood House with sea views and a bathtub at Samet Nangshe Boutique Hotel. This hidden gem in Amphoe Takua Thung also offers a pool, jacuzzi and in-house restaurant/bar with phenomenal vistas. Which hotel would you recommend in Thailand? 🎥 Tailandia experience 📍Phang Nga

Have you visited Bangkok after dark? Post-sunset the city comes alive. The river skyline is illuminated by colourful, shimmering lights from tall buildings, hotels and landmarks, with the reflections on the water creating a mesmerising effect. 🎥 @onelifetravelwow 📍@iconsiam Bangkok

Muang Boran (the Ancient City) is an open-air museum spanning over 320 acres, showcasing meticulously crafted replicas of ancient temples, palaces and landmarks from different regions of the country and various eras. It’s an immersive experience enabling you to delve into Thai history, culture and way of life as you watch traditional performances and participate in hands-on activities that bring the past to life. Share with someone you know who loves heritage attractions. 🎥 @worldpitou 📍Ancient Siam, Bangkok

With around 80% of Koh Chang hidden under the jungle canopy, there’s a lot you’d miss out on by spending all of your time at the beach. Whether you choose a guided tour on land or zipline through the jungle – you’ll be sure to see some amazing sights and maybe even some local wildlife. Like this post if you’d like to be George (or Jane) of the Jungle on your trip to Thailand. 🎥 @asiaandbeyond 📍Koh Chang

How cool are these?!! These amazing custom-designed Jungle Bubble Lodges at the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort have four-poster beds, plunge pools and private cabanas, with a front row view on Chiang Rai’s majestic wildlife and landscape. Tag the person you want to bring. 🎥 @paigunna 📍@anantara_goldentriangle, Northern Thailand

Experiencing beautiful sunsets in a picture-perfect location is one of the best things about travelling. This stunning sunset was captured in Koh Chang. Like this post if you’re hoping to experience sunsets just like this in Thailand. If you’ve been lucky enough to experience it already, comment and tell us where in Thailand you found the best sunset. 🎥 @florisgone 📍Koh Chang

The Koh Chang archipelago consists of over 50 islands. As it might take a while to visit them all, here is a selection of five amazing beaches for you to discover on your travels: 1. Wai Cheack Beach, Koh Kood 2. Bang Bao Beach, Koh Kood 3. Khlong Hin Beach, Koh Kood 4. Ko Ngam Island 5. Koh Laoya Island. Tell us which one you’d like to visit most. Reel: @florisgone. Pin: Koh Chang 🎥 @kohchang_erleben 📍 Koh Chang

Rest in the sea on an in-water hammock at Rest Sea Resort, Koh Kood. With the sounds of the water lapping as your soundtrack, you’ll be sure to be relaxed in this gorgeous three-star resort with private villas. Like this post if this sounds like your perfect holiday destination Reel: @florisgone. Pin: Rest Sea Resort, Koh Kood 🎥 @florisgone 📍 Rest Sea Resort, Koh Kood

Caution October 19, 2023

Worldwide caution, update january 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

Thailand - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Thailand. Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reconsider travel to:

  • Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla provinces due to  civil unrest associated with ongoing insurgent activities.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Thailand.

If you decide to travel to Thailand:

  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
  • Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .   
  • Review the  Country Security Report  for Thailand.
  • Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla Provinces – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Periodic violence directed mostly at Thai government interests by a domestic insurgency continues to affect security in the southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla. In Songkhla, the insurgency is most active in the districts of Chana, Thepha, Nathawat, and Saba Yoi. U.S. citizens are at risk of death or injury due to the possibility of indiscriminate attacks in public places.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these provinces as U.S government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these provinces.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

6 months from date of entry required

One page is required per entry stamp; please note endorsement pages are not considered blank passport page

No, if your stay is less than 30 days

Yellow fever may be required if arriving from certain countries with yellow fever

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Bangkok 95 Wireless Road Bangkok 10330 Thailand Telephone: + (66) (2) 205-4049, 02-205-4049 (within Thailand) Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(66) (2) 205-4000, 02-205-4000 (within Thailand) Fax: +(66) (2) 205-4103, 02-205-4103 (within Thailand) Email:   [email protected]

CONSULATE 

U.S. Consulate General Chiang Mai 387 Witchayanond Road Chiang Mai 50300 Thailand Telephone: +(66) (53) 107-777, 053-107-777 (within Thailand) Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(66) 81-881-1878, 081-881-1878 (within Thailand) Fax: +(66) (53) 252-633, 053-252-633 (within Thailand) Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Visit the Royal Thai Embassy website for the most current visa information.

  • U.S. citizen tourists entering Thailand for fewer than 30 days do not require a visa.
  • We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your arrival in Thailand to avoid possible denied entry.
  • Thai immigration officials or airline staff may ask for your onward/return ticket.
  • Business travelers, U.S. government employees travelling on official business, teachers, retirees, and those planning to stay longer than 30 days should check with the  Royal Thai Embassy about visa requirements .
  • If you overstay your visa, you will be fined. Depending on the length of overstay, you may also be arrested, detained, deported at your own expense, and banned from re-entering Thailand.

We strongly recommend you carry a copy of your U.S. passport identification page and current Thai visa to help avoid detention by the Thai immigration police.

Thailand’s entry/exit information is subject to change without notice. For the most current information, please see the list of  Thai embassies and consulates worldwide  and  The Royal Thai Police Immigration Bureau .

You can find detailed information on vaccinations and other health precautions on the  CDC website . 

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Thailand. However, these restrictions are generally not enforced. Please verify this information with the Royal Thai Embassy before you travel.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

COVID-19 Requirements: There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens. 

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

  • High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
  • Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
  • Places of worship
  • Shopping malls and markets
  • Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Periodic acts of violence in Thailand remain a concern.  In August 2019, several small explosions and related arson events occurred in various locations throughout Bangkok resulting in no deaths but some injuries and minor property damage. Several small-scale bombings occurred near some tourist locations in the far Southern provinces in August 2016 and December 2018. In August 2015, an explosion near the Erawan Shrine in downtown Bangkok killed at least 20 people and injured more than 100. The U.S. Department of State assesses there is a continued risk of terrorism in Southeast Asia, including in Thailand.

If a protest or demonstration is expected to pass near the U.S. Embassy or Consulate facilities,  Embassy and Consulate entrances and functions may be restricted. The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok’s  website ,  Facebook,  and  Twitter  sites and the U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai’s  website ,  Facebook , and  Twitter  sites post information about local events that may affect Embassy functions. Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive security and safety messages.

Far Southern Thailand:  Periodic violence directed mostly at Thai government interests by a domestic insurgency continues to affect security in the southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla. U.S. citizens are at risk of death or injury due to the possibility of indiscriminate attacks in public places. Martial law is in force in this region.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these provinces. Travel to this region by U.S government employees must be reviewed and approved in advance. For more information on terrorist threats against U.S. citizens worldwide and steps to take as a result of these threats, please see the  Worldwide Caution .

  • Crimes of opportunity,  such as pick-pocketing, bag-snatching, and burglary, occur in Thailand.
  • Violent crimes  against foreigners are relatively rare. However, murders, rapes, and assaults against foreigners do occur.
  • Sexually motivated violence,  committed by either Thai citizens or foreigners, is most likely to occur after time spent at bars, clubs, and parties, on beaches, or in remote/isolated areas. The Thai police response will differ from an investigation in the United States; investigating officials have publicly discredited people who have reported being the victim of crimes . In addition to making a report at the police jurisdiction in which the crime occurred, we advise contacting the Embassy and engaging a local attorney if you are a victim of an assault.
  • When traveling alone,  exercise caution, stay near other travelers, and ensure friends or family know how to contact you.
  • Taxi and “tuk-tuk”  drivers may attempt to charge excessive fares or refuse passengers. You should either request the driver use the meter or agree on the fare beforehand.
  • At the airport  use only public transportation from the airport’s official pick-up area, cars from the limousine counters, or a car from your hotel.
  • Rental scams  do occur in Thailand. Many rental motorbike, jet ski, and car companies will hold your passport until you pay for real or fictitious damages. We advise against using your passport as collateral.
  • Exorbitant bar tab scams  occur in Thailand. Some bars and entertainment venues will charge exorbitant prices for drinks or unadvertised cover charges and threaten violence if you don’t pay.
  • Other scams  involving gems, city tours, entertainment venues, and credit cards are common, especially in tourist areas.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Thailand. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:

  • Romance/Online dating
  • Money transfers
  • Grandparent/Relative targeting
  • Free Trip/Luggage
  • Work permits/job offers

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of crime are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. Report crimes to the local police by calling 191 or the Tourist Police at 1155 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +66 (0) 2-205-4049 or Consulate at +(66) (53) 107-777. Remember that only local officials have the authority to investigate and to prosecute a crime.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. Report crimes to the local police by calling 191 or the Tourist Police at 1155 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +66 (0) 2-205-4049 or Consulate at +(66) (53) 107-777. Remember that only local officials have the authority to investigate and to prosecute a crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

  • Help you find appropriate medical care
  • Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
  • Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
  • Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
  • Provide a list of local attorneys
  • Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
  • Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
  • Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
  • Replace a stolen or lost passport

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Conditions at the Bangkok Immigration Detention Center (IDC):  Conditions in immigration detention centers (IDCs) where authorities detain foreign nationals who violate immigration laws remain poor and most are overcrowded. IDCs, administered by the Immigration Police Bureau, which reports to the Royal Thai Police (RTP), are not subject to many of the regulations that govern the regular prison system. U.S. citizen detainees often complain of stark, austere living conditions, overcrowding, and unhealthy conditions. Personal security is poor. In addition, the main IDC in Bangkok does not dependably provide adequate medical or mental health care. In 2019, two U.S. citizens died while in custody at the Bangkok IDC. Deportations are self-funded and it may take up to two weeks for Thai authorities to process a case before deportation. Detainees must have funds to purchase a phone card and do not have access to the internet. Prior approval and a security escort are required to visit a Western Union or an ATM machine.

