Permit Needed for Medications brought to Thailand ?

[Flyfrequently]

A question for the Frequent travellers to Thailand if I may please.
(Mods feel free to move to General Medical Thread)

I have a pre- existing medical condition, under control and well managed for 30+ years, for which I have adequate PE TI.

I do need to travel with certain medications (antibiotics and strong analgesics) should I experience symptoms of an episode.

Reading through Thai information on medications category 2&4 need a permit if you are "under treatment".
Technically, I am not under treatment but swift administration of these medications is usually all I need to avoid a hospital admission.
I travel with my doctor's letter and medications in original packaging.
(I did get a permit to enter Singapore in 2019.)
Thinking it is probably best to get one for Thailand holiday?

Appreciate any feedback from the AFF community - thanks.

 

[drron]

we have never got a permit to take our medications into Thailand. The permit is needed for some Narcotics. oxycodone and pholcodeine are listed as being restricted..
here is a Thai expat site.

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.

Bringing prescribed drugs and medicine into Thailand

Are you travelling to Thailand and need to bring prescribed drugs or medication with you? Find out the rules and regulations here.

fanclubthailand.co.uk

There is a link to the drugs that you can't bring in.

And here is the Thai Embassy in canberra site. it is harder to navigate but it did have a page on drug permits and it is basically narcotics.

https://permitfortraveler.fda.moph.go.th/nct_permit_main/

 

[Flyfrequently]

Thanks @drron I did read those links previously but will do so more thoroughly. I need to have Oxycodone with me on my travels.
Never had to use it but don't want to rely on Murphy's law.

 

[JohnK]

Antibiotics are over the counter in Thailand so you would not need letter from doctor.

You can get endone/morphine via prescription in Thailand so I don't see carrying stronger analgesics an issue other than having a letter from doctor.

I do carry Panadeine forte with me to Thailand occasionally but I've not bothered getting a letter from doctor. Now that I've seen this thread I may just ask doctor for letter and take 3-4 boxes of Panadeine Forte with me and leave at home in Chiang Mai next trip.

 

[Flyfrequently]

Following up on this @drron @JohnK .

After carefully reading the website, it is clear that a permit (IC-2) is required by completing a form (IC1) for category 2 medications ie Oxycodone.

Only way to do this is online.
I found the website a bit clunky but completed in 10 minutes with copy of passport and accompanying doctor's letter.

Interestingly, the form would default to day before dates for birth date and travel dates. Could not alter birth date, a quick email to Thailand narcotics Department and they said they would amend this once I had submitted the form and received my transaction number.
No less than Sophie the Pharmacist fixed it and permit through in 2 hours.

From other forums, it appears many travel without the necessary permit, I am not one to chance it.

 

[RooFlyer]

@Flyfrequently and @drron . Just looking at the permit thing for medications into Thailand. (I'm just staying at the airport land-side for 1 night)

https://permitfortraveler.fda.moph.go.th/nct_permit_main/Upload/Guidance%20for%20Travelers%20who%20travel%20into%20Thailand_21092024.pdf

(opens a PDF of the permit guidance), it says as follows.



I will be taking a couple of Schedule 2 narcotics (Codeine, Oxycodone) and a couple from the schedule II psychotropic list (when I write that, it sounds like fun!)

To me, it reads like for supply <30 days a Permit is NOT needed. I see your 'belt and braces' caution @Flyfrequently , but looking at that, I'm pretty confident of not taking a permit. Comment?

I will have a very detailed letter from my GP, with copy of the prescriptions.

Lastly, could you both (or anyone) have a look at this - do you think I'm correct in interpreting it as, if I have only 30 days supply, and the prescription, I don't have to declare when entering the county?

 

[Flyfrequently]

@Flyfrequently and @drron . Just looking at the permit thing for medications into Thailand. (I'm just staying at the airport land-side for 1 night)

https://permitfortraveler.fda.moph.go.th/nct_permit_main/Upload/Guidance%20for%20Travelers%20who%20travel%20into%20Thailand_21092024.pdf

(opens a PDF of the permit guidance), it says as follows.

View attachment 414006

I will be taking a couple of Schedule 2 narcotics (Codeine, Oxycodone) and a couple from the schedule II psychotropic list (when I write that, it sounds like fun!)

To me, it reads like for supply <30 days a Permit is NOT needed. I see your 'belt and braces' caution @Flyfrequently , but looking at that, I'm pretty confident of not taking a permit. Comment?

I will have a very detailed letter from my GP, with copy of the prescriptions.

Lastly, could you both (or anyone) have a look at this - do you think I'm correct in interpreting it as, if I have only 30 days supply, and the prescription, I don't have to declare when entering the county?

View attachment 414010

Short answer @RooFlyer yes, technically you need to declare and hence a permit for your schedule 2 meds (Codeine and Oxycodone) is required. This was confirmed by email response to me from Thailand.
Others may choose not to declare but these days, I tend to follow the rules!

 

[drron]

I have never had a permit but I have never taken narcotics into Thailand. Also all stays less than 30 days though with the change of visa conditions with now stays of up to 90 days that may change.

