Injectable PrEP (Cabotegravir) in Bangkok: What Expats and Travelers Need to Know

6 days ago

3 min read

Table of Contents

What Is Injectable PrEP?
Is Injectable PrEP Available in Thailand?
Cost of Injectable PrEP in Bangkok
Can I get Injectable PrEP in Thailand?
How Does the Injection Schedule Work?
Is It Suitable for Expats and Travelers?
Is there any Side Effects?

Long-acting injectable PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) using cabotegravir—often branded as CAB-LA—is changing the game for HIV prevention. Unlike daily oral PrEP pills like Truvada or Descovy, this injection offers HIV protection for two months per dose, making it ideal for people who prefer less frequent dosing or have trouble sticking to a daily regimen.

Thailand is among the early adopters of injectable PrEP in Asia, and as of 2025, CAB-LA is available at selected clinics in Bangkok. If you're a foreigner living or traveling in Thailand, here’s what you need to know about access, cost, and how it compares to other countries.

What Is Injectable PrEP?

Injectable PrEP uses cabotegravir, a long-acting antiretroviral drug that’s administered as an intramuscular injection every two months. Clinical studies, including HPTN 083 and HPTN 084, found that injectable cabotegravir was 79% more effective at preventing HIV than daily oral PrEP—mostly due to improved adherence.

Once administered, the drug stays active in your body for weeks, providing consistent protection without the need to remember daily pills.

Is Injectable PrEP Available in Thailand?

Yes. Thailand is now officially participating in the global rollout of long-acting injectable PrEP. In late 2023, the Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre and other key stakeholders began offering CAB-LA through a controlled program. By 2025, several clinics in Bangkok will provide the injection to eligible individuals, including foreigners.

While it's not yet widely available nationwide, Bangkok remains the most accessible location for both locals and international residents or travelers seeking injectable PrEP.

Cost of Injectable PrEP in Bangkok

CAB-LA is not yet covered under Thailand’s Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS), so it is only available as a self-paid service through select clinics.

Estimated cost per injection: ฿13,000 to ฿16,000 THB
Annual cost: ฿78,000 to ฿96,000 THB (six injections per year)

This makes Thailand one of the most affordable countries in the world for private access to injectable PrEP.

Can I get Injectable PrEP in Thailand?

To qualify for CAB-LA in Thailand, you must:

Be HIV-negative (confirmed via test before each injection)
Weigh at least 35 kg
Be at ongoing risk of HIV infection
Not have active hepatitis or other contraindications

Clinics will typically conduct:

HIV testing
STI screening
Basic blood work (kidney/liver function)

Pregnancy test (if applicable)

How Does the Injection Schedule Work?

Injectable PrEP follows a fixed dosing schedule:

Initial injection (Day 0) – 600 mg
Second injection (1 month later) – 600 mg
Then every 2 months – 600 mg each visit

Consistency is key. If you miss an injection by more than 7 days, some providers may prescribe daily oral PrEP to maintain coverage until your next dose.

Is It Suitable for Expats and Travelers?

Absolutely. In fact, long-acting injectable PrEP is particularly beneficial for travelers and foreign residents in Bangkok because:

There’s no daily medication to pack or remember
It provides private, discreet protection
Appointments can be planned around travel
Bangkok offers competitive pricing compared to Western countries

Just be sure to schedule your doses in advance—especially if you plan to travel outside Thailand, since CAB-LA availability may be limited elsewhere.

Is there any Side Effects?

CAB-LA is generally well tolerated. Common side effects include:

Injection site pain or swelling
Mild fatigue or headache
Low risk of allergic reaction

Serious side effects are rare but should be discussed with your healthcare provider. You’ll be monitored closely at each visit.

Injectable PrEP offers a new level of freedom and peace of mind for those at risk of HIV. Thailand, and especially Bangkok, is now part of this innovation—providing safe, regulated access to long-acting PrEP for locals and international visitors alike.

Although it's not free yet, Thailand’s pricing is significantly more affordable than in most Western countries. Whether you're living in Bangkok or visiting for an extended stay, injectable PrEP could be a smart part of your sexual health plan.