What Happens Before Any Medication Is Given
Many people assume a doctor's role here is to hand over medication. In practice, most of the work happens before anything is given at all. These steps determine which approach is appropriate and what risks need managing first.- Confirming the pregnancy is real — a missed period has several possible causes, so this is verified before anything else.
- Establishing gestational age by examination — not by counting days, which is often inaccurate. Gestational age determines both what is medically appropriate and what the law permits.
- Screening for an ectopic pregnancy — a condition that medication does not affect and that can be fatal if it goes undiagnosed.
- Reviewing medical history and current medications — to identify any condition that would rule out one approach or require closer monitoring.
- Explaining the options and answering questions — patients are entitled to clear answers before deciding anything.
The Medications Used
The medications used in legal abortion care in Thailand are Mifepristone and Misoprostol. Both are controlled medicines, obtained only through a doctor at a licensed facility. The doctor decides which medicine is used, how, and when, based on gestational age and the person's health. There is no single formula that applies to everyone. This article does not state doses or methods of use, because that information only means something in the hands of a doctor who has examined the patient. Taking figures from the internet and applying them without assessment is why a number of people end up in emergency departments unnecessarily. The informal Thai names circulating online do not identify what is actually in a packet — they describe an intention rather than a medicine. What each of these names means is explained in this guide to what the abortion pill terms mean.Follow-Up Is Not an Optional Step
After the medication, patients are given a follow-up appointment. Its purpose is to confirm that the process has completed — something that self-observation at home cannot establish. Bleeding on its own does not confirm completion. It can occur for several reasons, and in some cases tissue remains in the uterus, which can lead to infection or heavy bleeding later if it is not identified. This is why attending the follow-up matters even when someone feels that everything has settled.What Thai Law Allows
Under the Criminal Code Amendment Act (No. 28) B.E. 2564, in force since 7 February 2021, the legal framework is as follows.- Up to and including 12 weeks of pregnancy — permitted on request, with no reason required.
- From 12 to 20 weeks — permitted after examination and options counselling by a physician together with other qualified professionals, under the Ministry of Public Health notification of B.E. 2565 (2022).
- Beyond 20 weeks — permitted only in the circumstances set out in Section 305 of the Criminal Code.
Coverage and Costs
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) covers legal abortion services for Thai women across all entitlement schemes — Universal Coverage, Social Security, and civil servant benefits. The mechanism is a flat reimbursement paid to the facility per pregnancy. It is paid to the facility, not handed to the patient. A patient using her entitlement at a facility inside the scheme does not pay for that part of the service herself. If the facility is outside the scheme, or if costs go beyond what is covered, a balance may still apply. It is worth asking the facility directly in advance so there are no surprises.Symptoms That Need a Hospital Immediately
Go to the nearest emergency room or call 1669 if you experience any of the following.- Bleeding heavy enough to soak through several thick pads one after another — call 1669
- Severe abdominal pain that does not ease, or pain spreading to the shoulder — call 1669
- Fever with chills, especially alongside foul-smelling discharge — call 1669
- Dizziness, fainting, or feeling like you might pass out — call 1669
- Vomiting that keeps on so you cannot keep fluids or food down — call 1669
Frequently Asked Questions
How many visits are needed?
Typically there is an assessment visit before anything begins, and a follow-up visit afterwards to confirm the process is complete. The exact number depends on gestational age, the approach the doctor considers appropriate, and the individual's circumstances.Why is an ultrasound needed first?
An ultrasound establishes gestational age far more reliably than counting days, and — more importantly — screens for an ectopic pregnancy, a condition medication does not affect and that can be fatal if missed. It is not a step a facility will skip.Does someone need to come with me?
The law does not require an accompanying person or anyone else's consent for people aged 15 and over. That said, having someone you trust with you, or reachable that day, is practically helpful.Can I still come in if I already took something I obtained myself?
Yes, always, and as soon as possible whether or not you feel unwell. Confirming that you are safe and that the process is complete requires an examination. Tell the doctor honestly what was taken and when, so care can be directed correctly.Where can I get advice before deciding?
You can call the Department of Health hotline at 1663 for counselling at no charge, or look at the RSA network — Referral System for Safe Abortion, a volunteer network established by the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, in 2014 — at rsathai.org.References — Criminal Code Amendment Act (No. 28) B.E. 2564 (2021) · Ministry of Public Health Notification on Examination and Options Counselling B.E. 2565 (2022) · Ministerial Regulation under the Act for Prevention and Solution of the Adolescent Pregnancy Problem B.E. 2559 (2016) · RSA Network, Department of Health — rsathai.org · Department of Health Hotline 1663 This article is for general information and is not medical advice for an individual case. Please consult a doctor to assess your own situation.
