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Bangkok: Difference between revisions

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'''OVERVIEW'''  
'''OVERVIEW'''  


Bangkok is a massive city, renowned for its nightlife, thriving LGBT community, and international hospitals. Contraception, including emergency contraception, can be cheaply obtained without a prescription at pharmacies. There is a heightened awareness of STDs, which has led to the creation of several STD testing facilities. PrEP is available, with the Thai Red Cross Anonymous Clinic running studies that are set to expand in 2017. LGBT resources are plentiful. Silom is considered the main gay area of Bangkok, especially Soi (lane) 2 and Soi 4.  
Bangkok is a massive city, renowned for its nightlife, thriving LGBT community, and international hospitals. Contraception, including emergency contraception, can be cheaply obtained without a prescription from Thai pharmacies. There is a heightened awareness of STDs in the city, which has led to the creation of several testing facilities. PrEP is available, with the Thai Red Cross Anonymous Clinic running studies that are set to expand in 2017. LGBT resources are plentiful. Silom is considered the main gay area of Bangkok, especially Soi (lane) 2 and Soi 4.  


However, in some ways the country is not so progressive. Abortion legislation is very restrictive. According to Thai law, women can only receive abortions under special conditions, such as for pregnancies that resulted from rape or incest, or to protect their physical or mental health. Social/economic factors or general choice are not taken into account. However, this law is not strictly enforced, and there are an estimated 15 abortion clinics in Thailand. There is only one known hospital in Bangkok that practices safe abortions with few restrictions –– please see the 'Abortion' section for details.  
However, in some ways the country is not so progressive. Abortion legislation is very restrictive. According to Thai law, women can only receive abortions under special conditions, such as for pregnancies that resulted from rape or incest, or to protect their physical or mental health. Social/economic factors or general choice are not taken into account. However, this law is not strictly enforced, and there are an estimated 15 abortion clinics in Thailand. There is only one known hospital in Bangkok that practices safe abortions with few restrictions –– please see the 'Abortion' section for details.  
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In Thailand, you can buy birth control without a prescription. According to the World Health Organization, 79.6% of women from 15 to 49 were using birth control in 2014 <ref>[http://www.searo.who.int/entity/health_situation_trends/data/hsp/thailand_hsp.pdf?ua=1 WHO Health Statistics 2014 Thailand]</ref>. A more detailed 2009 study found that 35% of women were using the pill, 14% were using an injectable method, 0.8% were using IUDs, 2.3% were using condoms, and 23.7% were undergoing sterilization <ref>[http://www.searo.who.int/entity/maternal_reproductive_health/documents/tha-fp.pdf?ua=1 National Statistical Office, Thailand. Key Findings: Reproductive Health Survey. Department of Health, Ministry of Public
In Thailand, you can buy birth control without a prescription. According to the World Health Organization, 79.6% of women from 15 to 49 were using birth control in 2014 <ref>[http://www.searo.who.int/entity/health_situation_trends/data/hsp/thailand_hsp.pdf?ua=1 WHO Health Statistics 2014 Thailand]</ref>. A more detailed 2009 study found that 35% of women were using the pill, 14% were using an injectable method, 0.8% were using IUDs, 2.3% were using condoms, and 23.7% were undergoing sterilization <ref>[http://www.searo.who.int/entity/maternal_reproductive_health/documents/tha-fp.pdf?ua=1 National Statistical Office, Thailand. Key Findings: Reproductive Health Survey. Department of Health, Ministry of Public
Health, Government of Thailand. Bangkok: s.n., 2009 ]</ref>. In the early 1990s, the government heavily campaigned for sex workers to use condoms under the 100% Condom Program. The campaign enjoyed tremendous success at first. However, fallout from the Asian economic crisis of 1997 led to budget cuts that caused funds to be earmarked for treatment rather than prevention. There are calls for government funds to be directed once more to comprehensive prevention plans to combat rising infection rates<ref>[http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/88/6/10-010610/en/ WHO Bulletin]</ref>.
Health, Government of Thailand. Bangkok: s.n., 2009 ]</ref>. In the early 1990s, the government heavily campaigned for sex workers to use condoms under the 100% Condom Program. The campaign enjoyed tremendous success at first, however, fallout from the Asian economic crisis of 1997 led to budget cuts that caused funds to be earmarked for treatment rather than prevention. There are calls for government funds to be directed once more to comprehensive prevention plans to combat rising infection rates<ref>[http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/88/6/10-010610/en/ WHO Bulletin]</ref>.


