I’m interested in the Royal Pharmacy. Is it worth visiting? Is it expensive?
Insider's Response
The Royal Pharmacy in Phuket is a center of traditional Thai medicine specializing in natural remedies and cosmetics.
It’s called the Royal Pharmacy because it is associated with projects under the patronage of the royal family, particularly initiatives of the late King Rama IX aimed at promoting eco-friendly agriculture, traditional medicine, and the production of medicinal herbs.
Features of the Royal Pharmacy
● All products are made from plant-based ingredients grown on royal farms in environmentally clean areas of Thailand without the use of pesticides or chemicals.
● The products are GMP-certified and have received numerous awards, including the National Development Award named after King Rama IX and the ASEAN Best BIZ & Product award.
● The pharmacy offers a wide range of remedies for boosting immunity and overall wellness, as well as natural cosmetics.
The Royal Pharmacy is often visited as part of a tour. You can buy many Thai medicines there, although prices may be slightly higher than elsewhere. The same products can also be found at other pharmacies on the island or at Seven Eleven. See the article First Aid Kit from 7/11.
Medications you cannot bring into Thailand
You are allowed to bring medicines for personal use into Thailand (in original packaging and with instructions), provided they do not contain prohibited psychotropic or narcotic substances. You can find the list of such substances on the official website: https://en.fda.moph.go.th/guideline-of-importation-for-personal-use/category/bringing-of-health-products-01/
For more important information about traveling and living in Phuket, see the Useful Info section.