In more detail
To make access to essential medications faster, easier, and more inclusive, especially for seniors, patients with mobility challenges, and those living in remote areas, the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is preparing to roll out telepharmacy as an officially regulated remote pharmacy service.
Telepharmacy enables pharmacists in licensed pharmacies to provide pharmaceutical and public health services remotely through digital platforms. These services include online medication counseling, follow-up care, and delivery of medicines to patients outside the pharmacy's licensed premises, using certified delivery providers.
The FDA's telepharmacy regulation is expected to be issued by the end of 2025. Once in effect, additional sub-regulations will follow to ensure the system is safe, standardized, and accessible. These will likely cover pharmacy and pharmacist qualifications, approved platforms, and certified delivery providers. The framework will also address data security, personal privacy, and risk management related to digital communication, to ensure compliance with broader legal requirements.
At the same time, a new policy developed through collaboration between a government agency, major private hospitals, and licensed pharmacies nationwide is set to launch. This initiative will allow private hospital patients to buy medications at external pharmacies for cheaper prices. While not formally defined as telepharmacy, the program shares the core goal, which is to expand access beyond hospital walls. The initiative is expected to reduce travel burdens, lower costs, and improve continuity of care, especially for patients in rural areas.
Although the draft telepharmacy law may allow certain drugs to be sold through approved telepharmacy platforms under the supervision of pharmacists in licensed pharmacies, we currently understand that the draft law would not exempt the general requirements for the sale of drugs under the Drug Act.
For more information or assistance, please contact our Healthcare & Life Sciences and Regulatory Affairs Services team.
* * * * *
Prim Uditananda, Regulatory Affairs Manager, and Monsicha Boonsiri, Regulatory Affairs Officer have contributed to this legal update.