  • Please see the  Immigration Act B.E. 1979  for more information about Thai Immigration violations.
  • Please see the  Department of State’s Report on Human Rights Practices for Thailand  for further information.

Lèse majesté (Royal Insult):  Thais hold the monarchy in the highest regard. Making a critical or defamatory comment about the royal family is punishable by a prison sentence of up to 15 years per offense. As an example, purposely tearing Thai bank notes, which carry an image of the King, may be considered a lèse majesté offense.

  • Prostitution is illegal in Thailand.  Serious consequences include criminal conviction and imprisonment, particularly in the case of child prostitution. 
  • Commercial surrogacy is banned.
  • Personal use of even non-lethal military equipment, such as protective vests and night vision scopes, is prohibited.
  • Illegal drugs  carry severe penalties. Expect long jail sentences under harsh conditions, heavy fines, or even execution for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs.
  • Shoplifting  can result in large fines and lengthy detention followed by deportation.
  • Domestic Issues:  Local police are reluctant to become involved in domestic issues. You may call the Family Services Emergency hotline by dialing 1300 from any Thai phone.
  • Possessing counterfeit or pirated goods is a crime in Thailand.  For more information see the  intellectual property section of the U.S. Department of Justice website .

Customs  may enforce strict regulations on Buddha images, firearms, bullets and/or bullet casings, bullet-proof vests, night vision devices and other para-military type equipment, explosives, drugs, radios, books, and recordings, which might be cultural property and/or considered harmful to the public interest.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

  • Faith-Based Travel Information
  • International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
  • Human Rights Report – see country reports
  • Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
  • Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers: There are no known legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Thailand. However, LGBTI groups report that in the case of sexual crimes, police tend to downplay sexual abuse claims from LGBTI victims.

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance. Sidewalks and street crossings are not suitable for travelers with mobility issues. Newly constructed buildings, facilities, and transportation equipment should be accessible by law for persons with mobility issues. However, enforcement of these provisions is not uniform.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: Some victims of sexual assault or domestic violence find that Thai authorities do not handle such cases with as much sensitivity or consideration for privacy as they would expect in the United States. See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

Ambulance services are:

  • not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas except for Bangkok and other major cities.
  • Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

Medical treatment  is generally adequate in Thailand’s urban areas. In Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya, good facilities exist for routine, long-term, and emergency health care. Basic medical care is available in rural areas, but English-speaking providers are rare.

Medical tourism  is an established and rapidly growing industry. You should consult with your local physician before traveling and also  refer to information on medical tourism from CDC.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Medicine for personal use  is allowed as long as the amount does not exceed a 30-day supply and you bring the medicine with you. Do not mail medicine to Thailand without first confirming it will be allowed into the country.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with  Thailand Customs  and the  Thailand Food and Drug Administration  to ensure the medication is legal in Thailand. Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. 

The following diseases are present:

  • Chikungunya
  • Japanese encephalitis
  • Tuberculosis:
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Melioidosis         

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

  • World Health Organization
  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality:  The air quality in Thailand varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons, but seasonal smog is a problem. In recent years the air quality in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Lampang, Nan, and Samut Sakhon have exceeded Thai and U.S. government daily standards for fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) for a portion of the year. In Chiang Mai and other northern provinces, annual agricultural burning, approximately February through late April, and forest fires cause days with unhealthy to hazardous air quality based on the U.S. index. In Bangkok environs, airborne dust and auto pollutants are prevalent in the cooler, dry period (December-February). Anyone who travels where pollution levels are high is at risk. People at the greatest risk from air pollution exposure include:

  • Infants, children, and teens
  • People over 65 years of age
  • People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
  • People with heart disease
  • People who work or are active outdoors

For Bangkok and Chiang Mai, U.S. Mission Thailand is reporting the U.S. EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI) calculated from PM2.5 data captured by monitors owned and maintained by the Royal Thai Government. The information and advice on health protection measures to take is available

Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health facilities in general:

  • Adequate health facilities are available in Bangkok and other major cities but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards.
  • Hospitals and doctors require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available.
  • Medical staff at public hospitals may speak little or no English.
  • Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
  • Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery:

  • Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on Medical Tourism.
  • Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on Medical Tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Thailand.
  • We strongly recommend supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.
  • Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Thailand.
  • Although Thailand has many elective/cosmetic surgery facilities that are on par with those found in the United States, the quality of care varies widely. If you plan to undergo surgery in Thailand, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available and professionals are accredited and qualified.

Pharmaceuticals:

  • Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy:

  • If you are considering traveling to Thailand to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page .
  • Surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in Thailand, subject to complex local regulation. For additional information, visit the Government of Thailand’s website for information on foreigner surrogacy.
  • If you decide to pursue parenthood in Thailand via assisted reproductive technology (ART) with a gestational mother, be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child’s citizenship. Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk criminal prosecution.

Water Quality:

  • In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

Adventure Travel:

  • Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel .

COVID-19 Testing: For the most current list of COVID-19 testing locations in Thailand approved by the Ministry of Public Health, please visit:  http://service.dmsc.moph.go.th/labscovid19 .  Testing is paid for by U.S. citizens.

The Ministry of Public Health provides a list of 44 laboratories approved to conduct COVID-19 testing found  here .

Please Note : Same-day Covid-19 testing is available at most private hospitals throughout Thailand.  Please reference this list of testing locations and contact the provider directly to inquire about COVID-19 testing options, scheduling, cost, and other information.

COVID-19 Vaccines:  The COVID-19 vaccine is available for U.S. citizens to receive in Thailand.   According to Thai authorities, both private and public hospitals are providing COVID-19 vaccines. More information on a list of hospitals in Thailand is available  here .

The Bang Rak Vaccination and Health Center, the Institute of Dermatology, and the Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute are currently providing free bivalent vaccines to non-Thai citizens on a walk-in basis.

Visit the FDA's website to  learn more about FDA-approved vaccines  in the United States.  

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:

  • Traffic accidents are common in Thailand.  According to the  World Health Organization , in 2018, Thailand had one of the world’s highest traffic-related fatality rates. Bangkok and some parts of Chiang Mai have heavy traffic.
  • Reckless driving:  Speeding, reckless passing, and failure to obey other traffic laws are common in all regions of Thailand. Traffic moves on the left. Some drivers move illegally against the traffic. Scooters and motorbikes commonly drive on the sidewalks during rush hour and other periods of heavy traffic. Commercial drivers commonly consume alcohol, amphetamines, and other stimulants.
  • Accidents involving motorcycles can be deadly . Riders may incur serious injuries when they are not wearing helmets or proper clothing and footwear. According to the World Health Organization, in 2016, 74 percent of traffic fatalities involved riders of 2-and 3-wheeled vehicles. Use of motorcycle helmets is mandatory, but this law is sporadically enforced. 
  • Use a pedestrian bridge  to cross the road where one is available, including in front of the U.S. Embassy on Wireless Road and on Sukhumvit Road, where many pedestrians have been killed and several U.S. citizens seriously injured. Look carefully in both directions before crossing streets, even when using a marked crosswalk. 
  • If you have a traffic accident,  you should contact your insurance company for guidance in dealing with the other party and the police.
  • Emergency vehicles:  Congested roads and a scarcity of ambulances can make it difficult for accident victims to receive timely medical attention

Traffic Laws:

  • Driving under influence is punishable by law . If you are found to be intoxicated, you could be jailed for a minimum of two years and subject to a fine.
  • Bribes are illegal.  If you are found guilty, you could be imprisoned up to five years, face severe fines, or both.
  • Lack of ID.
  • Not obeying traffic laws and traffic signals.
  • Driving slowly in regular lanes of traffic.
  • If you are involved in a traffic accident, you should contact your auto insurance company for guidance . 

Public Transportation:

  • Mass transit:  In Bangkok, the BTS elevated "Skytrain," “Airport Rail Link” mass transit, and the underground MRT systems are reliable, inexpensive, air conditioned, and often faster than Bangkok traffic.
  • Bus system:  Bangkok also has an extensive bus system, but buses can be overcrowded and are often driven with little or no regard for passenger safety.
  • For hire vehicles:  Cities outside of Bangkok typically have only rudimentary public transportation and usually do not have metered taxis. In many cases, motorcycle taxis, tuk-tuks, bicycle-powered rickshaws, and pick-up trucks will be the only options available for travelers without their own transport.
  • Smartphone-based for-hire vehicle service  exist in Bangkok and other large cities. Those affiliated with registered taxis, such as Grab Taxi, Line Taxi, and All Thai Taxi are legal, but their affiliated car services are under legal review.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Thailand’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Thailand should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
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  • See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
  • Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
  • See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Thailand . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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travel to thailand with medication

Drug Laws in Thailand: Know the Facts Before You Travel

Thailand's drug laws are very strict, except for marijuana, of course, which is now legal, albeit with some restrictions on public use and age limit.

Narcotic & psychotropic drugs, however, are still very much illegal.

There's certainly no slap on the wrist for getting caught with a small amount of cocaine or a few pills. Class A drugs like heroin, cocaine, LSD, or Ketamine will land you in the slammer.

But still, year in year out, embassy representatives are called out to Thailand’s notoriously hard prisons to talk with foreigners who've been locked up for using drugs in the Kingdom, not to mention the amount of smugglers caught each year coming through the country’s airports.

The conversation always ends the same way: “You’re in a lot of trouble”.

Get caught with a substantial amount and your only hope is a pardon from the King, sometime in the next 60 years.

Prescription drugs are heavily regulated too. Some require a permit, and the majority are restricted to 30-days worth – in the original packaging and accompanied by the prescription.

Of course, seldom do people get stopped over a some painkillers, but it's best to exercise caution – better safe than sorry.