 

[ols]

If I may ask what is their position on prescribed medical cannabis products?

 

[muppet]

If I may ask what is their position on prescribed medical cannabis products?

I don’t know but there does seem to be a lot of weed dispensaries in bangkok. I assumed it was legal. Maybe they sell something else.

 

[ols]

I don’t know but there does seem to be a lot of weed dispensaries in bangkok. I assumed it was legal. Maybe they sell something else.

Haven't they changed their mind and going back to prohibition.
I am talking about prescribed cannabis oil.

 

[RooFlyer]

Haven't they changed their mind and going back to prohibition.
I am talking about prescribed cannabis oil.

I would check the links in post number two of this thread and maybe also email them like flyfrequently did.

 

[Flyfrequently]

Haven't they changed their mind and going back to prohibition.
I am talking about prescribed cannabis oil.

You will need a permit @ols

There is plenty of information online - sorry can't download the link for you at present.
permitfortraveler.fda.moph.go.thailand

Bringing medicine to Thailand - Royal Thai Embassy Canberra

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

canberra.thaiembassy.org

The government is now backing down on its relaxed dope laws but on our recent visit in September, every 3rd shop was selling cannabis!

 

[JohnK]

Haven't they changed their mind and going back to prohibition.
I am talking about prescribed cannabis oil.

I think they're still everywhere.

With regards to valium, xanax I don't remember ever taking a doctor's letter with me to Thailand when it was prescribed here. Now that I cannot get a prescription here I buy Xanax in Thailand. I keep this on my person at all times in case of need. I am going to visit a clinic in Chiang Mai to try and get prescription for Xanax to make it legal.

With regards to Panadeine Forte I have been known to take up to 20 tablets with me at various times but I don't feel the need for that medication in Thailand as most of my issues are inflammatory. I am going to GP to get a letter for codeine this trip as I will take some extra for MiL and her sister. I'm not going to declare them online.

I'm not sure where Prednisolone fits on these lists. This is the medication I need the most in Thailand due to inflammatory issues. I have been buying that here but also in Thailand.

 

[RooFlyer]

@Flyfrequently , I haven't broached the permit yet, but I have the forms "Application for carry-in" and "Application for carry-out" - where do these fit in to the process? The inbound is fairly straightforward, but the outbound wants "the medical treatment ... doctor ... medicines received in Thailand" I gather that doesn't come into play at all, if I'm not being treated in Thailand? At first I thought it was to make sure you took out everything you brought in.

 

[Flyfrequently]

The inbound is fairly straightforward, but the outbound wants "the medical treatment ... doctor ... medicines received in Thailand" I gather that doesn't come into play at all, if I'm not being treated in Thailand?

Correct @RooFlyer
I took this as medication you are taking out of Thailand that has been prescribed and purchased in Thailand (needing the outgoing form/permit)

At first I thought it was to make sure you took out everything you brought in.

That is how Singapore works I believe, but have never been checked on the way out.
Others may have some input.

 

[p--and--t]

I've never declared nor been questioned anywhere in the world so far.

I only take enough to last the length of the proposed trip with a small margin (e.g. 30day trip 35 tabs)

I used to carry a note from my doctor saying what I was prescribed, but not updated for the last few years.

 

[Flyfrequently]

I've never declared nor been questioned anywhere in the world so far.

I only take enough to last the length of the proposed trip with a small margin (e.g. 30day trip 35 tabs)

I used to carry a note from my doctor saying what I was prescribed, but not updated for the last few years.

I do also for all other medications but Thailand requires a permit for certain narcotics ie Oxycodone @p--and--t
It was my new GP who insisted if she was writing the script, I was to apply for the permit.
And honestly, I had to go searching for someone at USM upon arrival, then they didn't know what to do with the permit, so took a photo of said permit and I was on my way!

 

[RooFlyer]

Correct @RooFlyer
I took this as medication you are taking out of Thailand that has been prescribed and purchased in Thailand (needing the outgoing form/permit)

What did you do with the 'outbound' form - do you submit it during the Permit process, or just hang onto it.

I've never declared nor been questioned anywhere in the world so far.

I only take enough to last the length of the proposed trip with a small margin (e.g. 30day trip 35 tabs)

I used to carry a note from my doctor saying what I was prescribed, but not updated for the last few years.

Neither have I (except, from memory, Japan last time?), but now I've been alerted to the need for it in Thailand, if I didn't do it, I'd certainly be pulled up .

Yes also for taking a bit over the trips worth of medications and for 'regular' stuff I think they don't care as long as its <90 days, if at all.

I always carry doctor's letter these days - never needed it, but you never know, even for background if needing medical assistance while abroad (its on my phone). I think @Flyfrequently and I fall into the category of 'cautious traveller' and who also carry some strong stuff 'just in case'.

 

[Flyfrequently]

Am a catastrophiser @RooFlyer !

I didn't do the outbound form, either read somewhere or Sophie the Thai pharmacist I emailed indicated, it wasn't needed.
Will re-read about the outgoing form, might have found myself in the travel mistakes thread