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Taking prescription meds

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ckari
  5/2/2016 00:36 EST

Hey all!

I'm going to be living in Thailand for a year while teaching ESL.

I read online that only a month's worth of prescription meds can be brought into Thailand. However, I am of course going to be there for a year.

Is there any way to get around this rule? Any other options worth considering?

Thanks!

caughtintheact
  5/2/2016 07:59 EST

You are correct about the 30 day restriction. Read this to prepare the necessary documents. http://www.thaiembassy.org/bucharest/contents/files/travel-20120907-191945-489473.pdf

As for what happens when the medicine runs out, you might be able to buy the medicine here or an acceptable substitute.

How about posting a list of the medicine or PM me and I can check with a pharmacy that specializes in prescription medicine. Then you can check with your doctor and insurance company as appropriate to be sure you have the right medicine and you will be covered

Also advise your estimated departure day from your home country.

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wealthychef
  5/2/2016 08:51 EST

Yep. From what I've seen, you will be able to buy your meds in Thailand. The laws are much more liberal about that. Pharmacists both prescribe and dispense meds there.

tgibob
  5/2/2016 12:27 EST

Also you can usually buy over-the-counter w/out Rx and shop around for the best price.

ckari
  5/3/2016 00:49 EST

Thanks for the info, everyone!

For those who recommend buying in Thailand (which I will have to do past the 30 day mark) -- What should I do if language is a barrier? Are there any English speakers at the typical Thai pharmacy?

(for the record, I'm going to be learning Thai as best I can, I just don't think I'll have mastered it enough for an intelligible conversation regarding meds after only thirty days)

caughtintheact
  5/3/2016 07:55 EST

Most pharmacists know enough English and can read the names of the medicines in English, and almost all medicine is packaged in Thai and English. You can also look up the medicine on the Internet and take screen captures to show to a pharmacist. The availability of medicine may, however depend on where you are located, so if you provide the city where you will be and the list of medicines, I may be able to locate pharmacies that carry a lot of prescription drugs.

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wealthychef
  5/3/2016 09:24 EST

Depends on where you are living. In Bangkok, yes, in a small village in the northern villages, no. But why do you need them to speak English? Just get the drug name and dosage correct and buy it.

wealthychef
  5/3/2016 09:26 EST

BTW, if you know your employer, why not ask them to check for the medicine for you? I have a feeling they'll be happy to ask for you.

dogrescuer1
  5/10/2016 19:25 EST

We've lived in Thailand on and off for almost ten years. I take blood pressure medication from the states, but ran out last year. When my husband arrived, he brought me a year's supply in his carry on luggage. No problem. My advice is bring what you need.

caughtintheact
  5/11/2016 01:54 EST

I would be very cautious about making recommendations that could be in violation of Thai law. Thai jails are not exactly noted for being a pleasant environment. If your husband smuggled in the medicines without proper documentation, consider him lucky.

wealthychef
  5/11/2016 10:51 EST

@caughtintheact: Can you be more specific? What has anyone here recommended that is against Thai law? I agree that it is foolish to go to Thailand in order to get high on weed or cocaine, but buying heart meds is perfectly legal, no?

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chance2014
  5/12/2016 01:05 EST

Buying the medication in thailand may be legal but bringing in a years supply of a drug without full documentation I would suspect would be illegal in any country. If they were to check and find a years supply which must be a lot of pills they might accuse you of smuggling in prescription drugs to sell on the black market, not a good idea at all. I did bring in an aweful lot of pills for diabetes and gout I also was not questioned but its a risk

Expatphuket
  5/18/2016 08:03 EST

Both gout and diabetes medications are plentiful, cheap and don't require a doctor's prescription. Pharmacists not carrying certain meds can order almost any medication from the major pharmaceutical companies. No sleeping meds.

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