Where to Buy Medicines in Pattaya: Trusted Pharmacies

Anyone coming to Pattaya for a long stay or even a short holiday eventually needs to buy medicine. Headaches from climate change, allergies to flowering plants, stomach issues after street food — situations vary. Looking for a pharmacy in a foreign country without knowing local realities is stressful, especially if the problem occurs at night or on a weekend.

What is available in Thai pharmacies

Thai pharmacies sell medications that require a prescription in Russia and European countries. Broad‑spectrum antibiotics (amoxicillin, azithromycin) are available without a prescription. The same applies to antivirals, antifungals, and high‑potency painkillers.

List of medications found in most pharmacies:

• antimalarials (for trips to areas bordering Cambodia and Myanmar);
• antihistamines — cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine, including local generics at low prices;
• blood pressure medication and statins — many brands without a prescription;
• gastrointestinal remedies — from smectite to anti‑diarrheal drugs;
• topical herbal gels and ointments for joints and muscles.

Large chains (Fascino, Boots, Watsons) have sections with vitamins, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and medical equipment: blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, inhalers.

What is not available

Thai law restricts the sale of the following categories without a doctor's prescription:

• psychotropic and sleeping pills — phenazepam, Xanax, diazepam. Attempting to buy them results in a fine or deportation;
• opioid analgesics — morphine, tramadol, codeine. Tramadol is under special control;
• some hormonal drugs, including high‑potency corticosteroids;
• abortion pills — not sold.

Codeine is banned in any form, including cough syrups.

Do you need a prescription?

Formally, a prescription is required. In practice, most pharmacies in Pattaya do not ask for it when selling antibiotics or blood pressure medication. The pharmacist may ask whether the customer has taken the drug before.

By buying medicines without a prescription, the customer assumes full responsibility. A Thai pharmacist is not required to provide a consultation on contraindications. Local doctors may refuse to treat complications arising from self‑medication.

A prescription from another country is not valid in Thailand. To obtain a strictly controlled medication, you need to see a local doctor. Consultation cost: government hospital — 500–1000 baht, private hospital (Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, Pattaya Memorial Hospital) — 1000–2000 baht. Doctors speak English and issue a prescription on the spot.

Where to buy medicine in Pattaya

Pattaya has many pharmacies, but prices and quality vary. In tourist zones (Walking Street, Beach Road) prices are higher, and counterfeits of expensive brands and local ointments occur.

Reliable options are large chains and pharmacies recommended by long‑term expats.

• Fascino — the largest pharmacy chain in Thailand. Two locations in Pattaya: the intersection of South Road and Thepprasit (next to Big C South) and Naklua Road (north). Wide assortment, prices below average, open until late evening. Ability to order rare medication by prescription.
• Boots and Watsons — international chains. Branches in Central Festival, Terminal 21, Tukcom, Big C Extra. Prices higher than in Fascino, English‑speaking pharmacists available. Assortment leans toward cosmetics and supplements; antibiotics are not available everywhere.
• Pattaya Pharmacy on South Road. Opening hours: 8:00 AM — midnight. Staff speak English and Russian and provide consultations. Prices are average; no counterfeits have been reported.
• Kasingpharm — a local chain with branches on Central Road and North Road. Specialisation: potent drugs, antibiotics, prescription medicines. Prescription is rarely asked. Staff mainly speak Thai and English.
• Pharmacies on Thepprasit Road — an area with a high concentration of Russian‑speaking residents. Several pharmacies with Russian‑speaking staff. Assortment includes brands familiar from Russia and the CIS. Prices are 20–30% higher than in Fascino. Specific addresses: near Thepprasit Market, in the View Talay 2 complex.
• 24‑hour pharmacies. One operating 24/7 is Kur‑Kit Pharmacy on Pattaya Klang (Central Road), not far from the intersection with Second Road. At night, staff may not speak English. It is recommended to have the drug name in Latin script or a photo of the package.
• Hospital pharmacies. For example, the pharmacy at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya — full range including rare imported medications. Prices are higher than market rates, but authenticity is guaranteed, and a clinical pharmacist consultation is available.

Consultation with a doctor is recommended before taking any medicine, even if sold without a prescription. Thai generics may differ in active ingredient concentration from analogues in other countries.

If you plan a long‑term stay in Pattaya, convenient access to pharmacies and hospitals is an important factor when choosing accommodation. DDA Real Estate offers assistance in selecting condos and houses in areas with developed medical infrastructure. The agency's brokers have worked in the Thai real estate market for 18 years, provide advice on any questions, and accompany the transaction. Contact them for information about areas of Pattaya with good logistics and trusted pharmacies nearby.