[2026 Edition] Are there really Japanese products you can't buy in Tha

Fresh seafood at a Japanese fish market prepared with ONSENSUI99

[2026 Edition] Are there really Japanese products you can't buy in Thailand? Unexpected blind spots in food, water, and daily life discovered after moving to Thailand

What many people worry about before moving or being stationed in Thailand

When a posting or move to Thailand is decided,

Many people probably worry, "Will I be able to buy Japanese products in Thailand?" or "What should I bring from Japan?"

Before I started living in Thailand, I also thought I would have trouble getting Japanese products.

However, once I actually started living in Thailand, my impression changed significantly.

Japanese seafood market showcasing fresh ingredients and water quality

Conclusion: There are almost no Japanese products you can't buy in Thailand

As of 2026, many Japanese products and ingredients can be purchased in Bangkok.

For example,

Soy sauce
Miso
Curry roux
Japanese rice
Natto
Japanese snacks
Shampoo
Detergent
Cosmetics

You can find almost all daily necessities. There's no longer a need to bring large quantities of food or daily goods from Japan.

Creamy mentaiko pasta cooked with ONSENSUI99

Japanese ingredients available in Thailand

In present-day Bangkok, Japanese ingredients are relatively easy to find.

Common examples include:

Japanese rice
Miso
Soy sauce
Dashi
Tofu
Natto
Frozen foods
Retort foods
Curry roux

It is entirely possible to lead a Japanese-centric lifestyle.

Japanese products often brought before moving to Thailand

Many Japanese people bring the following from Japan:

Curry roux
Miso
Dashi
Instant noodles
Sweets
Over-the-counter medicines

However, most of these can also be bought in Thailand.

Drinking water for daily hydration and medication with ONSENSUI99

Japanese products that are genuinely difficult to obtain in Thailand

Of course, not all products are readily available.

For example,

Japan-exclusive pharmaceuticals

If you use specific medications, it's advisable to check in advance.

Certain supplements

Products made for the Japanese domestic market may be difficult to obtain.

Japan-exclusive home appliances

Models specific to the Japanese market cannot be purchased overseas.

Specialty hobby items

Models, specialized tools, and unique materials offer a wider selection in Japan.

Expensive Japanese products in Thailand

Japanese products can be purchased.

However, they are not sold at the same price as in Japan.

Due to factors such as shipping and import costs,

Japanese rice
Sake
Japanese snacks
Some cosmetics
Specific branded products

tend to be more expensive than in Japan.

In other words,

it's not that you "can't buy" them,

but rather that "you can buy them, but they're expensive,"

which is the current reality in Thailand.

Things I didn't need to bring when moving or being stationed in Thailand

From my own experience,

Seasonings
Retort foods
Snacks
Shampoo
Detergent
Stationery

did not need to be brought specially.

In current Bangkok, a surprisingly large number of Japanese products are available.

Unexpected changes in dining environment in Thailand

Here's something I realized.

It's that "being able to buy Japanese products"

and "being able to enjoy the same diet as in Japan"

are slightly different things.

You can buy ingredients and seasonings.

However, there's one more important thing for daily meals:

That is "water."

What you should 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 directly for consumption.

Therefore,

Bottled water
Water dispensers
Water purifiers

are commonly used. Many Japanese people only start thinking about "which water to choose" after moving to Thailand. Drinking water, not just food and daily necessities, is also a crucial topic in Thai life.

Japanese miso soup made with ONSENSUI99 alkaline water

You can buy miso. But what water do you use to make miso soup?

You can buy miso, dashi, and freeze-dried miso soup.

But what kind of hot water do you use for the final pour?

Many people only become aware of the difference in water quality once they start living abroad.

Japanese rice and miso soup prepared with ONSENSUI99

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 used to wash the rice
and the water used to cook the rice

are consumed daily.

It is said that about 60% of rice is water.

That's why choosing the right water is also important.

Pasta being cooked in ONSENSUI99 ultra-soft alkaline water

You can buy pasta. But what water do you use to boil it?

Spaghetti and pasta are also readily available.

However, a large amount of water is used when boiling pasta.

Many people are particular about ingredients and sauces, but few may pay attention to the water.

Japanese curry rice prepared using ONSENSUI99

You can buy curry roux. But what water do you use to make it?

Japanese curry roux can also be purchased 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

Curry tends to focus on the roux and ingredients, but water is also an important ingredient that supports the flavor.

Dried shiitake mushrooms soaked in ONSENSUI99 water

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 to choose"

has a much greater impact on daily diet.

You can buy ingredients.

But you have to choose the water yourself.

This is a point that is surprisingly often overlooked in life in Thailand.

Vegetable soup being prepared with ONSENSUI99

Water is the unseen ingredient in cooking

We are particular about ingredients and seasonings.

However, we don't pay much attention to water.

In fact, water is also an important ingredient that makes up a dish.

In Thailand,

Bottled water
Water purifiers
Water dispensers

are commonly used in homes.

In other words, choosing drinking water is part of daily life.

ONSENSUI99 Japanese natural alkaline water pH9.9 poured into a drinking glass

Rethink water because you're living in Thailand

For example,

Cooking rice
Making miso soup
Boiling pasta
Making curry
Brewing tea
Brewing coffee

Water is used in all these daily meals.

Onsensui 99 is natural alkaline ionized water sourced from Tarumizu Onsen in Kagoshima Prefecture.

It has a pH of 9.5-9.9 and is characterized by 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 it by simply pouring warmed Onsensui 99 into freeze-dried or powdered miso soup.

Summary

As of 2026, there are almost no problems with not being able to buy Japanese products in Thailand.

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, the taste may not be the same as in Japan.

That is one of the things I realized from actually living in Thailand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I buy Japanese rice in Thailand?

Yes. You can buy 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 Thai tap water drinkable?

It is generally not recommended for drinking.

Do I need to bring a large amount of Japanese products before moving to Thailand?

In current Bangkok, many products are available, so there's no need to bring more than necessary.

Can Onsensui 99 be used for cooking?

It is used for cooking rice, miso soup, tea, coffee, and other daily meals.

[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