Amphetamine / Dextroamphetamine in Thailand: Category 1 Ban and Legal Risk

Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are Category 1 narcotics in Thailand. Possession or import carries severe criminal penalties; read this before you fly.

Quick reference

  • Drug class: CNS stimulant
  • Controlled substance: Yes, Category 1 narcotic under Thailand's Narcotics Act B.E. 2522 (1979)
  • Prescription required: Yes, but no legal pathway exists for foreign import
  • Available locally: No, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are not registered or dispensed in Thailand
  • Storage: Room temperature, below 25°C, away from humidity and direct light
  • Max supply to carry: No legal personal-import allowance exists for Category 1 narcotics in Thailand
  • Key document: No import permit exists for this drug class in Thailand; consult your prescriber about alternatives before travel
  • Emergency alternative: Contact your embassy and a private hospital psychiatrist immediately if you arrive without medication or run out.

Amphetamine / dextroamphetamine in Thailand: what the Category 1 ban means for you

Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, sold globally as Adderall, Adderall XR, and Mydayis, are classified as Category 1 narcotics under Thailand's Narcotics Act B.E. 2522. There is no import permit, no doctor's letter exemption, and no personal-use allowance for this drug class. See the ADHD travel guide for Thailand for information on legally available alternatives such as methylphenidate.

Medical disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your prescribing doctor before travelling with medication, particularly regarding supply quantities, storage requirements, and import documentation.

Before you travel

Documentation for travelling to Thailand with amphetamine / dextroamphetamine

Because amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are Category 1 narcotics with no legal import pathway, no supporting letter or permit will authorise you to bring them into Thailand. The only safe approach is to work with your prescriber before departure to transition to a legally importable alternative, such as methylphenidate, for the duration of your trip. See our separate guide for methylphenidate in Thailand for an overview of the document requirements for such alternative.

Pre-travel paperwork timeline

  1. T-30 days

    Book an urgent appointment with your prescriber to discuss the Thai legal situation and explore a temporary transition to methylphenidate or another legally importable alternative for the duration of your trip.Prescriber consultation

  2. T-14 days

    If transitioning to methylphenidate, apply for a Thai FDA personal-import authorisation letter via the Food and Drug Administration (Thailand) for that medication. Amphetamine requires no permit because import is categorically prohibited.Thai FDA authorisation (for alternative medication)

    Processing typically takes 5-10 working days via the Thai FDA's online system. Visit fda.moph.go.th for the current form.

  3. T-7 days

    Obtain a doctor's letter on clinic letterhead for the alternative medication you are carrying. The letter must include your full name, the INN and brand name, dose, frequency, quantity, and the prescriber's registration number.Translated doctor's letter

  4. T-1 day

    Print all documents and keep them with your medication in hand luggage. Pack the alternative medication in its original pharmacy-labelled packaging.

  5. T-0 (border)

    Declare any controlled medication at Thai customs proactively. Present your permit and doctor's letter together. Do not attempt to import amphetamine or dextroamphetamine under any circumstances.

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Do not attempt to bring Adderall or Adderall XR into Thailand

Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are Category 1 narcotics under Thai law. Possession, import, and use without a Thai government licence carry criminal penalties including imprisonment. A doctor's letter or foreign prescription provides no legal protection.

If you are transitioning to an alternative medication for travel, ask your prescriber whether a Thai translation of the doctor's letter is advisable. Thai customs officers may not read English-language letters; a certified translation reduces the risk of delays at the border.

How much amphetamine / dextroamphetamine to bring

The answer is zero. for Category 1 substances because import by private individuals is entirely prohibited. Bring a full supply of whatever legal alternative your prescriber arranges, plus a 20% buffer for delays. Do not rely on sourcing any alternative once you have arrived, as supply of any ADHD medication in Thailand is limited.[1]

Split your alternative supply

Carry your main supply of any prescribed alternative in hand luggage and a backup in checked luggage. If one bag is delayed or lost, you still have medication. Keep both portions in original packaging with pharmacy labels intact.

Packing and storing amphetamine / dextroamphetamine for travel

This section applies only if you have legally transitioned to an alternative medication. Amphetamine salts tablets should be stored at controlled room temperature between 20°C and 25°C, away from humidity and direct light. Thailand's tropical climate, with ambient temperatures regularly exceeding 35°C, means you must keep medication in an air-conditioned bag compartment or hotel room at all times.[2]

At the airport and border

Airport security with amphetamine / dextroamphetamine

Do not pack amphetamine or dextroamphetamine in any luggage bound for Thailand. Security screening at Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports includes X-ray and random bag checks. Discovery of a Category 1 narcotic at any checkpoint, even in transit, can result in arrest.

If you are carrying a legally prescribed alternative medication, keep it in hand luggage in original packaging. Most airport security agencies allow prescription tablets through screening without liquid restrictions. Carry your doctor's letter in the same bag for fast access if asked.

Customs and medication import rules for Thailand

Thailand's Narcotics Act B.E. 2522 lists amphetamine as a Schedule 1 narcotic. is a criminal offence. The Thai Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) issues personal-import permits for certain prescription medications, but not for Category 1 substances. Declare any other controlled medication you carry by completing the Thai Customs Declaration Form.[3]

Category 1 narcotic: criminal penalties apply

Importing amphetamine or dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Adderall XR, Mydayis) into Thailand without a government licence is a criminal offence under the Narcotics Act B.E. 2522. Penalties include fines and imprisonment of up to life, depending on quantity. No prescription, doctor's letter, or personal-use claim provides legal protection.

