PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health says the country currently has medicine and medical supplies stockpiled for about three to four months, while authorities continue to closely monitor items considered sensitive or vulnerable to supply disruptions.
Dr. Ekachai Piansriwatchara, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health and ministry spokesperson, said officials are working with the Food and Drug Administration and pharmaceutical suppliers to track both supply from manufacturers and imports, as well as demand from hospitals nationwide.
Authorities are paying particular attention to medications that could be affected by shortages of raw materials or import disruptions. These include essential medicines, drugs used to treat chronic diseases, and psychiatric medications, which many patients depend on long-term.
Thailand’s online medical inventory system is being used to monitor stock levels across hospitals in all regions to ensure patients do not run out of essential treatment.
The ministry also said hospitals may adjust service models if necessary, including expanding telemedicine consultations and home medicine delivery services, to reduce travel and energy use.
For retired foreigners and long-term visitors living in Pattaya, many of whom rely on regular prescriptions for chronic conditions, the ministry’s announcement may provide some reassurance that short-term medication supplies remain stable. However, health officials encourage patients to keep regular contact with their doctors and pharmacies, especially if they depend on imported medications.
Hospitals nationwide have also been instructed to coordinate with local petrol stations to ensure ambulances and emergency medical vehicles have guaranteed fuel access, allowing emergency services to continue operating without disruption.