I don't take any risks when travelling. Why let a holiday be ruined by an overzealous official with an agenda.

In this post I'll cover class A and B prescription dugs, so you can arm yourself with the information you need to travel safely and well within the law.

thailand drug law

  • Keeping Your Distance From Drugs
  • Drug Classification
  • Drugs & Police Bribes
  • Stop and Search
  • Prescription Drugs Law
  • Anabolic Steroids
  • Valium & Xanax & Related Drugs

Keeping Your Distance from Drugs

The most sensible thing you can do is simply stay away from drugs and the types of people doing them.

It’s easy to get carried away at a Full Moon Party or club and find yourself with a proposition you wouldn't normally take up. But that one line or pill could mean being banged up with hardened murderers and rapists.

It might seem like nothing back home, but no matter how relaxed Thai people are on the surface, the authorities take a very hard line when it comes to drugs.

Drugs have ravaged working class communities in Thailand and destroyed lives, particularly yaba, the “crazy drug”, which is a mixture of methamphetamine and caffeine.

Therefore, anyone doing drugs inside Thailand is perceived as a threat to the stability of society.

If people are doing coke or any other drug and invite you to sit with them (foreign or Thai), stay away.

The police will arrest everyone in the group, not just those in possession of the drug.

Even the public smoking of marijuana is still an arrestable offense, if it is considered to be a public nuisance.

If you see anyone doing any type of drug, be it cocaine, ICE, or ecstasy, take yourself out of that environment immediately.

Also consider that the majority of Thais strongly object to recreational drug use, and as such will call the police on a condo or house where they suspect drug use is taking place.

+ Read about the new law on cannabis here

Drug Classification in Thailand

Narcotics are classified into five categories under Section 29 of the Narcotics Code, as follows:

  • Category 1: dangerous narcotics such as heroin.
  • Category 2: ordinary  narcotics such as morphine, cocaine, codeine or medicinal opium.
  • Category 3: narcotics which are in the form of medicinal formula and contain narcotics of category 2 as ingredients, in accordance with the rules prescribed by the Minister of Public Health under the suggestions of the Narcotics Control Committee.
  • Category 4: chemicals used for producing narcotics of category 1 or 4, such as Acetic Anhydride.
  • Category 5: narcotics which do not belong under category 1 – 4, such as opium.

Anyone caught in violation of the laws pertaining to these categories shall be punished by imprisonment or death, depending on the circumstances as determined by the Thai Courts.

Bribing Your Way Out of Arrest

While it may be true that in some cases people buy their way out of sticky situations with the police by offering a fixed sum in exchange for freedom, depending on who you try to bribe, this may work against you as another criminal act.

The bribe is nowhere near as common as it may have been 20 years ago, and many foreigners exaggerate these stories, too. The majority of people who get caught with hard drugs go to prison. That is a fact.

Also consider that the police may simply take your money and bang you up anyway.

In some instances you may be asked to pay a “token amount of money to make things go away”, at which point that is for you to consider.

I can't comment on this. But know that you may end up in jail anyway. If you plan on staying in Thailand, you will also be in debt to the local police, and no one wants to be in that position.

Stop & Search in Thailand

Just because you’re a foreigner, doesn’t mean you won’t get stopped and searched on the streets of Thailand.

I have been stopped and searched in both Koh Samui and Bangkok. I was asked to empty my pockets and verify my identify.

On Samui it was a roadside stop on the Ghost Road, about 1.5 km from Chaweng. In Bangkok, it was a search near Asok station as I was walking to meet a friend for a drink.

Failure to produce identification may incur a fine and a trip to the station for further interrogation, so always carry an ID card / a copy of your passport and your photo driver's license.

Also consider that if an officer thinks you are under the influence of drugs when stopped, you may be taken to the station for a blood test.

Prescription Drugs Law: Narcotic & Psychotropic Substances

If you are traveling to Thailand with prescription drugs that may contain illegal substances under Thai law, you should read the guidelines to see if you need a permit.

The Food and Drug Administration of Thailand sets out the guidelines for cases where medications contain prohibited narcotics or substances:

The traveler is allowed to carry for his personal treatment medications which contain substance classified in Category II, III, IV, provided, however, that the quantity of which shall not exceed 30 days of usage. The traveler is required to obtain a permit “Form IC-2” issued by the Food and Drug Administration.

The traveler is also required to do the following:

  • Submit the application form (see the links below this list).
  • Carry a medical prescription issued by a Doctor identifying the medical condition of the patient as well as the necessity of the medical treatment, the total amount of the dosage and the name, address, license number of the doctor.
  • Carry a certificate issued by the competent authority that the patient has authority to carry the medication.
  • The traveler is required to declare the medication he is carrying into or out of Thailand. He is also required to present the document or medical certificate upon entry to the Red Channel and upon exit to the Custom VAT Refund.
  • The medical certificate should be kept by the traveler all through his stay in the country.
  • The medication is required to be kept in the original prescription bottle with the contents clearly marked.
  • The traveler is not allowed to sell nor supply medications to another.

The guidelines are ever-evolving, and therefore it is necessary stay on top of new developments to Thai drug laws concerning prescriptions and the use of drugs inside the country.

> Click here to read the guidelines on drug restriction.

> Click here to find out if your medication needs a permit.

> Click here to fill out the form if you have identified from the ‘drug checker' tool that you need a permit.

* IMPORTANT: If you take medication that is considered a narcotic/psychotropic substance and you want to carry it into Thailand, you should request the permit at least two weeks before the arrival date.

+ Next Up: Get Proper Travel Insurance Cover

Using, Buying & Selling Anabolic Steroids

Thailand has a reputation as a steroid haven for bodybuilders, with all sorts of body-enhancing drugs available over the counter. But be careful.

Steroids could land you a jail sentence, even though you may be readily sold the drugs by a willing pharmacy.

Only steroids that are FDA approved are legal to buy over the counter from a licensed pharmacist, with a prescription.

The illegal trading of anabolic steroids has a maximum penalty of a jail sentence, as opposed to a maximum penalty of death under the Narcotics Act.

While most police couldn’t care less that you are obsessed with making yourself look like the incredible hulk, you could still get fined if you don't have a prescription.

Buying for resale is a different category. Getting caught posting steroids back home, selling from a website inside Thailand, selling to friends inside Thailand, or attempting to leave with a suitcase-full from the airport could land you in serious trouble.

Get caught with enough to be suspected of selling or exporting (illegally) and you could end up in the slammer: read the story of Richard Crawley and Ashley Vincent Livingston .

Valium, Xanax & Other Related Drugs

Xanax is another drug that can be bought in many of Thailand’s pharmacies, as is the case with Valium, Rohypnol and a host of other drugs. But it’s not legal.

The pharmacies can, and do, get fined for selling these drugs, and if you don’t have a prescription, you will too.

Most expats will tell you not to worry, that nothing will happen. But my advice is to exercise caution and know the law on what you're buying and carrying.

If you go through customs with the wrong drug, or get stopped and searched and caught with something you shouldn’t have, a great trip could quickly descend into a nightmare.

No doubt you’ve heard the old “you can pay your way our of anything in Thailand” talk, but the reality is that not every policeman can be bought, as discussed previously.

Your best bet is to stay away from using banned drugs and mixing with those who do drugs.

If you have any doubt over the legality of a prescription drug you intend to travel with, get a letter from your doctor to verify your prescription and obtain the necessary IC-2 permit.

Important Notice:

I will no longer reply to comments asking whether specific prescription drugs are allowed into Thailand. I am not a pharmacist and cannot properly advise on the ingredients of drugs.

You can Google the drug you have been prescribed to determine its ingredients, or ask your doctor for confirmation, then use the official drug checker linked in above.

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Last Updated on July 19, 2022

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Bringing Medication to Thailand

Guidance for Travellers to Thailand under Treatment Carrying Personal Medications Containing Narcotic Drugs/Psychotropic Substances into/out of Thailand.

  • If the prescription medicine not listed as controlled drugs.  The medications are likely be classified as medication preparations according to the Drug Act B.E. 2510. A patient under treatment of medications in that category is allowed to transport for personal use medications in a quantity  Not Exceeding 30 Days of prescribed usage.  However, such medications fall under the responsibility of the Bureau of Drug Control, Thai FDA. You can consult that office directly by sending an email to the Director of the Bureau of Drug Control:   [email protected]   Please also send a cc copy of that email to   [email protected]
  • Restriction on Narcotic
  • Restriction on Psychotropic
  • Check the Drug

For more information Please visit Food and Drug Administration of Thailand’s website at   permitfortraveler.fda.moph.go.th   or contact directly to Drug Control Division, Food and Drug Administration e-mail to  [email protected]​  or Narcotics Control Division e-mail to  [email protected]

Narcotics Control Division, Food and Drug Administration Ministry of Public Health Address: Narcotics Control Division, Food and Drug Administration Ministry of Public Health, 88/24 Tiwanon Road, Nonthaburi 11000, THAILAND Tel : +66 2590 7771-3, Fax : +66 2590 7772 Email :  [email protected]

travel to thailand with medication

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Thailand Travel ADVICE

Thaizer Thailand

Thailand news, tips & advice

Bringing Prescribed Drugs into Thailand

I’ve received a number of emails from people who are concerned about bringing prescribed drugs into Thailand. Thai customs officers are aware that travellers may need to bring prescribed drugs into the country and in most case it isn’t a problem. The following answers to some common questions should help to clarify matters.

Do I need a letter from my doctor?

If you are bringing prescribed drugs into Thailand you should be able to prove that these have been prescribed by your doctor or similar qualified and registered person . It is recommended to obtain a letter from that person to confirm that the drug(s) that have been prescribed are strictly for medical reasons. Keep this letter on your person when passing through any security check-points (e.g. in airports). When you return to your home country keep this letter with you in case you are challenged by authorities at your point of entry.

