thaimeds

Can you bring Melatonin (Circadin) to Thailand?

Sleep and anxiety. Used for sleep problems and jet lag.

A small personal supply (up to 30 days) is generally fine, but in Thailand melatonin is a prescription medicine, not a supplement. You cannot buy it over the counter there.

Bringing it into Thailand

Allowed with a prescription, up to 30 days

Melatonin is not a narcotic or psychotropic in Thailand, but it is regulated as a prescription medicine, not a supplement. Bring no more than a 30-day personal supply, in original labelled packaging, ideally with a prescription or doctor's letter. Do not bring large quantities or melatonin gummies and foods: Thai FDA does not allow melatonin as a food ingredient.

Getting it in Thailand

Prescription from a Thai doctor needed

Thai FDA says medicines containing melatonin are specially controlled drugs, which means a doctor's prescription or hospital use only. You will not find it legally on supplement shelves, and Thai FDA has called melatonin supplements sold online illegal.

Thai classification
Specially controlled drug
Last checked
13 November 2026
Source quality
Medium: official and secondary sources

What to carry

  • Original packaging with the label visible
  • Prescription or doctor's letter in English, with the generic name and dose
  • No more than 30 days' supply

Good to know

  • The Thai FDA statements on melatonin date from 2020; check for updates.
  • Melatonin gummies and other food products are not permitted in Thailand.

Rules change. Before you travel, confirm with the Thai FDA (permitfortraveler.fda.moph.go.th) or the Royal Thai Embassy in your country. This page is information, not medical or legal advice.

Sources

  1. MGR Online: Thai FDA says melatonin supplements illegal, melatonin medicines are specially controlled drugs (24 Aug 2020, Thai)
  2. The Bangkok Insight: Thai FDA on melatonin (25 Aug 2020, Thai)
  3. Food Compliance International: Thai FDA prohibits melatonin in food products (3 Sep 2020)
  4. Royal Thai Embassy London: Bringing medications to Thailand
  5. TAT News: Thailand FDA issues traveller-friendly guidelines for importing personal health products (14 Nov 2024)