How Thailand is cracking down on Tramadol abuse with a new law

From January 2026, oral Tramadol will be listed as a “Specially Controlled Drug” by the Thai Ministry of Public Health.

This means it can only be dispensed with a doctor’s prescription.

The move follows rising concern that the drug, which is meant to ease moderate to severe pain, is being abused, especially by teenagers, to get high.

Tramadol is usually prescribed to people recovering from surgery, injuries, or chronic pain, and works similarly to morphine.

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But high doses can lead to dangerous side effects such as hallucinations, seizures, kidney failure, or even death.

Officials say many users are now mixing the drug with soft drinks, energy drinks, or alcohol, or combining it with other substances like ecstasy or methamphetamine, which makes it even more harmful.

The drug has become widely available online, where it is often sold without prescription.

Health authorities say its rising popularity among young people is creating a new public health challenge, with users becoming addicted in ways similar to opioids like heroin.

The government says the reclassification will help stop over-the-counter sales and reduce the risk of addiction and misuse.

The new regulation was announced on 14 July 2025 and will come into effect 180 days later.

Experts say the problem goes beyond Tramadol misuse.

Thailand is also struggling with poor drug use practices more broadly, including people self-medicating or mixing medicines without understanding the risks.

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These behaviours have been blamed for allergic reactions, antibiotic resistance, and long-term organ damage.

Pharmaceutical spending in Thailand has also shot up in recent years.