While in country

Amphetamine / dextroamphetamine availability in Thailand

Brands of amphetamine / dextroamphetamine sold in Thailand

Brand nameIndicationFormulationSupply note
None registered
Not applicable
Not applicable
Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are not registered, licensed, or dispensed in Thailand under any brand name

Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are not available in any Thai pharmacy, hospital, or clinic. The only legally dispensed stimulant for ADHD in Thailand is methylphenidate, available under the Concerta and Ritalin brands with a local prescription from a psychiatrist. See the Concerta in Thailand guide for dispensing rules and availability.

Finding a doctor who can prescribe an alternative to amphetamine / dextroamphetamine in Thailand

Private hospitals in Bangkok, including Bumrungrad International, Bangkok Hospital, and Samitivej, employ English-speaking psychiatrists who can evaluate and prescribe methylphenidate. A private psychiatry consultation in Bangkok typically costs ฿2,000 to ฿5,000 (~$55 to ~$138 / ~€51 to ~€127). Telemedicine with a Thai-licensed psychiatrist is available via platforms such as MorDee but cannot substitute for the in-person evaluation typically required for stimulant prescribing.

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Storing amphetamine / dextroamphetamine while in Thailand

This section applies to any legally prescribed alternative you are carrying. Amphetamine salts and methylphenidate tablets should be stored at controlled room temperature, 20°C to 25°C. Thailand's year-round heat and humidity above 70% mean you must store medication in an air-conditioned room at all times. Never leave tablets in a car, beach bag, or direct sunlight. Request a hotel safe or in-room refrigerator if you are carrying any temperature-sensitive medication.[4]

Emergencies

What to do if something goes wrong with your medication in Thailand

If your legally prescribed alternative medication is lost or stolen, report the loss to local police and obtain a police report number. Contact your travel insurer's emergency hotline immediately, as most policies require a police report for medication replacement claims.

If your alternative medication supply runs out, go to the psychiatry department of the nearest private hospital. Bring your original packaging, doctor's letter, and any remaining tablets. Do not attempt to source amphetamine or dextroamphetamine locally under any circumstances.

“ฉันต้องการพบจิตแพทย์ (Chǎn dtâawng gaan phóp jìt-tà-phæ̂t), I need to see a psychiatrist. ฉันมียาตามใบสั่งแพทย์ (Chǎn mii yaa dtaam bai sàng phæ̂t), I have prescription medication. โรงพยาบาลที่ใกล้ที่สุดอยู่ที่ไหน (Roong phá-yaa-baan thîi glâi thîi sùt yùu thîi nǎi), Where is the nearest hospital? ช่วยโทรเรียกแพทย์ด้วย (Chûay thoo rîak phæ̂t dûay), Please call a doctor.”

I need to see a psychiatrist. / I have prescription medication. / Where is the nearest hospital? / Please call a doctor.

Thailand's emergency number is 1669 for medical emergencies and 191 for police. Your embassy can provide a list of English-speaking psychiatrists and legal assistance if you are detained in connection with any medication matter.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I bring Adderall into Thailand?

No. Adderall's active ingredient, amphetamine, is a Category 1 narcotic under the Thai Narcotics Act. There is no permit, doctor's letter, or personal-use exemption that makes import legal. Do not carry Adderall, Adderall XR, or Mydayis on a Thailand-bound journey.

Is there any legal way to get Adderall XR in Thailand as a tourist?

No. Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are not registered for medical use in Thailand under any brand name, including Adderall XR and Mydayis. The only legal ADHD stimulant available is methylphenidate, dispensed under the Ritalin and Concerta brands after an in-country psychiatrist consultation.

What ADHD medication can I legally bring to Thailand instead of Adderall?

Methylphenidate is the only stimulant legally importable into Thailand, as a Category 2 psychotropic with a Thai FDA personal-import authorisation and a doctor's letter. See the Concerta in Thailand guide for full documentation steps. Discuss this transition with your prescriber at least 30 days before you travel.

What happens if Thai customs find amphetamine in my luggage?

Discovery of a Category 1 narcotic at Thai customs results in arrest and criminal prosecution under the Narcotics Act. depending on the quantity found. A valid prescription from your home country provides no legal defence.[5]

Is Mydayis available in Thailand pharmacies?

No. Mydayis, like Adderall and Adderall XR, contains amphetamine or dextroamphetamine, which are Category 1 narcotics in Thailand with no registered medical use. No Thai pharmacy, hospital, or clinic can legally dispense any amphetamine-based product.

Do I need travel insurance if I am switching to methylphenidate for Thailand?

Yes. Travel insurance should cover emergency psychiatric consultations and medication replacement in Thailand. Declare your pre-existing condition accurately when purchasing the policy, and confirm that stimulant prescription costs are not excluded as a pre-existing condition. A private psychiatry consultation in Bangkok can cost ฿2,000 to ฿5,000 (~$55 to ~$138 / ~€51 to ~€127) out of pocket.

Related practical guide

10 Things You Must Do Before Travelling Abroad with ADHD Medication

ADHD stimulants are banned outright in some countries and tightly controlled in many others. Here is the practical checklist every traveller needs before setting off.

Read the practical guide →

Sources

  1. [1] INCB — Narcotic Drugs: Estimated World Requirements (Yellow List) — amphetamine scheduling
  2. [2] FDA — Adderall (amphetamine salts) prescribing information and storage requirements
  3. [3] Royal Thai Customs Department — prohibited and restricted goods
  4. [4] FDA (US) — Adderall XR prescribing information: storage and handling
  5. [5] Thai FDA — Narcotics Drugs & Psychotropic Substances
  6. [6] Thai FDA — Guidance for Travelers under Treatment Carrying Personal Medications

More guides in Thailand

Amphetamine / Dextroamphetamine in other countries

Country guide