===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===
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* For a list of contraceptive options available in Thailand, click [http://contraceptive.ippf.org/search?search.searchtext=&search.component=&search.countrycode=TH here].
* For a list of contraceptive options available in Thailand, click [http://contraceptive.ippf.org/search?search.searchtext=&search.component=&search.countrycode=TH here].
* '''You can buy birth control''' in nearly all the pharmacies (excluding herbal pharmacies) in Bangkok. Some reputable pharmacies are Boots, Watsons, P&F, Fascino, Siam Pharmacies and the Chulalongkorn University pharmacy. Buying from pharmacies that have airconditioning is recommended since the drugs are better preserved in cooler environments. While there are some fake pills sold in Thai pharmacies, they tend to be for drugs like Viagra or Cialis. Since birth control is very cheap, it is less likely to be fake. If you prefer to get a prescription rather than buying over-the-counter drugs, suggested clinics include Bumrungrad (Suk. Soi 1), Bangkok Hospital (Soonwijai off Petchburi Rd) or BNH (Soi Convent off Silom Road). Bangkok Christian on Silom Road is a less expensive option.
* You can '''buy birth control pills''' in nearly all the pharmacies (excluding herbal pharmacies) in Bangkok. Some reputable pharmacies are Boots, Watsons, P&F, Fascino, Siam Pharmacies and the Chulalongkorn University pharmacy. Buying from pharmacies that have air conditioning is recommended since the drugs are better preserved in cooler environments. To consult a doctor on guidance for the birth control pill, the following hospitals and clinics are recommended: Bumrungrad International Hospital (33 Soi Sukhumvit 3, Khwaeng Khlong Toei Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand), Bangkok Hospital (2 Soi Soonvijai 7 New Petchburi Road Bangkapi Khet Huai Khwang, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10310, Thailand) or BNH Hospital (9/1 Convent Alley Khwaeng Silom, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500, Thailand). The Bangkok Christian Hospital (124 Si Lom, Silom, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500, Thailand) has been suggested as a relatively less expensive option.
* Some '''birth control pill brands''' that you can expect to see in Thailand are Anamai, Anna, Anteovin, Cerazette, Diane, Diane-35, Eugynon, Exluton, Gynera, Jeny-FMP, Lo-Femenal, Logynon, Lyndiol 50, Marvelon 21, Marvelon 28, Meliane, Mercilon 21, Microgest ED, Microgynon, Mirulet, Miranova, Nordette 28, Nordette 21, Yasmin and Yaz.
* Some '''birth control pill brands''' that you can expect to see in Thailand are AnNa, Anteovin, Cerazette, Diane-35, Eugynon, Exluton, Gynera, Jeny-FMP, Lo-Femenal, Logynon, Lyndiol 50, Marvelon 21, Marvelon 28, Meliane, Mercilon 21, Microgest ED, Microgynon, Minulet, Miranova, Nordette-28, Nordette-21, Yasmin and Yaz.
* The '''contraceptive ring (Nuvaring)''' does not appear to be available in Thailand currently (2017). It was imported in the past, but this is no longer the case (we talked to Thai pharmacists who confirmed this).
* The '''contraceptive ring (Nuvaring)''' is not available in Thailand as of 2017. However, it was imported previously and perhaps will be again in the future.
* If you want '''condoms''', they are easy to find in most pharmacies. One restaurant, Condoms and Cabbages, even gives out free condoms (Sukhumvit 12 Alley, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand). Note that Thai condoms run on the smaller side.  
* If you want '''condoms''', they are easy to find in most pharmacies. One restaurant, Condoms and Cabbages, even gives out free condoms (Sukhumvit 12 Alley, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand). Note that Thai condoms run on the smaller side.  
* If you want the '''contraceptive shot''', you can find Contracep, Depo-Gestin ANB, Depo-Progesno, Depo-Progesta, Depo-Provera SAS 150mg/ml, Lady Safe, Medeton and Noristerat.
* If you want the '''birth control shot''', you can find Contracep, Depo-Gestin ANB, Depo-Progesno, Depo-Progesta, Depo-Provera, Depo-Medeton, and Noristerat.
* If you want a '''contraceptive implant''', you can find Implanon, Jadelle and Norplant.
* If you want a '''contraceptive implant''', you can find Implanon, Jadelle, and Norplant.
* If you want an '''IUD''', you can find Mirena in Thailand.
* If you want an '''IUD''', Mirena is available in Thailand.


