Pharmacies

If you have a legitimate need for something due to some ailment, then a pharmacy should have something to get you sorted out. There are plenty of pharmacies in Thaiand that are backpacker friendly. For most items, you will not need a prescription. Aside from a few pharmacies you aren't likely to obtain some of pills that people like to take recreationally. You will need a prescription from a doctor for the heavier painkillers and pills like Valium. These types of pills can be found, but you will need to look around a bit. Valium is not too difficult to find. Getting your hands on an opiate based painkiller like Vicodin may not prove to be such an easy task.

Illegal Drugs

Now, maybe you have heard of how wonderful it is to sit on a beach and smoke a joint. Or, maybe you think it is a good idea to score some E before heading to the full moon party. Let me assure you that this is the worst possible idea you could have. Ok, you will probably be safe in your bungalow complex on Koh Phangan, but you always need to remember that there can be serious consequences of such actions. I am not here to lecture you, but my idea of a travel story doesn't involve be sold up the creek by a pissed off or down and out local looking to make a few baht by cooperating with the police. Yes, without question this happens.

The laws in Thailand are notoriously harsh for drug offenses. Roadblocks to the full moon party are not uncommon; although, I have never personally been stopped. If you do a little bit of research about the Thai prison system, you will quickly discover that it is terrible. For me, smoking a joint on the beach is simply not worth the potential risk of spending 30 years in the 'Bangkok Hilton', or anywhere else in the Thai system.

Nevertheless, people continue to use drugs. Yabba is problematic in Thailand. Any ladyboy can probably find you some in about 10 minutes flat. Again, you never know if you will be double crossed, but that is a chance people take. Pot is around, especially in the islands. Also, mushroom shakes are quite popular in some places. Northern Thailand is home to many hilltribes who routinely use opium, harder drugs can be obtainedl. If you choose to do drugs, make sure you are in a safe place with VERY trusted friends. If at all possible, avoid drugs and have a good time with a few drinks.

When time permits, I will add some stories about people who have been unfortunate with drugs in Thailand in hopes to dissuade people. However, the book Damage Done is quite popular.