• Over the counter: many common medicines — pain relief, allergy, cold, stomach and skin remedies — are sold in pharmacies without a prescription.
• Controlled categories: under the Thai Drugs Act, some medicines are "dangerous drugs" that only a pharmacist may dispense, while "specially controlled" drugs, narcotics and psychotropics need a doctor's prescription.
• Tell the pharmacist: your symptoms, allergies, age, pregnancy status and any medicines you already take. Bring the box or the name of the active ingredient if you use a medicine regularly.
• Buy safely: choose licensed pharmacies, well-known chains or hospital pharmacies, check the expiry date, and avoid unlicensed or online sellers — counterfeit and substandard products exist.

• Keep medicines in their original packaging and carry a doctor's prescription or letter stating the diagnosis and dosage.
• Bring a personal-use quantity only.
• Narcotic and psychotropic medicines (for example some strong pain, anxiety, sleep and ADHD medications) have extra rules and may need a permit before you travel.
• Check the requirements with the official Thai FDA permit service for travellers.

Chains and neighbourhood pharmacies (such as Boots, Watsons and Fascino) are found in malls and on main streets; their hours usually follow the mall or shop. Hospital pharmacies at major private hospitals are often open 24 hours, which helps at night — prices there can be higher, and opening hours should be confirmed.

For a medical emergency call 1669 (ambulance). See Safety & emergency numbers and the hospitals guide.