Can I place prescribed drugs in my hand luggage?

Yes you can and it is advisable to do so. However, you will also need to comply with air traffic regulations which may place restrictions on certain items (e.g. syringes).

What about non-prescription drugs (e.g. paracetamol)?

In most cases it is advisable to only bring products with internationally recognised names. Although such items can safely be brought into Thailand, you need to be careful if you are transiting via another country (see below). Thai pharmacies are generally very helpful and will usually have staff who can speak good English. If you have a minor ailment or condition, a Thai pharmacy will probably be able to help. You may also find that some items which are only available via prescription in your home country may be readily available over the counter in Thailand.

Arriving in Thailand via another country

It is important to note the varying regulations imposed by different countries in relation to prescribed drugs and over-the-counter medicines. For example, Dubai has very strict rules which prohibit some common medicinal items such as codeine being brought into the country. You should check with your airline or the relevant authorities in the country you are transiting through.

For more information, check the advice from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health.

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Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

  • Chickenpox (Varicella)
  • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
  • Flu (influenza)
  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

There is no longer active cholera transmission and vaccine is not recommended.

Cholera - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Thailand.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Thailand. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Thailand.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

  • Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
  • Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
  • Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

  • Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
  • Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season. 

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Thailand take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Thailand.

Infants 6 to 11 months old traveling internationally should get 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. This dose does not count as part of the routine childhood vaccination series.

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Thailand. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Thailand, rabies treatment is often available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

  • Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
  • Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
  • Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Thailand. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

  • Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
  • Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
  • Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
  • Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

Chikungunya

  • Mosquito bite
  • Avoid Bug Bites
  • Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

  • Sand fly bite
  • An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

  • Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
  • Avoid domestic and wild poultry
  • Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
  • Bite from an infected rodent
  • Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
  • Avoid rodents and areas where they live
  • Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

  • Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Thailand, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

  • Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
  • Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
  • Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
  • Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Thailand. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

  • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
  • Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
  • Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
  • Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
  • Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
  • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
  • 2-undecanone
  • Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

  • Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
  • Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Some diseases in Thailand—such as dengue, Zika, and filariasis—are spread by bugs and cannot be prevented with a vaccine. Follow the insect avoidance measures described above to prevent these and other illnesses.

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Thailand include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

  • Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
  • Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
  • Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
  • If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
  • Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
  • Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
  • Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

  • Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
  • Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
  • Do not dive into shallow water.
  • Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
  • To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Thailand. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

  • Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
  • Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
  • Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
  • Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
  • If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

  • Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
  • Go to a doctor right away.
  • Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

  • Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

  • Use latex condoms correctly.
  • Do not inject drugs.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
  • Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
  • If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

  • Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
  • Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
  • Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
  • Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Thailand’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
  • Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Thailand. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

  • Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
  • Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
  • Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

  • Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
  • Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
  • Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
  • Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
  • Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
  • Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

  • Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
  • Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
  • Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

  • Wear a seatbelt at all times.
  • Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
  • When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
  • Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Thailand may be poor.
  • Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
  • Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
  • If you choose to drive a vehicle in Thailand, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
  • Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
  • Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
  • Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
  • If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
  • Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in Thailand, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Thailand .

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in Thailand.

  • Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
  • LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

  • Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
  • Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
  • Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

  • Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
  • Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
  • Follow all local laws and social customs.
  • Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
  • Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
  • If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

To call for emergency services while in Thailand, dial 1669 for an ambulance, 199 for the fire department, and 191 for the police. Write these numbers down to carry with you on your trip.

Learn as much as you can about Thailand before you travel there. A good place to start is the country-specific information on Thailand from the US Department of State.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Thailand for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Careful packing: Where your prescription could get you in trouble

Caroline Tanner

When traveling, especially internationally, sometimes the pre-travel checklist feels like it's a mile long.

Not only do you need to do the obvious things like making sure your passport is still valid and verifying whether you need a visa , but you may also need to seek written approval from a country's government to bring certain medications abroad.

I must admit I didn't realize this was a thing until one of my TPG colleagues flagged this requirement she discovered when packing for her family's trip to Japan . Japan is just one country that strongly regulates travel with medicine.

Here's what you need to know about taking your medications to a variety of popular destinations that regulate travel with medicine.

Japan requires advance permission to enter with a variety of medications, including many common over-the-counter medicines openly sold in U.S. drugstores.

The Japanese government labels such drugs as "controlled substances," divided into six categories, including stimulants. Travelers who need these medications must apply for a "Yunyu Kakunin-sho" (or an import certificate), which should be declared and submitted to customs when entering.

Up to two months of approved over-the-counter medicines and four months of vitamins are permitted. Note that disposable contact lenses are also monitored, and those with a two-month supply or greater require an import certificate.

Travelers should also bring a copy of their prescription, along with a note stating the purpose of the medicine, if applicable.

Type of medicine : All medications containing stimulants, including over-the-counter allergy and sinus medications, plus Adderall listed here How to apply : Apply online for an import certificate through the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Amount of medicine : Up to one month of allowable over-the-counter medication and up to a two-month supply of allowable vitamins Cost : N/A Processing time : N/A More information : Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare ; Japan's Application for Import Confirmation ; Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle ; Japan Narcotics Control Department

Other Asian countries

  • Thailand : Certain medications, including those containing codeine and drugs to treat ADHD, require a permit issued by the Ministry of Public Health .
  • Hong Kong : Certain medications — including those with stimulants, such as sleeping pills and anxiety medication — require an import license and import certificate issued by the Department of Health .
  • Singapore : Certain medications, including anxiety medication, sleeping pills and painkillers, require advance approval, per the Singapore Health Sciences Authority .
  • China : Per various tourist organizations, including China Highlights , visitors must "provide written documentation from a medical institution to prove the necessity of the medicine," including sleeping aids, ADHD medication and painkillers.
  • South Korea : Medicines classified as "narcotics" require advance approval via the Korean Food and Drug Administration .

travel to thailand with medication

Australia has a traveler's exemption for persons traveling to Australia to enter with certain prescribed medications, including Adderall. The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care directs travelers to either secure a prescription for the medicines they're carrying or seek a letter from their doctor specifying that the medicines they've been prescribed are for their personal use.

"Your doctor's letter must specify the name of the medicine and dosage. Ensure the medication remains in its original packaging with the dispensing label intact," per the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. "This will assist with identifying each substance at the border. Be ready to declare all medication to the Australian Border Force upon arrival."

Type of medicine : Certain prescription medicines, including Adderall How to apply : N/A Amount of medicine : Up to three months' worth of medicine and medical devices Cost : N/A Processing time : N/A More information : Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

United Arab Emirates

Travelers to the UAE must apply for approval to carry controlled medication into the country. All other medication, including prescriptions for uncontrolled medication and over-the-counter medication, does not need prior approval. However, the government urges travelers to carry documentation for all medicine, including documentation explaining medical reasons for taking the medication and any other supporting documents.

To determine if your prescription is considered controlled, check with your doctor.

Type of medicine : Controlled medicine, including narcotics and psychotropics How to apply : Online through the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Health & Prevention Length of time : Maximum three-month supply for narcotics and controlled medicines; six-month supply for prescriptions Cost : Free Processing time : One business day More information : United Arab Emirates Ministry of Health & Prevention

Europe and Schengen countries

travel to thailand with medication

The Schengen Area includes most European Union countries. If you are traveling to this area, a Schengen certification for medicines that fall under the Opium Act, including narcotics, is required. Specific medicines bound by the act include strong painkillers, sleeping pills, anxiety drugs, ADHD medication and medical cannabis.

Since specific requirements vary by each country within the Schengen Area, you should contact the appropriate health agency of the country in question. For example, the Netherlands Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport provides instructions for travelers to the Netherlands to help obtain this certificate, including a link to the application and a list of prohibited medications that fall under the aforementioned Opium Act. Information can also be found via the relevant U.S. Embassy and or Consulate .

Also note that some countries, including Greece , require further authorization for specific medicines, such as codeine without a prescription, via Greece's National Organization for Medicines.

Bottom line

Regardless of where you are traveling, it's a good idea to keep medicines in their original prescription packaging; this shows the purpose of the medicine and that it's for you and only you. As noted, it's also helpful to pack any accompanying doctor's note.

Related reading:

  • Everything you need to know about State Department travel advisories
  • When and how to renew your passport, according to the State Department
  • I stayed at an IHG voco hotel for the first time — here are 7 reasons I'd stay again
  • Everything you need to know about traveling with medication
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Traveling with medication - Thailand Forum

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I've not visited anywhere in Asia yet, so I want to check on my current practices for international travel. I pack pharmacy vials for prescription meds, even though my few are quite mundane and not opioid.

I have many more OTC options in my traveling "pharmacy", things like Benadryl, Alleve, immodium, calcium supplements, and ibuprofen. They're so recognizable by color, that I generally keep them in various containers.

For additional perspective, we are a mature couple. In all of our travels, we have only been stopped once, for a harmonica in a backpack.

25 replies to this topic

travel to thailand with medication

The way I read this was that the pills were popped out of their packaging and kept loose in small containers.

As I said below, against normal recommendations of keeping in original packaging on gov website, etc.

There is another good reason for keeping in original packaging in that pills are better protected from humidity, etc iif kept in their bubble packs.

travel to thailand with medication

I do take my original prescription and a letter signed by my doctor, more for in case the carry-on with my meds gets lost and I need to replace them.

Over the years I’ve learned not to bother carrying over-the-counter medications. Everything is available at Thai pharmacies and they are plentiful.

Lol not if you're on ADHD meds! not overthinking at all

That harmonica probably has you on every airport watch list in Asia. As per everyone else, if it was me I'd take the packaging.

This has become a very interesting thread. I'm learning more about the differences in packaging across the globe. I had encountered more blister packs when buying meds in Costa Rica; apparently that's common elsewhere, too.

Prescription meds at home come in bottles, sometimes huge ones for the volume of the contents. I will ask my pharmacist to provide smaller bottles; that solves the issue of my few prescriptions.

