Thai pharmaceuticals are based on natural ingredients, and local products can make great and useful souvenirs.

Pocket inhalers are popular among Thais for relieving cold symptoms, nausea, and headaches. They’re small, effective, and easy to carry around.

It’s also worth bringing back Thai balms and ointments, especially Tiger Balm, which is well known for relieving muscle and joint pain, as well as insect bites.

The local suspension called “White Rabbit” is great for treating food poisoning. It’s available in any 7/11.

In general, you can find local equivalents of many familiar medications in island pharmacies, so there’s no need to pack a bulky first-aid kit. We’ve written more about Thai medicines here. By the way, many of them are even sold in 7/11 supermarkets — we’ve put together a list of what you can find there.

If you develop serious symptoms, don’t self-medicate — consult a doctor. You can find the list of hospitals here.