Heartburn and Stomach Ache in Thailand: what to buy at the pharmacy
Burning chest after spicy food, indigestion, bloating or cramps.
Chest pain is not always heartburn. Pain that spreads to the arm, jaw or back, or comes with sweating or breathlessness, needs an ambulance: call 1669.
What to ask for first
Alginate antacid sachet
Fast relief of heartburn: forms a layer that keeps acid down. Take after meals and at bedtime.
Take 2 hours apart from other medicines. Contains sodium.
See all 4 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
- Eat smaller meals and go easy on chilli, alcohol and coffee.
- Don't lie down for 2–3 hours after eating.
- Raise the head of the bed for night-time heartburn.
See a doctor today if
- Chest pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back, or with sweating
- Severe pain, or pain moving to the lower right of the belly
- Vomiting blood or black stools
- Hard, swollen belly or unable to pass wind
- Pain with fever or yellow eyes
Show this screen to the pharmacist
สวัสดีครับ/ค่ะ ฉันมีอาการปวดท้อง แสบร้อนกลางอก ท้องอืด
ขอยาสำหรับอาการนี้
Hello, I have: heartburn & stomach ache. 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.
- Dry coughTickly cough without phlegm, often worse at night.
- Cough & phlegmChesty cough with mucus.
- DiarrheaLoose or watery stools, stomach cramps.
- Nausea & vomitingFeeling sick or throwing up, often from food poisoning.
- Allergy, itch & bitesSneezing and itchy eyes, hives, or itchy mosquito and insect bites.
- Cuts & scrapesGrazes, small cuts, scooter scrapes (the 'Thai tattoo').
- Muscle pain & sprainsSore muscles from Muay Thai or hiking, a twisted ankle, bruises from a scooter fall.
- Ear pain & blocked earPainful ear after swimming or diving, or an ear that feels blocked.
- Dizziness & seasicknessNausea on ferries, speedboats or winding roads, or the room spinning when you turn your head.
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.