Some of my OTC meds also come in bottles. This is the value way to buy them. The blister packs are for fewer pills, at a higher cost for each. My decongestants and GIT meds do come in blister packs but they are not always individually labeled. If they are, the print is too small for most people to read. (Do customs agents have magnifying glasses?)

My head is still spinning about the variety of colors that OTC meds come in. I know it's naive, but I thought there might be some worldwide agreement, so us senior ladies could carry them around like M&Ms in our purses. ;)

Aside from that, I actually have professional interest in the topic. I've been teaching a Nutrition & Drugs class to college students for decades, Yes, I will be visiting the opium museum in Thailand.

“Do customs agents have magnifying glasses?”

As for the OTC meds you intend to carry, how about just taking just one day’s worth of drugs like immodium? That would get you over any emergency. Thai pharmacies carry some very effective drugs for diarrhea and other food-related conditions (as well as many other travel emergencies) and can dispense them as first-line practitioners. Big cities and many towns in tourist areas have international hospitals where you can get treatment from a medical doctor at a modest cost without appointment. Even small villages on remote islands have at least a nurse-practitioner who can dress wounds and give out medications. So you don’t need to travel with your own pharmacy.

Re your lecturing, a bit of info from UK. I'd say that almost all prescription drugs are now in blister packs. Likewise OTC drugs like aspirin, paracetamol, anti histamine, etc. Even basic anti acids. Cheaper supplements, eg multi vitamins and Vit D, etc will come loose in a container.

Am I the only one who thinks these country-to-country comparisons are interesting?

Sorry, I disagree about my traveling pharmacy. Yes, I know I can get what I need when traveling, but why waste time and effort when I can pack a small lightweight bag with everything I might need?

Thanks, all, for an interesting dialogue.

travel to thailand with medication

#19 - The issue with aspirin applies mainly to 'low dose' or 'childrens' versions, as use by children can lead to Reye's Syndrome. Low dose requires a prescription, but full strength does not, though you may find fewer pharmacies that stock it due to lower demand. Paracetamol (aka acetaminophen) is the general pain reliever of choice here.

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travel to thailand with medication

Guidance for Travellers to Thailand under Treatment Carrying Personal Medications Containing Narcotic Drugs/Psychotropic Substances into/out of Thailand. ( Click Here for more information)

The Royal Thai Embassy in Stockholm can't certify or look up information about your medicine. It's the responsibility of the traveler. If you have any questions about your medicine please look at the information here or send an e-mail to   [email protected]

Travel with prescription medicine containing Narcotic Drugs/Psychotropic substances into/out of Thailand.

  • Narcotic list 
  • Psychotropic list 

Step by Step Guide. Narcotic List (Click to download)

  • Check if your medicine has any substance on the list. You can only bring medication for a maximum of 90 days use. And it has to be in its original package.
  • You can only travel with medicine in Category 2. If your medicine is in the other category, you can't travel with it. There is no exemption.
  • If your medicine is in Category 2. You must apply for permission to travel with it to Thailand. It has to be submitted at least 14 days before your arrival. If it's less than 14 days, you can't travel with it. There is no exemption. (Click here for application form and information)
  • When arriving in Thailand you must declare your medication at customs red exit. 

Step by Step Guide. Psychotropic List (click to download)

  • Check if your medicine has any substance on the list. You can only bring medication for a maximum of 30 days use. And it has to be in its original package.
  •  If your medicine is in Category 1, you can't travel with it. There is no exemption.
  • You can only travel with medicine in Category 2, 3 and 4.  But you need to have a certificate/medical prescription from the prescribing physician that indicates: the name and address of the patient the identified medical condition the name of the medications and the reason that those medications were prescribed for the patient's treatment the posology and total amount of medications prescribed the name, address, and license number of the prescribing physician
  • When arriving in Thailand. You do not need to declare your medicine at customs.

If the prescription medicine not listed as controlled drugs.  The medications are likely to be classified as medication preparations according to the Drug Act B.E. 2510. A patient under treatment of medications in that category is allowed to transport for personal use medications in a quantity  Not Exceeding 30 Days of prescribed usage.  However, such medications fall under the responsibility of the Bureau of Drug Control, Thai FDA. You can consult that office directly by sending an email to the Director of the Bureau of Drug Control:  [email protected]  Please also send a cc copy of that email to  [email protected]

Narcotics Control Division, Food and Drug AdministrationMinistry of Public Health   Address: Narcotics Control Division, Food and Drug Administration Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, THAILAND Tel : +66 2590 7346, Fax : +66 2591 8471 Email:  [email protected]

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travel to thailand with medication

  • Passports, travel and living abroad
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Before you travel check that:

  • your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
  • you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 1669 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

  • the latest information on vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Thailand guide
  • where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

Health risks in Thailand include:

  • dengue fever

See the ‘Other risks’ section of the TravelHealthPro Thailand guide for more on health risks .

To avoid mosquito-borne viruses, such as dengue fever and Zika virus, take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Air quality

There can be high levels of air pollution in large cities. This includes Bangkok and Chiang Mai, which are also affected by seasonal regional smoke haze from the burning of trees. The high pollution and particulate count sometimes reach dangerous levels. This may worsen bronchial, sinus or asthma conditions.

Check air quality levels for many cities on the World Air Quality Index website .

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Hospitals and pharmacies across Thailand will usually accept UK prescriptions. Brand name medication can often be more expensive than locally produced medication.

Medication sold on the street may not be genuine or may have been stolen. Taking medication without medical advice or a prescription can have serious health consequences.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro . The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

Healthcare facilities in Thailand

FCDO has a list of English-speaking doctors in Thailand . All hospitals require guarantee of payment before treating patients. Make sure you have adequate health insurance.

Private hospitals in Thailand are of a high standard but can be expensive. Public hospitals and clinics do not always meet UK standards, particularly outside Bangkok.

COVID-19 healthcare in Thailand

Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 risk for Thailand on TravelHealthPro .If you have severe symptoms, or any questions related to COVID-19, while in Thailand, call the Thai COVID-19 Hotline on 1422. There is more information on the PR Thai Government Facebook page .

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

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5 Tips for Traveling to the U.S. With Medications

5 Tips for Traveling to the U.S. With Medications feature

You’re returning from a trip overseas and want to bring back over-the-counter drugs from Europe that aren’t available here. Can you? Your mother-in-law is visiting from Mexico to help with the new baby and runs out of her blood pressure medication. Can she refill her prescription at a U.S. pharmacy? Your foreign exchange student forgot his allergy medication. Can his parents mail it to him from Japan?

Those are just some of the questions people ask the Food and Drug Administration’s Division of Drug Information, says LCDR Lindsay E. Wagner, an FDA pharmacist—although not every question the Division is asked falls under FDA’s regulatory authority.

“As a pharmacist at the FDA, I advise people to remember that we at FDA cannot ensure that medications approved in other countries are safe or effective, or have been manufactured properly,” says Wagner, PharmD.

So what are the rules for flying with or shipping medications? Here are some answers to common queries:

Q: What should travelers and visitors know about bringing medications into the U.S.?

A: When you come to the United States with medications, you fall under the authority of FDA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents operating the nation’s airports. There are varying restrictions, and different agencies may have other requirements or jurisdiction over a product. So check with each agency before you plan to travel with medications into the country.

In general, you should have with you a valid prescription or doctor’s note—written in English—to bring medication to the U.S. The medication should be in its original container with the doctor’s instructions printed on the bottle. If you don’t have the original container, bring a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor explaining your condition and why you need this medication. Travel with no more than you need for your personal use during your stay. A rule of thumb: Bring no more than a 90-day supply of medication.

If you’re staying longer than 90 days, you may have additional medication sent to you by mail or courier. Include documentation showing that the medication is being sent for your own use while visiting the United States. This documentation may include: a copy of your visa and passport, a letter from your doctor, and a copy of your prescription (in English).

Q: What if there’s a generic available overseas but not here?

A: FDA does not permit personal importation of unapproved versions of FDA-approved drugs from foreign countries. FDA cannot assure that foreign-made versions of FDA-approved drugs have been properly manufactured, are safe and effective, and are the same formulation as the FDA-approved versions.

Q: Can a foreign traveler get a prescription filled when visiting the U.S.?

A: If you’re traveling to the United States from another country and need a prescription filled, you should visit a health care provider. Very few pharmacies can fill a foreign prescription, and this is determined on a state-by-state basis.

Q: Can you ship or mail a prescription medication to the U.S.?

A: In most cases, it’s illegal for people to import drugs into the United States for personal use. That’s because drugs available in other countries haven’t been evaluated or approved by FDA for use or sale in the U.S., so we can’t ensure that they’re safe and effective. FDA generally considers such drugs unapproved.

FDA understands that there are cases in which someone may need treatment with a foreign drug that’s not available in the U.S. and there are no other U.S. medicines available to treat the condition. FDA’s Personal Importation Policy provides instructions for FDA personnel relating to the personal importation of drugs that may be illegal in the United States. FDA considers the following when reviewing such an application:

  • The drug is for a serious condition for which there is no effective treatment available in the U.S.
  • There is no marketing or promotion of the drug to U.S. residents.
  • The drug doesn’t represent an unreasonable health risk.
  • You verify in writing that you’re importing the drug for your own personal use.
  • You have a letter, written in English, from your doctor saying the drug is a continuation of treatment that began outside the United States or you provide the name and address of a U.S. licensed physician who will supervise your use of the foreign drug. The letter should accompany the package and be addressed to a Customs and Border Protection officer or broker.
  • You’re not importing more than a three-month supply of the drug.

If the medicine is sent through the mail, Customs might detain it until an FDA inspector can examine it. This could take as long as a month. To speed things along, make sure the outside package is marked and states that it contains a letter to the CBP officer or broker. The best option is to send the package by a courier service and flag it so the U.S. Customs broker will alert FDA inspectors about the special circumstances for sending the package.

