Where can you find medicine or medical supplies in Chiang Mai?
No one wants to be sick on holiday! Well, no one wants to be sick in any situation, right? And it’s always the worst when you or your child falls ill or gets hurt, whether you’re on a family vacation or living in Chiang Mai.
So where can you get medicine in Chiang Mai quickly?
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Is it easy to find medicine in Chiang Mai?
I’ve never been to a country where medicines are so readily available. In fact, most of the medicines that you’re going to need are at 7-eleven, and 7-11’s are everywhere!
If you can’t find what you need, not to worry. There are also pharmacies on practically every corner.
Do you need a prescription to get medicines in Thailand?
It’s very rare that you will need a prescription. Nearly every drug or medicine is available over the counter, except for the most powerful ones such as painkillers that may contain controlled substances.
When you go to a hospital, a doctor will provide a prescription that will be filled at the hospital’s pharmacy. No need to take it somewhere else to have it filled!
Where is the best place to get over the counter medicine in Chiang Mai?
7-eleven
7-elevens are going to become your favourite convenience stores because they have everything you need (and more) and are typically within a 5 minute walk from anywhere downtown Chiang Mai. Outside the city, they are a very short drive away which is a life saver especially if your children are sick and need a quick fix!
What kind of medicines or medical supplies can you get at 7-eleven?
Some of the most commonly available medicines and supplies for adults and children are:
- Paracetamol (pill or liquid form) under the brand name Tylenol or Sara.
- Charcoal pills
- Vicks/Tiffy vapour-rub
- Cough and throat lozenges
- Cough syrup
- Anti-car sickness pills
- Vitamins
- Headache gel packs
- Iodine/Benodine
- Band-aids/plasters
- Rubbing alcohol
At a local pharmacy
Local pharmacies are also practically everywhere. You can recognize them by the Thai lettering of ยาwhich is pronounced ‘yaa’ and means medicine.
Seems nearly every Thai person went to pharmacist school and opened their own pharmacy as in the old city of Chiang Mai, every other shop seems to be one. Expect to pay less for medicines outside of the city, as rents are more expensive downtown Chiang Mai. You can also expect to pay less in pharmacies that are not part of a franchised chain.
What kind of medicines or medical supplies can you get at a local pharmacy in Chiang Mai?
You can get pretty well anything at a pharmacy, just be sure to mention the age of your child if you are buying medicines for them so the pharmacist can better explain or prepare any medications. Here a list of just some of the more popular items:
- Ibuprofen (liquid or pill form)
- Paracetamol (liquid or pill form)
- Gauze
- Cough syrup
- Medicine to stop throwing up
- Anti-diarrhea pills
- Muscle relaxants
- Tiffy (a decongestant)
- Anti-histamines
Do pharmacists speak English in Chiang Mai?
Yes! I’ve never been to a pharmacy where the pharmacist didn’t. I’m unsure if they speak other languages, but it’s likely that especially in tourist areas, that they speak Mandarin and possibly other languages as well.
Which medicines should you bring with you?
Bring whatever supplies your family will need for the trip over here! Once you land in Chiang Mai, you’ll be able to get mostly everything you need. See below for medicines that are restricted here.
If your family is planning on living here long term, you may want to research local prices for medicines in Chiang Mai. If the prices are cheaper at home, stock up before you come.
Which medicines are you not allowed to bring into Thailand?
The Royal Thai Embassy in Stockholm Sweden provides a great resource for you to check which medicines and drugs are restricted in Thailand.
Pro tip
Always ask for the generic version of your drug or medicine. It will be up to 70% cheaper than the brand name if the pharmacy carries it.
Have a serious medical issue? Find the best hospital nearest you.
