Who has brought medicines to Phuket? Are they confiscated at customs?
Insider's Response
If you carry a standard personal first-aid kit for peace of mind, your medicines will not be confiscated during inspection. Thailand allows the import of medicines for personal use (in factory packaging with instructions), provided they do not contain banned psychotropic or narcotic substances.
If you need to bring prescription medicines containing psychotropic substances, the following rules apply:
● The maximum quantity allowed is for up to 30 days of use, with a doctor’s prescription or medical certificate.
● If you need medication for 31–90 days, you must obtain a permit (form IC-2) issued by the Thai FDA at least 15 days before your trip. FDA website: https://en.fda.moph.go.th/
● The medicine must be strictly for personal use, not for resale.
● As for narcotics, any import for treatment requires a license from the Narcotics Control Division of the Thai FDA, issued before travel.
● Psychotropic substances of Category I are strictly prohibited for import. You can review the list here: https://en.fda.moph.go.th/entrepreneurs-narcotic-drugs-and-psychotropic-substances/psychotropic-substances-01
How to safely bring medicines with psychotropic or narcotic substances:
● Carry the original prescription or medical certificate from your doctor, indicating diagnosis, dosage, and quantity.
● Respect the 30-day limit – do not exceed this amount without permission, or obtain advance approval for 31–90 days at least 15 days before your trip.
● For narcotic medicines, a license from the Narcotics Control Division of the Thai FDA is mandatory in advance.
● Keep medicines in their original packaging, with names and dosage clearly visible.
● At customs, be prepared to present your prescription, medical certificate, and (if applicable) your FDA Thailand permit.
In Phuket, you don’t need to carry a huge first-aid kit – all the essential medicines can be purchased in local pharmacies. See our guide “Thai Pharmacy: Essential Medicines.” Basic medications are even available in supermarkets. Check out “First Aid Kit from 7/11.”
Hopefully you won’t need it, but here’s also a useful list of hospitals in Phuket where foreigners can seek help. Stay healthy and take care!