Q: What else should you know about traveling with medications?

A: If you have questions for FDA about traveling with medications, contact the Division of Drug Information at 855-543-DRUG (3784) or email us at [email protected] .

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has other restrictions on bringing controlled substances into the country. Review those rules § 1301.26 Exemptions from import or export requirements for personal medical use .

Contact TSA if you have questions about carrying prescription medications in your luggage or carry-on when flying. For more information follow TSA’s blog Travel Tips Tuesday .

Review the many webpages dedicated to travel questions provided by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

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Travelling with medication

The information on this page will help you if you’re travelling abroad with prescription, over-the-counter medication or medical equipment.

Medications may come under intense scrutiny when going through border controls in other countries or at the land border between Canada and the United States.

On this page

Before you leave, while you’re away, if you need help.

Some over-the-counter and prescription medications, dietary supplements, and herbal and homeopathic products legally available in Canada may be illegal in other countries or require prior approval from local authorities.

  • Consult the health section of our destination-specific travel advice and advisories
  • Contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada of the country you plan to visit to confirm the status of your medications in that country
  • Keep all medications in their original, labelled containers.
  • a copy of the original prescription and ensure that both the generic and trade names of the medications are included in case of loss or theft
  • a doctor’s note explaining why you are taking the medications (highly recommended)
  • Learn about what you can and cannot pack in your carry-on luggage
  • fly with medications and medical items
  • travel into and out of Canada with prescription medications that contain controlled substances
  • Don’t buy medications outside Canada unless you have been advised by a health care professional.
  • Know that some medications might come with certain stigmas, associate individuals with a vulnerable group or raise questions at your destination. For example, contraception, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and anti-depressants might not be widely accepted, depending on your destination’s culture and laws.
  • Remember that even if you’re authorized to use cannabis for medical purposes, it is illegal to transport it and all products containing cannabis, including products containing cannabidiol (CBD), across the Canadian border.
  • It’s your responsibility to know and abide by local laws.
  • Your Canadian citizenship offers no immunity from prosecution, and consular officials can’t get you out of jail.
  • nearest Canadian office abroad
  • Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa

Related links

  • Sickness or injury
  • Receiving medical care outside Canada
  • Vaccinations
  • Travelling with disabilities
  • Travelling with a medical device
  • What you can bring on a plane  (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority)
  • Animal and plant ingredients in traditional medicine  (Environment and Climate Change Canada)

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  • Misuse of cannabis seen having negative impact on children
  • Industry is projected to be worth $1.2 bln by next year

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The widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny said on Wednesday the scale of public support for him since his death was proof that his cause lived on, and called for a massive election day protest against President Vladimir Putin.

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travel to thailand with medication

U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico

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Event:   Spring Break Travel

Location:   Mexico

Travel Smart – Be Informed:  Each year, thousands of U.S. citizens visit Mexico during spring break.  While the vast majority travel safely, visitors should consider the following when planning their vacation or traveling in Mexico:

  • Crime:  Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations.  Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations.  See the  Mexico Travel Advisory  for specific information for each Mexican state.  U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark.
  • Drugs:  Drug possession and use, including medical marijuana, is illegal in Mexico and may result in a lengthy jail sentence.  U.S. citizens have become seriously ill or died in Mexico after using synthetic drugs or adulterated prescription pills.
  • Unregulated Alcohol:  Unregulated alcohol may be contaminated, and U.S. citizens have reported losing consciousness or becoming injured after consuming alcohol that was possibly tainted.
  • Pharmaceuticals:  Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients.  Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
  • Sexual Assault:  U.S. citizens have been victims of rape and sexual assault.  Perpetrators may target inebriated or isolated individuals or may employ drugs that alter the victim’s physical or mental state.
  • Drowning:  Some beaches have strong undercurrents and rip tides.  Beaches may lack lifeguards, warnings, or signs of unsafe conditions.
  • Medical Emergencies:  An illness or accident could result in the need to seek medical treatment or hospitalization in Mexico.  Private hospital prices can be higher than those in the United States.  Many facilities require payment (sometimes only in cash) either before providing treatment or before discharging a patient.
  • Guns and Ammunition:  All guns and even small amounts of ammunition are illegal in Mexico.  Firearms and other weapons violations may result in lengthy jail time.
  • Arrests:  Drunk and disorderly behavior, public urination, and open alcohol containers in vehicles are illegal in Mexico.  If you break Mexican law, you can be arrested.
  • Immigration:  Violating the terms of your stay in Mexico can result in steep fines and detention.

Actions to Take:

  • Read the  Mexico Travel Advisory  and  Country Information Page  for details on travel throughout Mexico, including entry requirements.
  • Enroll in the State Department’s  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  to receive up-to-date information on safety conditions in Mexico and to help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency.
  • Call 911 in an emergency.  Although there may be English-speaking operators available, it is best to seek the assistance of a Spanish speaker to place the call.
  • Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage in Mexico, or purchase travel insurance that covers you in Mexico.  Seek coverage that includes medical evacuation.  Confirm costs of medical treatment in advance, when possible.
  • Avoid strong currents and do not swim after drinking or when warning flags note unsafe conditions.
  • Drink responsibly and always watch your drink.  If you begin to feel ill, seek medical attention immediately.  Report cases of suspected unregulated or contaminated alcohol to the Mexican Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk (COFEPRIS) by  filing a report online  at the COFEPRIS website, call the COFEPRIS call center at +52 01-8—033-5050, or visit a COFEPRIS office.
  • Know your drinking companions and stay in a group of friends who have your safety in mind when you are in clubs and bars, walking in dimly lit areas, or in a taxi at night.  Obey Mexican law and remember Mexican laws may differ from U.S. laws.
  • Regularly monitor your credit or debit card accounts to ensure there are no unauthorized transactions.  Limit the amount of cash you carry in public, exercise caution when withdrawing cash, and avoid ATMs in isolated or unlit areas.
  • Be aware of your safety and protect your personal possessions when using public transportation.  Use radio taxis or those from “sitio” taxi stands.  Application-based car services such as Uber and Cabify are available in many Mexican cities, and generally offer another relatively safe alternative to taxis.
  • Keep friends and family at home informed of your travel plans, especially if traveling alone.
  • Consider downloading the “Guest Assist” application on your smart phone if traveling to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, or other areas in the state of Quintana Roo.  The Mexican government provides information on emergency services and assistance for tourists via the app and their  website .
  • Keep your passport and entry permit (FMM), if applicable, in a safe place.  Confirm the date you must depart Mexico.
  • See our  advice for cruise passengers , particularly those with underlying health conditions.
  • Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate if you need assistance.

Assistance:

Contact Form

U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico

From Mexico:  (55) 8526 2561

From the United States:  +1-844-528-6611

Department of State – Consular Affairs:  +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444

Mexico International Travel information

U.S. Passports

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

Department of State on  Facebook  and  X

U.S. Embassy in Mexico on  Facebook  and  X

travel to thailand with medication

An immigrant visa is a document issued by a U.S. consular officer abroad that allows you to travel to the United States and apply for admission as a legal permanent resident (LPR). An immigration inspector of U.S. Customs and Border Protection of the Department of Homeland Security makes the final decision as to whether or not to admit you as an LPR. Once you are admitted as an LPR, you generally have the right to live and work in the United States permanently. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security will mail your permanent resident card (often called a “green card”) to your new address in the United States, usually within three months of your entry into the United States. Please see 9 FAM 502.1-3 for a list of classification symbols and a brief description of each.

Getting an immigrant visa usually means that you will be able to live and work in the United States for as long as you want. A nonimmigrant visa, on the other hand, is generally for short-term visitors to the United States. You cannot stay in the United States permanently on a nonimmigrant visa, and you generally cannot work. A nonimmigrant visa is sometimes informally called a “tourist visa” but can be issued for reasons other than tourism, such as medical treatment, business or study. Please see our nonimmigrant visa page for more information.

There are three basic methods for obtaining an immigrant visa: 1.through a family relationship with a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident 2.through employment 3.through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (the visa lottery) Most applicants in Mexico obtain their immigrant visas via family relationships. The first step in obtaining a family-based immigrant visa is for your relative (the petitioner) to file a Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) by mail with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of the Department of Homeland Security. Once your relative has filed a petition for you, you may check its status by accessing the USCIS Case Status Search Page. You may obtain an immigrant visa through employment rather than through a family member. More information on obtaining an immigrant visa through employment rather than through a family member is available on USCIS’s Green Card through a Job page. Please see the Fiscal Year 2016 Diversity Visa Entry Instructions. Note that the registration period for 2015 has closed. You may check this page for the Fiscal Year 2016 Diversity Visa Entry instructions in approximately September 2014.

Once U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of the Department of Homeland Security approves an immigrant visa petition, USCIS sends the approved petition to the Department of State’s National Visa Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

The Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC) retains the approved petition until the case is ready for adjudication by a consular officer abroad. Petitions may remain at NVC for several months or for many years depending on the visa category and country of birth of the visa applicant. When a beneficiary’s (the beneficiary is the person on whose behalf the petition was filed) priority date appears about to become current, NVC sends the petitioner a bill for processing Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act) and sends the beneficiary a Form DS-261 (Choice of Address and Agent). Once the Form I-864 processing fee is paid, NVC sends the Form I-864 and related instructions to the petitioner. Once NVC receives the completed Form DS-261 from the applicant, NVC mails a bill for the immigrant visa fee to the agent designated on the Form DS-261. Once the immigrant visa fee is paid, NVC sends the Instruction Package for Immigrant Visa Applicants to the agent. You or your agent must follow the directions in the Instruction Package for Immigrant Visa Applicants exactly. Failure to do so could result in a delay in your case and could even cause you to lose your chance to live and work in the United States. Once NVC completes its administrative processing of your case, the case file is sent to the Immigrant Visa Unit of the U.S. Consulate General, Ciudad Juarez. NVC will notify you by mail when this occurs.

