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Bangkok

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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 from Bangkok 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 less 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.

Contraception (Birth Control)

General Note: There are many types of contraceptives, also known as "birth control," including IUDs, oral contraceptives, patches, shots, and condoms, etc. If you would like to view a full list, click here.

Laws & Social Stigmas

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 [1]. 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 [2]. 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[3].

What to Get & Where to Get It

Marvelon, a common birth control brand found in Thailand
Cerazette birth control pills purchased in Thailand
  • For a list of contraceptive options available in Thailand, click here.
  • 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, +66 2066 8888), Bangkok Hospital (2 Soi Soonvijai, 7 New Petchburi Road, Bangkapi Khet Huai Khwang, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, 10310, Thailand, +662 310-3000) or BNH Hospital (9/1 Convent Alley Khwaeng Silom, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, 10500, Thailand, +66 2 686 2700). The Bangkok Christian Hospital (124 Si Lom road, Silom, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, 10500, Thailand, +66 2 625 9000) has been suggested as a relatively less expensive option.
  • 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) is not available in Thailand as of 2017. However, it was imported previously and perhaps will be again in the future.
  • Condoms 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.
  • Brands of the birth control shot available in Thailand include Contracep, Depo-Gestin ANB, Depo-Progesno, Depo-Progesta, Depo-Provera, Depo-Medeton, and Noristerat.
  • Contraceptive implants are available, with brands such as Implanon, Jadelle, and Norplant.
  • Both Mirena (hormonal) and copper IUDs can be found in Thailand. King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital (1873, Rama 4 Road., Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, +6622564000 has been recommended as a relatively inexpensive place to buy IUDs and have them inserted.

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.
  • 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, Monday-Friday. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
  • 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 Road, Klongton, Bangkok, 10110, Thailand, Hours: 10AM–10PM
  • Blez Pharmacy — Address: 415 Sukhumvit Road, 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: Monday-Friday: 8AM-7 PM Saturday: 8AM-5PM. Closed on Sundays.

Costs

A one month supply of birth control typically costs THB 60-300.

Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)

Important Notes: Emergency contraception (the morning-after pill) may prevent pregnancy for three days (72 hours) and sometimes five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Take emergency contraception as soon as possible after unprotected sex. If you don't have access to dedicated emergency contraception, oral contraceptives can be used as replacement it, but remember the following: 1) Only some contraceptives work as emergency contraception. 2) Different contraceptives require different dosages and time schedules to work as emergency contraception. 3) You must only use the first 21 pills in 28-day packs. 4) Birth control pills may be less effective than dedicated emergency contraception. For general information on emergency contraception, click here and here.

Laws & Social Stigmas

You can buy emergency contraception (the morning-after pill) in Thailand without a prescription. Emergency contraception is widely used by women of all ages in Bangkok and there is little social stigma attached to it. It is cheap to buy and there are no restrictions on its use.

What to Get & Where to Get It

In Thai, emergency contraception is ยากันท้อง or Ya kun tong. Both the Madonna and Postinor brands of dedicated emergency contraception (progestrin only) are available. Take two pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex. You can also use some kinds of birth control pills (progestin-estrogen combined) as emergency contraception, but dosage depends on the brand. For FMP, Jeny FMP, Nordiol, Ovidon and Ovral, take two pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take two more pills 12 hours later. For AnNa, Lo-Femenal, Microgest, Microgest ED, Microgynon 30 ED, Microgynon-30, Nordette, Nordette 28, Nordette-21, R-den, Riget, Rigevidon and Rigevidon 21 + 7, you must take four pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take four more pills 12 hours later.[4]

Costs

Emergency contraception was reported as costing THB 50 in 2011.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)

Important Notes - Learn about PEP and PrEP: If you think that you've been recently exposed to HIV (i.e. within 72 hours), seek out PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a month-long treatment to prevent HIV infection after exposure, and it may be available in your city. Take PEP as soon as possible. For more information, click here. If you are at risk of HIV exposure, seek out PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a daily oral pill that can prevent HIV infection before exposure. To learn more about PrEP, click here.

"'Drug-resistant gonorrhoea:'" So-called mega-gonorrhoea has now been reported in 36 countries around the world, as strains of the virus build up a resistance to the drugs that used to treat them. Without treatment, gonorrhoea can cause women to become infertile and lead to blindness in unborn babies. In partnership with the World Health Organization, Thailand has set up a program to track the illness and ensure that patients are given the right kind of treatment for their strain of the disease. The prescription of disproportionately strong antibiotics has been a leading factor in the growth of mega-gonorrhoea. The program is being run out of two sites in Bangkok: The STD clinic at the Bangrak Hospital (Sathon Tai Road, Khwaeng Yan Nawa, Khet Sathon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, 10120, Thailand, +66 2 635 7123) and the Silom Community Clinic at TropMed (12th Floor, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ratchawithi road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, +66 2 644 6290, Hours: 4PM-9PM, Tuesday-Saturday).[5]


Laws & Social Stigmas

Like all countries, there are stigmas attached to STDs in Thailand. But the country has also made solid progress in HIV prevention and education. According to AVERT, "In 2013, Thailand was one of only two countries in Asia and the Pacific, (along with Cambodia) that had more than 50% of people living with HIV on antiretroviral treatment. In Thailand, 56% of adults who are eligible for treatment are receiving it, alongside 62% of children."

