Key takeaways
- HIV PrEP is a medicine taken before possible exposure to HIV. Taken as prescribed, it is highly effective.
- At HIV PEP Bangkok, PrEP starts with screening, an HIV test and a kidney check, then a 30-day supply.
- You need a negative HIV test before starting, so buying PrEP without testing is not safe.
- Regular check-ups keep PrEP safe and effective: an HIV test, kidney monitoring and STI screening.
- If you had a possible exposure in the last 72 hours, you need PEP first, not PrEP.
HIV PrEP in Bangkok: how our service works
If you are looking for PrEP in Bangkok, our clinic near BTS Asok and MRT Sukhumvit offers HIV PrEP with screening, a kidney check and a 30-day supply. Our doctors speak English and Thai, consultations take place in private rooms, and a first name is enough.
PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It means taking HIV medicine before a possible exposure, so the virus cannot establish an infection. The World Health Organization notes on its WHO page on pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV that oral PrEP is highly effective when used as directed.
Who is HIV PrEP for?
PrEP suits anyone who is HIV-negative and could be exposed to HIV in the months ahead. You do not need to belong to a particular group or explain your personal life in detail.
People often choose PrEP if they:
- have sex without condoms, or condoms sometimes fail
- have a partner with HIV who is not yet on effective treatment
- have needed PEP before, sometimes more than once
- have had a recent STI, or have several partners
- live in or visit Bangkok and want steady protection
Not sure whether PrEP or emergency medicine is what you need? Our guide to the difference between PEP and PrEP explains it side by side.
What happens at your first PrEP visit
Your first appointment has one goal: to make sure PrEP is safe for you before you start. The doctor will ask about your health, any medicines you take and how you would like to use PrEP.
Tests before starting PrEP and why they matter
| Step | Why it is done |
|---|---|
| Consultation | Checks your health, medicines and recent risks |
| Rapid HIV test | PrEP must only be started by someone HIV-negative |
| Kidney check | Some PrEP medicines can affect the kidneys |
| STI screening (optional) | Syphilis, hepatitis B and C, gonorrhoea, chlamydia |
| Prescription | A 30-day supply and instructions on how to take it |
Our rapid 4th-generation HIV test gives a result in about an hour. You can also book a separate anonymous rapid HIV test in Bangkok if you only need testing today.
Why you should not start PrEP without an HIV test
PrEP medicines are not enough to treat HIV on their own. If someone already has HIV and takes PrEP, the virus can become resistant to those medicines, which makes future treatment harder.
That is why online or over-the-counter PrEP without testing is risky. If you had a possible exposure in the last 72 hours, you need PEP first: read what to do after a possible HIV exposure and contact us straight away. Many people move from a 28-day PEP course onto PrEP once their HIV test confirms they are negative.
Daily, on-demand or injectable PrEP: which suits you?
There is more than one way to take PrEP. WHO recommends daily oral PrEP, event-driven dosing for some men, a vaginal ring and long-acting injections. What is right for you depends on your body, the kind of sex you have and how you prefer to take medicine.
Daily vs on-demand vs injectable PrEP compared
| Option | How it is taken | Who it suits | Things to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily oral PrEP | One tablet every day | People of all genders; all types of sex | Most widely used; works best with steady daily doses |
| On-demand (2-1-1) PrEP | Tablets before and after sex | Cisgender men who have sex with men and can plan ahead | Not suitable for everyone, including people with hepatitis B |
| Long-acting injectable PrEP | An injection every few months | People who find daily pills hard | Availability varies; ask us what is currently offered |
The doctor will talk through the options with you and explain exactly how and when to take your first doses. PrEP needs time to build up in the body, so use condoms until your doctor says you are protected.
PrEP check-ups and repeat prescriptions
PrEP is an ongoing service, not a one-off prescription. At each check-up, usually every few months, you can expect:
- an HIV test, to confirm you are still negative
- a kidney check, when your doctor advises it
- an STI screen, because PrEP does not protect against other infections
- a chat about side effects, and a new supply
Our same-day STI testing in Bangkok can be done at the same visit, with treatment on the same day where possible.
How much does PrEP cost in Bangkok?
The cost of PrEP in Thailand depends on the medicine, the tests you need and how often you come for check-ups. Generic tablets are widely available here, and prices change over time, so we do not list them on this page.
Message us for current prices before your visit. Thai public hospitals and community clinics also provide PrEP, and some Thai residents may be eligible through the national health scheme, so it is worth asking them about eligibility too.
PrEP in Bangkok for expats and visitors
You do not need to live in Thailand to start PrEP with us. Visitors can have the same screening and receive a 30-day supply, and expats can come back for regular check-ups.
If you travel often, plan how you will continue check-ups at home or abroad. Our Bangkok sexual health guide for travellers and expats covers practical tips.
Frequently asked questions about HIV PrEP in Bangkok
Can I buy PrEP in Bangkok without any tests?
Some places sell it, but it is not safe. You need a negative HIV test before starting and a kidney check, so a doctor should prescribe it.
How long does a first PrEP visit take?
It depends on the tests you need, but the rapid HIV test result is ready in about an hour. We will tell you what to expect when you book.
Does PrEP protect against other STIs?
No. PrEP only prevents HIV, so condoms and regular STI screening are still important.
Do I have to be gay or bisexual to get PrEP?
No. PrEP is for anyone who is HIV-negative and could be exposed to HIV, whatever their gender or sexuality.
What if I forget to take PrEP for a few days?
Contact us before you restart. Depending on the gap and any recent sex, you may need an HIV test first, or PEP if an exposure happened in the last 72 hours.
Ready to start HIV PrEP, or have a question first? We are open every day from 09:00 to 21:00, near BTS Asok and MRT Sukhumvit. Contact us by LINE, WhatsApp, phone or the PrEP booking and contact form, or browse all our sexual health services in Bangkok.