The priority date, in the case of a family-based immigrant visa petition, is the date your petition was filed (not the date it was approved). Family-based immigrant visas are divided into two broad groups, immediate relative cases and preference cases. An immediate relative family-based petition is filed by a U.S. citizen on behalf of a spouse, parent, or child. A preference family-based petition is filed by a U.S. citizen on behalf of a son, daughter, or sibling; or by a legal permanent resident on behalf of a spouse, son or daughter, or child. Because the law does not limit the number of immediate relative visas, the priority date is normally irrelevant in such cases (please see the 9 FAM 502.1-1(d)(1) for the notable exception, related to the Child Status Protection Act). Workload permitting, the Immigrant Visa Unit may begin processing the approved petition upon receipt from the Department of State’s National Visa Center or the Department of Homeland Security. The priority date in a preference case, however, matters greatly. The law limits the number of preference visas available. All categories of family-based preference visas are currently “oversubscribed” (i.e., there are more people who want visas than there are visa numbers available). Your priority date, along with your visa category and nationality, determines whether a visa number is available or whether you must wait. Once your priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed in the most recent Visa Bulle

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From Mexico: (55) 8526 2561

From the United States: 1-844-528-6611

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travel to thailand with medication

Public Schedule – March 4, 2024

Public Schedule

Office of the Spokesperson

March 4, 2024

***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***  

SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN

11:30 a.m.  Secretary Blinken  delivers remarks at the 18th annual International Women of Courage Award Ceremony  at the White House. (MEDIA DETERMINED BY THE WHITE HOUSE)

The ceremony will be streamed live at  whitehouse.gov/live  and  www.state.gov .

DEPUTY SECRETARY KURT M. CAMPBELL

12:00 p.m.  Deputy Secretary Campbell meets with Australian, Japanese, New Zealand, and Republic of Korea NATO Ambassadors in Washington, D.C. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE)

DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCES RICHARD R. VERMA

Deputy Secretary Verma has no public appointments.

UNDER SECRETARY FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS VICTORIA J. NULAND

Under Secretary Nuland attends meetings and briefings at the Department of State.

UNDER SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, ENERGY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT JOSE W. FERNANDEZ

Under Secretary Fernandez is  on travel to Canada  from March 3-4, 2024.

UNDER SECRETARY FOR ARMS CONTROL AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY BONNIE D. JENKINS

Under Secretary Jenkins is  on travel to Australia and New Zealand    from March 4-8, 2024.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EAST ASIAN AND PACIFIC AFFAIRS DANIEL KRITENBRINK

Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink is  on travel to Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Brunei  from February 23-March 4, 2024.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EUROPEAN AND EURASIAN AFFAIRS JAMES O’BRIEN

12:00 p.m.  Assistant Secretary O’Brien attends a lunch hosted by Serbian Ambassador to the United States Marko Djuric in Washington, D.C. (MEDIA DETERMINED BY HOST)

4:15 p.m.  Assistant Secretary O’Brien meets with Spanish Ambassador to the United States Angeles Moreno Bau at the Department of State. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE)

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS AFFAIRS RAMIN TOLOUI

Assistant Secretary Toloui is  on travel to California, Arizona, and Texas  from March 4-8, 2024.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ENERGY RESOURCES GEOFFREY R. PYATT

Assistant Secretary Pyatt is  on travel to Australia  from March 3-9, 2024.

BRIEFING SCHEDULE

1:15 p.m.  Department Press Briefing with Spokesperson Matthew Miller. ( OPEN PRESS COVERAGE)

The Department Press Briefing will be streamed live on the  Department homepage  and  YouTube Channel .

U.S. Department of State

The lessons of 1989: freedom and our future.

'Dental tourism' is booming in places like Bali, with Aussies willing to risk it for cheaper care

A blonde woman sitting on a couch in all white, smiling from ear to ear.

Tracy King's degraded teeth were painful and making her so self-conscious she would sometimes speak with her hand in front of her mouth.

They ended up that way because she avoided seeing a dentist in her 20s due to the cost, and later needed to take steroid medication for an autoimmune condition.

"They were very brittle, so when I would eat food they would all sort of crack," she said.

The 49-year-old Queenslander's self-confidence took a hit. 

"Being in a public facing role for work, it really affects your confidence when you're talking and training people or presenting for events, you have to be constantly smiling with your mouth closed," Tracy said.

The cheapest quote she found for treatment from an Australian dentist – including veneers on her top teeth – was $12,500.

"It would have left our bank account with next to no savings," the event stylist said.

The Logan resident had been a regular traveller to Bali over the years, so she decided to get the work done there while on an extended holiday.

A smiling blonde woman showing her teeth in front of a row of motorbikes in Bali.

Tracy ended up paying $3,300 for care at a dental clinic in Kuta in 2022 and describes the results as "amazing".

"I'd had two consultations by the time I actually went in to have treatment and the treatment was done over two different sessions," she said.

"It's the best my teeth have been since, so I'm really glad that I've had it done."

A 'broken' system

Dressed in a vibrant flowing dress, Lesley Hyde is off to Bali for a holiday — and more dental care.

She had veneers on her top teeth done in 2022, and went back for more work in 2023 and early 2024.

While Lesley's dental treatment was largely cosmetic, she said many Australians are turning to the so-called "Island of the Gods" for essential care.

A blonde woman in a blue, red and yellow patterned dress standing at the airport with her suitcase.

"Everything – crowns, root canals. I've got a friend who's getting bone grafting and implants, and again it's about a sixth or seventh of the cost of getting it done in Australia," Lesley said.

Lesley is an emergency department nurse in a Melbourne hospital and thinks Australia's mostly private dental system is "broken".

Generic of a dentist working on someone's teeth from a promotional video of a dental clinic in Bali.

"People can't afford to go to a dentist here, so they present to GP clinics, emergency departments and they're basically requiring pain relief because that's about all we can do for them because we're not dentists, we can't fix their teeth."

She has seen untreated dental problems lead to major health issues, such as addiction to pain relief medication and poor nutrition because patients can't chew properly.

"I certainly think dental should be covered by Medicare and I'm not sure why it isn't because teeth are just as important as every other medical thing that you need doing," she said.

Tracy King said she's lucky she could afford to jump on a plane for dental treatment, unlike many Australians who are stuck in a system that she describes as "very broken".

"If you can afford it, you can have access to care. If you can't afford it, be prepared that your teeth are going to rot in your mouth and fall out," she said.

A composite image of two sets of teeth. The first, yellow and damaged. The second, white and clean.

Unknown number of Aussie dental tourists

While social media groups are full of people sharing advice on travelling to places like Bali and Thailand to see a dentist, there is no concrete data on exactly how many Australians are making the trip each year.

In late 2023, the government's Smartraveller website said: "Over 15,000 Australians travel for medical tourism".

But that figure was removed after a query from ABC News about how many go overseas for dental treatment.

A spokesperson from the Department of Health said "unfortunately" the department "does not hold this data", and that neither did the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Home Affairs or the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Data is available from the Australian Taxation Office on the burgeoning number of Australians applying to raid their superannuation, on compassionate grounds, to pay for dental care.

In the 2021-22 financial year, more than 8,000 people had their applications approved to withdraw money from their super for dental treatment – totalling $171 million.

The risks of having work done overseas

President of the Australian Dental Association, Scott Davis, has concerns about dental tourism.

"A number of people have had treatment successfully, but as a specialist prosthodontist I see numerous patients, which are basically disasters and need complete re-treatment or even lose many teeth," Dr Davis said.

He said the main issues include overservicing (where patients have unnecessary procedures), the use of poorer quality materials and little legal recourse if things go wrong.

"Buyer beware … probably your most important personal asset is your health and you're really taking a gamble with your health if you go somewhere, seeing someone you don't have a history with," he said. 

A white man with silver hair. Close up.

"We'd rather see people focus on preventative dental practices – not getting disease in the first place, than having invasive risky treatments done in foreign countries."

The Port Macquarie-based dentist acknowledged health care in Australia is expensive.

"We're a highly regulated developed country with high wages, high building costs, high energy costs and these are all borne by the consumer of dental treatment."

He also flagged the high cost of medical materials here.

"The TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) has a very strict system which is in place for safety reasons, but it's so strict we pay almost twice as much for our goods as the Americans do for instance," he said.

Dental inquiry response pending

More than 85 per cent of dental care in Australia is done privately.

While some adults – generally concession card holders – qualify for free dental treatment in state and territory health systems, they can wait years for care . 

In November, a Senate committee into the provision of and access to dental services in Australia tabled its final report.

It made 35 recommendations including seed funding for an oral health promotion body similar to the Heart Foundation, consideration of a Seniors Dental Benefit Scheme, expansion of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, and the appointment of a Chief Dental and Oral Health Officer.

Crucially, it recommended the Australian government "works with the states and territories to achieve universal access to dental and oral health care … under Medicare or a similar scheme … over time, in stages."

A Department of Health spokesperson said a government response to the report is currently being prepared "with input from a number of Government agencies".

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Related Stories

Australians left with rotting teeth, unable to smile in 'completely unaffordable' dental system.

Mark McDonnell shows his teeth

  • Dental Care
  • Doctors and Medical Professionals
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Moldova to Improve Rehabilitation Services and Invest in Building Human Capital with World Bank Support

Chisinau, March 6, 2024 — The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved a $40 million loan to Moldova for the Modernization and Improvement of Rehabilitation Services Project (MIRSP)  to assist the country’s efforts to reform health services, preserve human capital and enable its citizens to benefit from world-class practices in the management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Moldova has one of the highest age-standardized premature mortality rates due to NCD, largely driven by cardiovascular diseases, which caused 37 percent of deaths before the age 70 in 2019.  In 2022, the World Health Organization estimated that 1.6 million Moldovans had at least one condition that would benefit from rehabilitation services. Therefore, much can be done to prevent and manage NCDs, from ensuring that patients have access to hypertension medication, are supported in living healthier lives, to having access to emergency care following a stroke and rehabilitation services, so as they are able to recover faster.

