Chulalongkorn University Community Pharmacy (Or Drugstore) in Bangkok

Diamox (acetazolamide) tablets are in our packing list for our upcoming Mount Kinabalu expedition, and we have difficulty getting Diamox from local pharmacies here. All our efforts proved futile in our neighbourhood, no pharmacist on duty, no stock, or even …. blank look. Diamox, huh? Thank god it was bf doing all the asking … in Thai, of course.

Bf told me that he will probably go to the Chulalongkorn University pharmacy near MBK (Mah Boon Krong) Center. Their pricing is cheaper than Boots or Watson’s and seem to carry everything, I was told.

I read on forums that English is spoken here, so I thought I can get this done by myself .. but bf beats me to it .. Oh well ..

Chulalongkorn University Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Pharmacy, or in short, the Community Pharmacy, or drugstore. In Thai language, it is simply known as Osot Sala โอสถศาลา. Relying on tips, I found the drugstore located just opposite MBK. The problem with MBK is there are many entrances, so locating the drugstore needs a bit of searching.

From BTS National Stadium, walk out through exit 3/4 … then walk straight, and you shall pass by BACC (Bangkok Art And Culture Centre) at your left, and MBK at your right. Walk straight until the end of the pedestrian bridge.

At the end of the pedestrian bridge, left exit will bring you to Siam Discovery, Siam Center, Siam Paragon, etc. Take the right exit, and walk down to the street level.

At street level, walk straight ahead till the next sheltered pedestrian bridge, and you will reach the drug store.

It’s the large building, with “Drug Store” on the window, to the right of the overhead, sheltered pedestrian bridge from MBK to Siam Square.

Bf paid 8 baht for each Diamox 250mg tablet. He was advised to start taking the tablet 2 days before our climb, as it takes 12 hours for it to work its wonder, and for 5 continuous days after final altitude is reached. One tablet daily, after meal. For children, half of the prescribed dosage is sufficient. Anyone with allergic to Sulfa are told not to take Diamox. Stop taking the tablets if any immediate side effects occur.

We’ll just keep the tablets for emergency usage. Anyone need diamox tablets, can let me know .. these tablets last until 3 Aug 2018.

Update October 2017:

I finally visited the Chulalongkorn University Pharmacy – walk in, get a queue number from queue ticket dispensing machine, wait for your number to be called by the (student) pharmacist. They do speak English, albeit shy – I can attest to that.

I managed to get Diamox for my trip to Nepal, without much difficulties. The price is still at 8 baht each per tablet. I also bought Imodium @ 45 baht/pack of 6 pieces of tablets.

Chulalongkorn University Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Pharmacy

254 Phaya Thai Rd.

Tel: 02-2218 8428 / 02-2218 8429 [02-2188428 (Fax) 02-2188429 (Phone)]

Email: osotsala@pharm.chula.ac.th

Business hours: Mon-Sat 8am to 7pm (Closed on Sundays)

BTS station: BTS National Stadium, exit 3 / 4