Bangkok: Difference between revisions

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.  

* 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 for guidance on birth control, 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 road, Silom, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, 10500, Thailand) has been suggested as a relatively less expensive option.

* 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 '''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 an '''IUD''', Mirena is available in Thailand.

* Bangkok Drugstore— Address: Sala Daeng 2 Alley, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok, 10500, Thailand, Phone:+66 2 266 6108, Hours: Monday-Friday: 8AM-7 PM Sat: 8AM-5PM. Closed on Sundays.

In Thai, emergency contraception is ยากันท้อง or ''Ya kun tong''. Both the Madonna and Postinor brands of dedicated (progestrin only) emergency contraception are available. For both brands, you take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex. For progestin-estrogen combined (birth control pills), you can take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 2 more pills 12 hours later with the following brands: FMP, Jeny FMP, Nordiol, Ovidon and Ovral. You can also take 4 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 4 more pills 12 hours later with the following brands: Anna, Lo-Femenal, Microgest, Microgest ED, Microgynon 30 ED, Microgynon-30, Nordette, Nordette 28, Nordette-21, R-den, Riget, Rigevidon and Rigevidon 21 + 7.<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/worldwide/ Princeton EC Website]</ref>