What to Get & Where to Get It

  • Thai Red Cross - This tends to be the #1 place that many people go. You can get an anonymous STD test at Thai Red Cross (04 Ratchadamri Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok), where they typically focus on HIV, hepatitis and syphilis. If you want to get tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia, you may need to say that you display some symptoms because they have reportedly not wanted to test asymptomatic patients in the past.
  • Khlong Tan Hospital - Small clinic style hospital; Does HIV antigen test for 1000 baht (in 2010). Address: Huai Khwang, จังหวัด กรุงเทพมหานคร Thailand, Phone: +66 2 319 2101, Hours: Open today· Open 24 hours.
  • Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital - "an award-winning facility in Bangkok, Thailand providing international-standard healthcare with JCI accreditation." Not cheap but thorough and stigma-free. Address: 133 Sukhumvit 49, Klongtan Nua, Vadhana, Bangkok 10110. Website: https://www.samitivejhospitals.com/sukhumvit/
  • Bumrungrad International Hospital - 24 hour HIV testing available at international, highly respected hospital. Address: 33 Sukhumvit Soi 3, Wattana, กรุงเทพมหานคร 10110, Thailand, Phone: +66 2 667 1000, Hours: Open today · Open 24 hours. Website: https://www.bumrungrad.com/
  • The Bangkok Nursing Home - Address: 9/1, ถ.คอนแวนต์, แขวงสีลม เขตบางรัก กทม., 10500 โทร 02 686 2700 Bangkok 10500, Thailand, Phone: +66 2 686 2700. Website: https://www.bnhhospital.com.
  • King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital - General hospital open since 1914. Address: 1873 Rama 4 Road, Bangkok, Pathumwan 10330, Thailand, Phone: +66 2 256 4000. Website: www.chulalongkornhospital.go.th/
  • Siriraj Hospital - Oldest and largest hospital in Thailand; a major research and teaching hospital. Address: 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkok, Bangkoknoi 10700, Thailand, Phone: +66 2 419 7000
  • Paolo Memorial Hospital- Address: 670/1 Phahonyothin Rd, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand, Phone:+66 2 279 7000. Website: www.paolohospital.com/English/

Costs

Here are the costs at MedConsult Bangkok: Syphilis test the VDRL 200 THB, HIV test 350 THB, Urethral swab 400 THB, Rapid chlamydia test 400 THB, HSV (Herpes) 750 THB, Pap Smear 1350 THB, HPV Vaccine 2500 THB, 3 dose package over 15 years 7000B, 2 dose package under 15 years 4700 B, PCR2 (NATO) (Gonorrhea and Chlamydia) 2800THB.

Medications & Vaccines

Laws & Social Stigmas

What to Get & Where to Get It

For many STD medications in Thailand, you may be tested in advance or show a prescription before receiving treatment (since they are antibiotics). But they should be generally available. For Trichomoniasis, Metronidazole, the medications should be available. For gonorrhea, the treatment is a bit more tricky, since gonorrhea in Asia (and specifically in Thailand) is resistant to many antibiotics. so you should go to the hospital to see how they can treat you. While treatment may vary, you may get Azithromycin or a a shot of a Cephalosporin. HPV vaccines, like Gardasil, are reportedly available in Thailand. PreP is available in Thailand, but is mostly used in trials with men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender (TG) women, women and people who inject drugs. Truvada is registered for treatment but not prevention. People with HIV/AIDS can bring their medications into Thailand, and there are no travel restrictions. Protease inhibitors only exist as original formula.

Some recommended pharmacies:

  • Boots: An international pharmacy chain with locations in Bangkok
  • Watsons: An international pharmacy chain with locations in Bangkok
  • Southeast Pharmacy: Address: Sukhumvit Rd, Bangkok 10110, Thailand, Phone: +66 2 250 0651
  • SC Drug Store Bangkok: Address: จังหวัด กรุงเทพมหานคร Thailand

Costs

Menstruation

Laws & Social Stigmas

What to Get & Where to Get It

Pads and tampons without applicators (OB) are widely available. You may be able to find tampons with applicators in Boots or other large pharmacies/drug stores. There are no known sellers for DivaCup or MoonCup in Thailand so you'll need to buy them online.

Costs

Gynecological Exams

Laws & Social Stigmas

What to Get & Where to Get It

From Pink Pangea: "Dr. Witima Sangtawan is a good gynecologist and she speaks good English. Her staff, however, speaks little to no English. She is located at BangPo hospital in BangSue, which is a bit off the beaten path. The hospital has very little English signage as well." Source: http://www.pinkpangea.com/tips-women-travelers-in-thailand/

Costs

Pregnancy

Laws & Social Stigmas

What to Get & Where to Get It

Costs

Abortion

Important Note: There are two main types of abortions: medical (also known as the "abortion pill") and surgical (also known as "in-clinic"). For medical abortions, you take a pill to induce abortion. For surgical abortions, a procedure is performed to induce abortion. For general information about medical and surgical abortions, click here.

