Diarrhea in Thailand: what to buy at the pharmacy
Loose or watery stools, stomach cramps.
Fluids first. Replacing water and salts matters more than stopping the diarrhea. Ask for ORS made for diarrhea, not a sports drink.
What to ask for first
Oral rehydration salts (ORS)
Mix one sachet with clean water as the pack says. Sip after every loose stool.
Use the exact amount of water on the pack.
See all 3 medicine options and real pack photos in the Mai Sabai app.
Open the appFree to try. Full guide: ฿79 once, for your whole trip.Look after yourself
- Keep sipping ORS or clear fluids.
- Eat small, bland meals: rice porridge (jok), toast, banana.
- Avoid alcohol, milk, spicy and oily food for a few days.
- Wash hands well; drink bottled or boiled water.
See a doctor today if
- Blood or black, tarry stools
- Fever above 38.5 °C
- Can't keep fluids down
- Very little urine, dizziness when standing
- Severe stomach pain, or not improving after 3 days
- Child under 2 or older adult who is getting weaker
Show this screen to the pharmacist
สวัสดีครับ/ค่ะ ฉันมีอาการท้องเสีย ถ่ายเหลว
ขอยาสำหรับอาการนี้
Hello, I have: diarrhea. I'd like medicine for this.
Do I need a prescription?
Not for the medicines on this page. Thai pharmacies sell them over the counter, and the pharmacist on duty can advise you. Always mention allergies, pregnancy and any other medicines you take.
Other symptoms
- Cold & feverRunny or blocked nose, sneezing, mild fever.
- Sore throatScratchy or painful throat, hurts to swallow.
- Cough & phlegmChesty cough with mucus.
- Cuts & scrapesGrazes, small cuts, scooter scrapes (the 'Thai tattoo').
- Seasick / carsickNausea on ferries, speedboats or winding roads.
Emergency numbers in Thailand
- 1669Ambulance / medical emergency
- 1155Tourist Police (English)
- 191Police
General information for minor illness in healthy adults, not a diagnosis. Read the pack label, tell the pharmacist about other medicines you take, and see a doctor if you're not better in 2–3 days. Brand names are hidden on pack photos; the same medicine may come in different packs.