Recommended Pharmacies:
Recommended Pharmacies:
* Southeast Pharmacy: The pharmacists didn't speak a ton of English but they were very nice and helpful. Also conveniently located right near the Asok Skytrain stop. Purchased a one month supply of birth control for about THB 250. Address: Sukhumvit Rd, Bangkok 10110, Thailand, Phone:+66 2 250 0651, Hours: 10AM–10PM.
* Southeast Pharmacy: "The pharmacists didn't speak a ton of English but they were very nice and helpful. Also conveniently located right near the Asok Skytrain stop. Purchased a one month supply of birth control for about THB 250." Address: Sukhumvit Rd, Bangkok 10110, Thailand, Phone:+66 2 250 0651 Hours: 10AM–10PM.
* Boots Retail: Address: 15, Century The Movie Plaza, Phaya Thai Road, Thanon Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand, Phone:+66 2 245 0063, Hours: Open 10AM-8PM, Mon-Fri. Closed on Saturday and Sunday.
* Boots Address: 15, Century The Movie Plaza, Phaya Thai Road, Thanon Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand, Phone:+66 2 245 0063, Hours: 10AM-8PM, Mon-Fri. Closed on Saturday and Sunday.
* Boots Retail: Address: 2, Soi Prasan Mit, Jasmine City, Sukhumwit Road, Khlong Toei North, Khet Wattana, Bangkok, 10110, 10110, Thailand, Phone:+66 85 332 9898, Hours: 10AM–10PM
* Boots Address: 2, Soi Prasan Mit, Jasmine City, Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Toei North, Khet Wattana, Bangkok, 10110, Thailand, Phone:+66 85 332 9898, Hours: 10AM–10PM
* Boots: Address: GF,107, Times Square Bangkok, 246 Sukhumvit Rd, Klongton, Bangkok 10110, Thailand, Hours: 10AM–10PM
* Boots Address: GF,107 Times Square Bangkok, 246 Sukhumvit Road, Klongton, Bangkok 10110, Thailand, Hours: 10AM–10PM
* Fascino Pharmacy: Address: 88/2528 Moo 6, Tesco lotus Rama 2, Rama 2 Road, Samae Dam, Khet Bang Khun Thian, Bangkok, 10150, 10150, Thailand, Phone:+66 2 416 5366
* Blez Pharmacy Address: 415 Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand, Phone:+66 2 258 8283, Hours: 9AM–11PM
* ร้านยาเบลซ (Blez Pharmacy): Address: 415 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand, Phone:+66 2 258 8283, Hours: 9AM–11PM
* Bangkok Drugstore— Address: Sala Daeng 2 Alley, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand, Phone: +66 2 266 6108, Hours: Mon-Fri: 8AM-7 PM Sat: 8AM-5PM. Closed on Sundays.
* Bangkok Drugstore: Address: Sala Daeng 2 Alley, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand, Phone:+66 2 266 6108. Hours: Mon-Fri: 8AM-7 PM. Saturday: 8AM-5PM. Closed on Sundays.


===Costs===
===Costs===

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