Laws & Social Stigmas

In Thailand, abortion law is ambiguous. On the one hand, it is only legal under certain conditions, which are: to save the life of the woman, to preserve physical health, to preserve mental health, or when the pregnancy is due to a criminal offense (i.e. rape or incest). It is not legal for economic/social reasons or available upon request. Under the Thai Penal Code of November 13 1956, abortions are generally prohibited, and they are only allowed in certain instances. If women cause their own abortion or allow anyone else to do so (when they are not allowed to get an abortion), they face up to 3 years imprisonment and a fine of maximum 6000 baht. A person who procures an abortion with a pregnant woman's consent may receive up to 5 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of 10,000 baht.

On the other hand, according to a UN report, "In practice, the law is not rigorously enforced. The prevalence of illegal abortion has been widely documented, particularly in the rural areas of the country." There are supposed to be around 15 clinics that provide abortion care somewhat openly in Thailand, most notably Klong Tun Medical Center in Bangkok.

What to Get & Where to Get It

Women receive illegal abortions or grey-area legal abortions in Thailand every year. In Bangkok, Klong Tun Medical Center is the only known hospital to provide safe abortions to women (between 12-24 weeks of pregnancy) with little questions or restrictions. This hospital is expensive. For cheaper options, there are some less well-known or underground abortion clinics in Bangkok. But they may not be very safe, and they are not recommended. It is estimated that there are 400,000 illegal abortions in Thailand every year. For more information, check out this blog entry about getting an abortion at Klong Tun Medical Center in 2011) and this Rewire article about abortions in Thailand.

PERSONAL TESTIMONIALS:

Costs

Advocacy & Counseling

Laws & Social Stigmas

What to Get & Where to Get It

  • Global Alliance Against Trafficking Women (GAATW), 191 Sivalai Condominium, Issaraphap Road, Soi 33, Bangkok Yai, 10600 Bangkok, Thailand, Mailing address:, PO Box 1281, Bangkok Post Office,, Bangkok 10500, Thailand, Tel: 662 8641427/28, Fax: 662 864163, E-mail: mailto:gaatw@mozart.inet.co.th, URL: http://www.inet.co.th/org/gaatw
  • Foundation for Women (FFW) - Does preventative/awareness work around domestic violence and trafficking of women (http://www.womenthai.org/eng)

Costs

List of Additional Resources

  • Planned Parenthood Association of Thailand - http://www.ippf.org/about-us/member-associations/thailand
  • Global Alliance Against Trafficking Women (GAATW), 191 Sivalai Condominium, Issaraphap Road, Soi 33, Bangkok Yai, 10600 Bangkok, Thailand, Mailing address:, PO Box 1281, Bangkok Post Office,, Bangkok 10500, Thailand, Tel: 662 8641427/28, Fax: 662 864163, E-mail: mailto:gaatw@mozart.inet.co.th, URL: http://www.inet.co.th/org/gaatw
  • Tangerine Community Health Center Thailand: Asia's first transgender clinic, located in Bangkok.
  • National Council of Women of Thailand - http://www.inet.co.th/org/ncwt
  • National Commission on Women's Affairs (Thailand) - http://www.inet.co.th/org/tncwa
  • National Council of Women, Clearinghouse and Information Centre - Bangkok 10200
  • Thailand Gender Development and Research Institute - 501/1 Mu 3Dechatungka Road, Sikan, Donmuagn, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
  • Asian Confederation of Women's Organizations - 127/1 Sukumvit 79, Bangkok 10250, Thailand
  • National Council For Women of Thailand, Umbrella Organisation - Manangkasila Mansion, Lanluang Road, Bangkok 10300, Thailand, T: 2 281 0081, F: 2 281 2189
  • Foundation For Women - 35/267 Charansanitwongse Road 62, Soi Wat Paorohit, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok 10700., Thailand, Mailing address:
  • Foundation of Women -P.O. Box 47 Bangkoknoi, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
  • Friends of Women Foundation (Grassroots Women's Network-GROWNET) - 218/16 Soi Pradipat 18, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand, Tel: 279-0867, 278-3551
  • Women's Information Centre and Foundation - 2/3 Soi Wang Lang, Arunamarin Road, Bangkok 10700, Thailand, Mail address:, P.O. Box 7-47, Bangkok 10700
  • EMPOWER Foundation, supports women in the sex industry - 57/60 Tivanond Road, Nontburi 11000, Thailand, Tel: 02-526-8311, 02-968-8021,, 02-968-8022, Fax: 02-526-3294
  • Women in Development Consortium (WIDCIT) - Network for women in development, Office of the Rector, Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand

References

  1. ↑ WHO Health Statistics 2014 Thailand
  2. ↑ [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 ]
  3. ↑ WHO Bulletin
  4. ↑ Princeton EC Website
  5. ↑ WHO bulletin 2015


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