Overview

The legal treatment of stimulant medications in Thailand, including Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), reflects the country’s broadly strict drug control framework under its Narcotic Code and Psychotropic Substances Act. These laws regulate import, possession, and use of substances that have potential for misuse, making understanding local classifications essential for travelers, clinicians, and residents.

Thailand’s regulatory environment prioritizes both public safety and the legitimate medical use of prescription medicines, but it does so with rigid classification systems and permit requirements. (permitfortraveler.fda.moph.go.th)

What Is Vyvanse?

Vyvanse is the brand name for lisdexamfetamine, a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and certain eating disorders. As a prodrug of dexamphetamine, it becomes active after metabolic conversion in the body, which is one reason its classification can differ from classic amphetamines in regulatory schemes. (Wikipedia)

Thailand’s Controlled Drug Framework

Thailand’s drug legal regime consists of multiple statutes:

• The Narcotic Code (Narcotics Act B.E. 2522 and updated codes) regulates narcotic drugs.
• The Psychotropic Substances Act regulates psychotropic drugs.
• The Drug Act B.E. 2510 (1967) governs “medical preparations” for non-scheduled medicines.
  These laws divide substances into schedules based on medical use and abuse potential. (permitfortraveler.fda.moph.go.th)

Under this framework, many classic amphetamines are placed in prohibited categories with heavy penalties for possession or import without authorization. For example, amphetamine itself is regarded as a Type 1 Narcotic in Thailand. (Wikipedia)

Legal Status of Vyvanse

In-Country Categorization

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is generally treated differently from classic amphetamines under Thai law.

• Unlike amphetamine (which is a Type 1 Narcotic), lisdexamfetamine is not universally listed as a prohibited narcotic or psychotropic drug category under Thailand’s controlled substances lists, according to multiple traveler and embassy guidance sources. (Royal Thai Consulate Perth)
• Because it is not automatically categorized as a narcotic or psychotropic substance requiring strict permits, these guidance sources (including embassy FAQs) describe lisdexamfetamine as being classified as a “medical preparation” under the Drug Act B.E. 2510. In that role, it is regulated as a prescription medicine rather than a hard-controlled drug. (Royal Thai Consulate Perth)

Prescription and Import Rules

• As a prescription medicine, Vyvanse requires a valid prescription from a licensed clinician if carried for personal medical treatment.
• Travelers bringing it into Thailand for personal use are generally advised to keep it in its original packaging with the doctor’s prescription or medical documentation.
• If the medication is not listed on the official controlled narcotic or psychotropic list (as lisdexamfetamine typically is not under the latest Thai Drug Act listings), no special narcotics permit is required for short-term personal use; however, strict documentation is still recommended. (Royal Thai Consulate Perth)

Embassy resources and traveler guidance from Thai FDA instructions note that non-controlled prescription medicines can be treated as regular medical preparations and allowed for up to a 30-day supply with a doctor’s note.

Carrying Vyvanse Into Thailand: Practical Guidance

For tourists or short-term residents:

• Original packaging and a doctor’s prescription or letter indicating the necessity, dosage, and medical condition are essential.
• Many sources advise that carrying a 30-day supply accompanied by the prescription may allow reclassification as personal medication rather than a prohibited substance.

For substances officially controlled under Thai definitions (narcotics/psychotropics), a medical permit (Form IC-2) from the Thai FDA may be required — but since Vyvanse is often treated as a medical preparation rather than a scheduled narcotic, this permit may not be necessary in many practical cases for personal use, though travelers should verify before departure. (permitfortraveler.fda.moph.go.th)

Important: Regulations can evolve, and classification updates can occur, so travelers should check the latest guidance from the Thai FDA or Thai embassy prior to travel.

Access and Prescription in Thailand

• In-country prescriptions for ADHD medications, including lisdexamfetamine, may be issued by licensed Thai physicians following a clinical assessment.
• The availability of specific ADHD medications can vary, and some may be less commonly stocked than others like methylphenidate. (Islington Stories)

Summary — Legal Status at a Glance

Issue	Legal Position in Thailand (Generally)
Controlled drug classification	Vyvanse not typically listed as a hard-controlled narcotic/psychotropic drug under Thai law; often treated as a medical preparation (Royal Thai Consulate Perth)
Prescription required?	Yes — must be accompanied by legitimate prescription and documentation
Permit needed for import?	Usually not for personal 30-day use with prescription, unless reclassified in official lists
Penalties for unauthorized import	Strict under Narcotics/ Psychotropic law for scheduled substances — fines and criminal penalties possible if misclassified

Legal Disclaimer

This article is informational only and should not be taken as legal advice. Regulations and classifications can change and vary by administrative interpretation. Individuals should confirm current requirements with:

• Thai FDA/Narcotics Control Division
• Thai embassy or consulate in their home country