Cold and Fever in Thailand: what to buy at the pharmacy
Runny or blocked nose, sneezing, mild fever.
Fever in Thailand? Use paracetamol only. Avoid ibuprofen, aspirin and other anti-inflammatories until dengue is ruled out, because they raise the risk of bleeding.
What to ask for first
Paracetamol 500 mg
Fever, headache, body aches.
Max 8 tablets (4,000 mg) in 24 h. Many cold pills already contain paracetamol, so don't double up. Go easy on alcohol.
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
- Rest and drink plenty of water.
- Rinse your nose with saline to clear mucus.
- Steam from a hot shower helps a blocked nose.
- Most colds settle in 7–10 days without antibiotics.
See a doctor today if
- Fever above 39 °C or lasting more than 3 days
- Fever with rash, bleeding gums, or severe pain behind the eyes (possible dengue)
- Trouble breathing or chest pain
- Severe headache with a stiff neck
- Facial or ear pain lasting more than 10 days
Show this screen to the pharmacist
สวัสดีครับ/ค่ะ ฉันมีอาการเป็นหวัด มีน้ำมูก มีไข้
ขอยาสำหรับอาการนี้
Hello, I have: cold & fever. 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
- Sore throatScratchy or painful throat, hurts to swallow.
- Cough & phlegmChesty cough with mucus.
- DiarrheaLoose or watery stools, stomach cramps.
- 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.