“ Through a combination of infrastructure investments and prevention activities in primary care settings, this collaboration between the Government and the World Bank aims to ensure that fewer citizens will suffer adversely from non-communicable diseases,” said   Inguna Dobraja, World Bank Country Manager for Moldova. “It will also ease the financial burden on patients in need of emergency and rehabilitation services following a catastrophic health event.”  

A core element of the project is to better enable the timely treatment of strokes and heart attacks, within the first critical hours of an episode, and to then enable patients to access rehabilitation services to enable their return to work and family life. In addition, the project will also support critical activities in primary care and at the population level to raise awareness of NCDs and prevent the likelihood of catastrophic events.

The project will help to build and operationalize the Government’s new vision for rehabilitation services and support the regionalization of care. Moldova’s ground-breaking plans to improve stroke, cardiac and rehabilitation services for vulnerable populations will improve human capital and ensure that citizens and families throughout the country can benefit from higher quality care. It will do so by also strengthening digital services so that patients in hard-to-reach areas can benefit from care without having to travel long distances.  

Since Moldova joined the World Bank in 1992, over $2.1 billion has been allocated to more than 70 operations in the country. Currently, the World Bank portfolio includes 11 active projects with a total commitment of $602.9 million. Areas of support include regulatory reform and business development, modernization of government services, tax administration, land registration, education, roads, health, and social sectors, including the COVID-19 emergency response, agriculture, water and sanitation, and energy.

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  2. How to Bring Medication into Thailand

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  3. Medical Traveler Guide

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  4. Thai Traditional Pharmacy and Herbal Medicine in Thailand

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  5. Bringing Medication to Thailand

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  6. Traveling to Thailand, what do I need?

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COMMENTS

  1. PDF Guidance for Travelers under Treatment Carrying Personal Medications

    Carrying Personal Medications into Thailand A. Medications containing narcotic drugs of category 2 The Ministry of Public Health issued the Ministerial Regulation B.E. 2563 (2020) under the ... issued by the Food and Drug Administration before traveling to Thailand. The quantity of the medication transported into Thailand must not exceed 90 ...

  2. Guidance for Travellers to Thailand under Treatment Carrying Personal

    Travel with prescription medicine containing Narcotic Drugs/Psychotropic substances into/out of Thailand. Narcotic list; Psychotropic list; Step-by-Step Guide. Narcotic List (Click to download) Check if your medicine has any substance on the list. You can only bring medication for a maximum of 90 days of use. And it has to be in its original ...

  3. Bringing Medications to Thailand

    Guidance for Travellers to Thailand under Treatment Carrying Personal Medications Containing Narcotic Drugs/Psychotropic Substances into/out of Thailand. Click . If the prescription medicine not listed as controlled drugs. The medications are likely classified as medication preparations according to the Drug Act B.E. 2510 (1967).

  4. Bringing prescribed drugs and medicine into Thailand

    This is the advice on Thailand's Ministry of Public Health, Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Information for travellers bringing prescribed medication into Thailand *The information on the Thai Embassy website (as of October 2022) states 30 days, but the information from Thailand's FDA says 90 days under legislation issued in 2021.

  5. Traveling Abroad with Medicine

    Include your prescription and over-the-counter medicines in your travel health kit and take enough to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. Pack medications in a carry on in case your luggage is lost or delayed. Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Ensure that they are clearly labeled with your full name ...

  6. Thailand Healthy Travel Packing List

    Consider packing spare glasses in case yours are damaged. Contact lenses. Consider packing spare contacts in case yours are damaged. Needles or syringes (for diabetes, for example) Requires a letter from your doctor on letterhead stationery. Suture kit.

  7. Health Requirement (including Bringing Prescriptions to Thailand)

    Ministry of Public Health. Address : Narcotics Control Division, Food and Drug Administration. Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, THAILAND. Tel : 66 2590 7346, Fax : 66 2591 8471. Email : [email protected]. Health Requirement (including Bringing Prescriptions to Thailand)

  8. Thailand International Travel Information

    Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.

  9. Thailand Drug Laws

    Thailand's drug laws are very strict, except for marijuana, of course, which is now legal, albeit with some restrictions on public use and age limit. Narcotic & psychotropic drugs, however, are still very much illegal. There's certainly no slap on the wrist for getting caught with a small amount of cocaine or a few pills.

  10. Bringing Medication to Thailand

    Narcotics Control Division, Food and Drug Administration. Ministry of Public Health. Address: Narcotics Control Division, Food and Drug Administration. Ministry of Public Health, 88/24 Tiwanon Road, Nonthaburi 11000, THAILAND. Tel : +66 2590 7771-3, Fax : +66 2590 7772. Email : [email protected].

  11. How to Bring Medication into Thailand

    Controlled medications in Thailand are grouped into narcotics and psychotropics, and then further sub-divided into five categories for narcotics and four categories for psychotropics. ... Travel Insurance: If you want to travel to Thailand with peace of mind, then get travel insurance with World Nomads. It'll costs less than $10 a day but come ...

  12. PDF Guidance for Travellers to Thailand under Treatment Carrying Personal

    Carrying Personal Medications out of Thailand A. Medications containing narcotic drugs of category 2 The Ministry of Public Health issued the Ministerial Regulation B.E. 2552 (2 009) under the Narcotics Act B.E. 2522 (1 979), amended by the Narcotics Act B.E. 2545 (2 002). It became effective on September 29, 2009.

  13. Bringing Prescribed Drugs into Thailand

    In most cases it is advisable to only bring products with internationally recognised names. Although such items can safely be brought into Thailand, you need to be careful if you are transiting via another country (see below). Thai pharmacies are generally very helpful and will usually have staff who can speak good English.

  14. Thailand

    Dosing info - Hep A. Hepatitis B. Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Thailand. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Thailand. Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book. Dosing info - Hep B. Japanese Encephalitis. Recommended for travelers who.

  15. Bringing Medication to Thailand

    1. Step by Step Guide: Narcotic list CLICK. Check if your medicine has any substance on the list. You can only bring medication for a maximum of 90 days use. And it has to be in its original package. You can only travel with medicine in Category 2. If your medicine is in the other category, you can not travel with it. There is no exemption.

  16. Country-by-country guide to traveling with medicine

    Other Asian countries. Thailand: Certain medications, including those containing codeine and drugs to treat ADHD, require a permit issued by the Ministry of Public Health.; Hong Kong: Certain medications — including those with stimulants, such as sleeping pills and anxiety medication — require an import license and import certificate issued by the Department of Health.

  17. Traveling to Thailand with prescribed medication

    No permit needed. The other two drugs you mentioned are not listed, at least not under those names. If vyvanse is dexamphetamine, it's a category 1 narcotic and you do need a permit. Gabapentin I couldn't find under that or alternative names. In all the years I've traveled to Thailand, no one has ever checked my meds.

  18. Traveling with medication

    Thai pharmacies carry some very effective drugs for diarrhea and other food-related conditions (as well as many other travel emergencies) and can dispense them as first-line practitioners. Big cities and many towns in tourist areas have international hospitals where you can get treatment from a medical doctor at a modest cost without appointment.

  19. Restricted medicine

    The Royal Thai Embassy in Stockholm can't certify or look up information about your medicine. It's the responsibility of the traveler. If you have any questions about your medicine please look at the information here or send an e-mail to [email protected]. Travel with prescription medicine containing Narcotic Drugs/Psychotropic ...

  20. Health

    Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 risk for Thailand on TravelHealthPro.If you have severe symptoms, or any questions related to COVID-19, while in Thailand, call the Thai COVID-19 ...

  21. How to travel with your medication legally and safely

    Codeine or medication containing codeine, such as over-the-counter medications, including Nurofen Plus and Solpadeine. Taking codeine through customs without approval can get you arrested in several countries, including Thailand and the UAE. Strong painkillers derived from poppy seeds, such as morphine and tramadol

  22. 5 Tips for Traveling to the U.S. With Medications

    Travel with no more than you need for your personal use during your stay. A rule of thumb: Bring no more than a 90-day supply of medication. If you're staying longer than 90 days, you may have ...

  23. Travelling with medication

    Travelling with medication. The information on this page will help you if you're travelling abroad with prescription, over-the-counter medication or medical equipment. Medications may come under intense scrutiny when going through border controls in other countries or at the land border between Canada and the United States.

  24. Thailand to ban recreational cannabis use by year-end, health minister

    After Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to free up medicinal use in 2018, and then recreational use in 2022, tens of thousands of cannabis shops have sprung up in an industry ...

  25. Message for U.S. Citizens: Spring Break Travel

    Read the Mexico Travel Advisory and Country Information Page for details on travel throughout Mexico, including entry requirements. Enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive up-to-date information on safety conditions in Mexico and to help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency.

  26. Public Schedule

    Under Secretary Jenkins is on travel to Australia and New Zealand from March 4-8, 2024. ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EAST ASIAN AND PACIFIC AFFAIRS DANIEL KRITENBRINK. Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink is on travel to Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Brunei from February 23-March 4, 2024.

  27. 'Dental tourism' is booming in places like Bali, with Aussies willing

    Tracy ended up paying $3,300 for care at a dental clinic in Kuta in 2022 and describes the results as "amazing". "I'd had two consultations by the time I actually went in to have treatment and the ...

  28. Moldova to Improve Rehabilitation Services and Invest in Building Human

    The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors approved a $40 million loan to Moldova for the Modernization and Improvement of Rehabilitation Services Project (MIRSP) to assist the country's efforts to reform health services, preserve human capital and enable its citizens to benefit from world-class practices in the management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).