[2026 Edition] Are there really Japanese products you can't buy in Thailand? Unexpected blind spots regarding food, water, and daily life I noticed after moving to Thailand
[2026 Edition] Are There Really Japanese Products You Can't Buy in Thailand? Unexpected Blind Spots in Food, Water, and Daily Life Noticed After Moving to Thailand
What many people are concerned about before moving to or being stationed in Thailand
When you're assigned or decide to move to Thailand,
"Can I buy Japanese products in Thailand?"
"What should I bring from Japan?"
Many people probably feel anxious about these questions.
Before I started living in Thailand, I also thought I might struggle to find Japanese products.
However, after actually starting life in Thailand, my impression changed significantly.
Conclusion: There are almost no Japanese products you can't buy in Thailand.
As of 2026, you can buy most Japanese products and ingredients in Bangkok.
For example,
-
Soy sauce
-
Miso
-
Curry roux
-
Japanese rice
-
Natto
-
Japanese snacks
-
Shampoo
-
Detergent
-
Cosmetics
Most daily necessities are available.
There's no longer a need to bring large quantities of food and daily goods from Japan, as there once was.
Japanese ingredients available in Thailand
In present-day Bangkok, Japanese ingredients are relatively easy to purchase.
Key examples include:
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Japanese rice
-
Miso
-
Soy sauce
-
Dashi
-
Tofu
-
Natto
-
Frozen foods
-
Retort pouches
-
Curry roux
It is perfectly possible to maintain a Japanese-food-centric diet.
Japanese products often brought before moving to Thailand
Many Japanese people bring items such as:
-
Curry roux
-
Miso
-
Dashi
-
Instant noodles
-
Snacks
-
Over-the-counter medicine
However, many of these can also be bought in Thailand.
Japanese products that are genuinely hard to find in Thailand
Of course, not all products are easily available.
For example,
Japan-exclusive medicines
If you have any specific medications you regularly use, it's advisable to check in advance.
Specific supplements
Products intended for the Japanese market may be difficult to obtain.
Japan-exclusive home appliances
Models specifically for the Japanese market cannot be purchased overseas.
Specialty hobby items
Models, specialized tools, and unique components often have more variety in Japan.
Japanese products that are expensive to buy in Thailand
Japanese products can be purchased.
However, they are not priced the same as in Japan.
Due to shipping costs and import expenses,
-
Japanese rice
-
Sake
-
Japanese snacks
-
Some cosmetics
-
Specific brand products
tend to be more expensive than in Japan.
In other words,
"not unavailable"
but rather,
"available but expensive"
is the current reality in Thailand.
Things I didn't need to bring when moving to/being stationed in Thailand
In my own experience,
-
Seasonings
-
Retort foods
-
Snacks
-
Shampoo
-
Detergent
-
Stationery
I didn't need to go out of my way to bring these.
You can find surprisingly many Japanese products in present-day Bangkok.
Unexpected changes in dining environment during life in Thailand
Here's something I noticed:
"Being able to buy Japanese products"
and
"being able to have the same diet as in Japan"
are slightly different things.
You can buy ingredients and seasonings.
However, there's another important element in daily meals:
"Water."
What you need to know about drinking water in Thailand before moving there
In Japan, it's common to drink tap water directly.
However, in Thailand, not many households drink tap water as-is for consumption.
Therefore,
-
Bottled water
-
Water dispensers
-
Water purifiers
are commonly used.
Many Japanese people first become aware of "which water to choose" after moving to Thailand.
Beyond food and daily necessities, drinking water is also an important aspect of life in Thailand.
You can buy miso. But what water do you use to make miso soup?
You can buy miso, dashi, and even freeze-dried miso soup.
However, what water do you use for the final hot water you pour?
Many people don't become aware of the difference in water until they start living abroad.
You can buy Japanese rice. But what water do you use to wash and cook it?
You can buy Japanese rice in Thailand.
However,
-
the water you wash the rice with
-
the water you cook the rice with
are things you consume daily.
It's said that about 60% of rice is water.
That's why choosing the right water is important.
You can buy pasta. But what water do you use to boil it?
You can easily buy spaghetti and pasta.
However, a large amount of water is used when boiling pasta.
Many people are particular about ingredients and sauces, but perhaps fewer pay attention to the water.
You can buy curry roux. But what water do you use to make it?
Japanese curry roux can also be bought in Thailand.
Therefore, it's not difficult to make curry just like in Japan.
However, a lot of water is also used when making curry.
-
Water for washing vegetables
-
Water for simmering ingredients
-
Water for cooking rice
While the roux and ingredients often get the attention in curry, water is also a crucial component that supports the flavor.
The real blind spot I noticed after moving to Thailand
Before coming to Thailand,
I was only concerned about "whether Japanese products could be bought."
However, after actually living here,
I realized that "what kind of water you choose" has a much greater impact on daily diet.
You can buy ingredients.
However, you need to choose your water yourself.
This is a point that is surprisingly often overlooked in Thai life.
Water is the invisible ingredient in cooking
People are particular about ingredients and seasonings.
However, water is often not given much thought.
In reality, water is also a crucial ingredient that makes up a dish.
In Thailand,
-
Bottled water
-
Water purifiers
-
Water dispensers
are commonly used in households.
In other words, choosing drinking water is part of daily life.
Rethinking water specifically for life in Thailand
For example,
-
cooking rice
-
making miso soup
-
boiling pasta
-
making curry
-
brewing tea
-
brewing coffee
Water is used in these daily meals.
Onsensui 99 is natural alkaline hot spring water sourced from Tarumizu Hot Springs in Kagoshima Prefecture.
It features a pH of 9.5 to 9.9 while being ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7.
It can be used not only for drinking but also for daily cooking.
For example, you can easily enjoy miso soup just by pouring warmed Onsensui 99 into freeze-dried or powdered miso soup.
Related Articles
-
Is Thailand's tap water drinkable? Explaining the difference from Japan
-
Comparison of mineral waters available in Thailand | What's the difference with Onsensui 99?
Summary
As of 2026, there are almost no Japanese products you can't buy in Thailand that would cause you trouble.
However,
"being able to buy Japanese products"
and
"being able to enjoy the same diet as in Japan"
are slightly different.
Making miso soup.
Cooking rice.
Boiling pasta.
Making curry.
Water is used in all of these.
Paying attention not only to ingredients but also to water.
That might be one way to make life in Thailand more comfortable.
You can buy Japanese products.
However, they may not taste the same as in Japan.
That's one thing I felt after actually living in Thailand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I buy Japanese rice in Thailand?
Yes. You can purchase Japanese rice in Bangkok.
Can I buy miso and soy sauce in Thailand?
Yes. They are sold in many stores.
Can I buy curry roux in Thailand?
Yes. Japanese curry roux is relatively easy to purchase.
Can I buy Japanese medicine in Thailand?
Some can be purchased, but Japan-exclusive products may be difficult to obtain.
Is Thailand's tap water drinkable?
It is generally not recommended for drinking.
Do I need to bring a large quantity of Japanese products before moving to Thailand?
As many products can be purchased in present-day Bangkok, there is no need to bring more than necessary.
Can Onsensui 99 be used for cooking?
It is used in daily cooking for things like cooking rice, miso soup, tea, and coffee.
